Prescribed to those with type 2 diabetes, Januvia can help patients to better manage their blood sugar levels. The drug originally received U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval in October 2006 and was manufactured and marketed by Merck & Co. However, plaintiffs across the country are filing lawsuits against the manufacturer, alleging that Januvia caused adverse complications and potentially fatal cancers.
Have you or someone you love suffered from cancer or other life-threatening or adverse side effects while taking Januvia? Consider seeking legal counsel from an experienced attorney who can help you to determine if you have a valid Arkansas Januvia lawsuit.
Januvia Background
Januvia stimulates the pancreas to produce more insulin in those living with type 2 diabetes. As the pancreas increases insulin production, the patient is better able to manage his or her blood sugar levels. While many have taken this medication and reported little or no complications, others are filing lawsuits against Merck, alleging that Januvia caused serious and life-threatening side effects such as thyroid cancer, pancreatitis and pancreatic cancer.
Plaintiffs are also alleging that Januvia prevent the body from being able to fight off specific types of cancers and that the manufacturer did not conduct sufficient safety trials as requested by the FDA. Had Merck researched Januvia in depth prior to releasing it to the public, many may have been forewarned about the dangers and side effects of the drug. If you feel that you have been injured while taking Januvia, you may be entitled to file your own Arkansas Januvia lawsuit and recover damages for your injuries.
Januvia May Cause Adverse Side Effects
According to the drug’s label and its manufacturer, Januvia may cause common, less serious side effects such as:
- Sore throat
- Constipation, diarrhea, nausea
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Stomach, muscle, joint or back pain
- Headaches
If you have experienced adverse and possibly life-threatening side effects while taking the drug, you may be entitled to file your own Arkansas Januvia lawsuit to hold the manufacturer accountable for your condition. In fact, many claims against Merck include allegations that Januvia caused pancreatitis, or the swelling or inflammation of the pancreas. Other serious conditions include:
- Thyroid cancer
- Kidney failure
- Increased heart rate
- Trouble urinating
- Allergic reactions
- Swelling
- Loss of appetite
- Vomiting, nausea
- Shortness of breath
- Abdominal pain
The FDA announced in March 2013 that it would be launching its own investigation into incretin mimetics to determine their potential link to pancreatitis. The agency reportedly made the decision based on the findings of an unpublished study that suggested a potential link between the condition and incretin mimetics as a group.
Plaintiffs File Lawsuits to Recover Damages
According to court documents, pending lawsuits surrounding incretin mimetics such as Januvia, Janumet, Victoza and Byetta have recently been consolidated into a multidistrict litigation (MDL) in the U.S. District Court, Southern District of California in an attempt to save time and money. However, since the consolidation, an additional 60 claims have been filed, and attorneys expect that number to continue to increase as more plaintiffs may decide to come forward and file claims against the manufacturer.
Allegations in pending Januvia lawsuits include claims that Merck knew, or should have known, about the possible risks and side effects associated with its product before it placed it on the market. Additionally, plaintiffs allege that the manufacturers of incretin mimetics failed to warn the public and medical communities about the possibility for their products to cause life-threatening complications in those living with type 2 diabetes.
We Can Help You File Your Arkansas Januvia Lawsuit
If you suffered from serious or life-threatening side effects while taking Januvia and you feel that the drug directly caused your injuries, consider filing an Arkansas Januvia lawsuit to recover damages for your condition. At Attorney Group for Arkansas, we can evaluate your case and help you to determine if you have a valid claim. We will connect you with an attorney experienced in handling Arkansas Januvia lawsuits who will work to help you seek the compensation to which you may be entitled.
