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Approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2006, Januvia is prescribed to help patients with type 2 diabetes to better monitor their blood glucose levels. Although the drug has helped patients worldwide, recent studies have shown that Januvia may cause life-threatening complications. If you have been injured or developed thyroid cancer, pancreatitis or pancreatic cancer while taking Januvia, contact an Alabama Januvia lawyer today to learn more about your legal rights.
Januvia works to stimulate the pancreas to produce more insulin and to help the body use the insulin more efficiently and correctly. However, clinical trials have also concluded that the medication may inhibit the body’s natural defense system that fights off cancer and can increase a patient’s risk for developing certain health conditions.
Diabetes, a well-known medical journal, conducted a study in 2009 to investigate the possible link between Januvia and pancreatic cancer. Results showed that Januvia and other similar medications caused pancreatic abnormalities that could lead to pancreatitis, or the inflammation of the pancreas. If not caught and treated in time, pancreatitis is a known risk factor for pancreatic cancer.
Research continued into 2013, when the Institute for Safe Medication Practices found that Januvia patients were 25 times more likely to be diagnosed with pancreatic cancer than patients who opted for other type 2 diabetes medications or those who avoided the class of drugs altogether. As a result, the FDA is currently investigating whether incretin mimetics such as Januvia have any effect on the pancreas, thyroid or kidney.
Those filing claims in an effort to seek compensation for their injuries allege that the medication caused serious and life-threatening side effects such as pancreatitis, pancreatic cancer, thyroid cancer and kidney failure. The FDA received 14,674 adverse event reports as of 2012, and the agency acknowledged that 1,942 of these claims came from patients who were hospitalized. Additionally, 765 patients were diagnosed with high glucose levels and 625 were diagnosed with acute pancreatitis.
In addition to adverse and life-threatening complications such as pancreatitis, pancreatic cancer, liver cancer, thyroid cancer and kidney damage, patients have reported less severe side effects, including abdominal pain, swelling, fever and nausea. Contact an Alabama Januvia lawyer if you experienced one or more side effects while taking Januvia to learn more about seeking compensation for your injuries.
An Alabama Januvia Lawyer Can Help You to File for Compensation
If you have any questions regarding the legal actions that can be taken if you have been injured while taking Januvia, contact an Alabama Januvia lawyer today for more information. Attorney Group for Alabama is providing free, no-obligation consultations to those who feel that Januvia caused them serious harm or contributed to the development of adverse health complications. We will connect you with an Alabama Januvia lawyer who will assist you in filing a claim and work with you throughout the legal process.
