Byetta, a self-injected medication typically administered before meals for treatment of type 2 diabetes, belongs to a class of drugs known as incretin mimetics. Multiple studies have linked this class of drugs to sever and life-threatening side effects, including thyroid cancer, pancreatic cancer and pancreatitis, among other health conditions. If you or a loved one were prescribed Byetta or other incretin mimetic (including Januvia, Victoza or Bydureon) to help treat your type 2 diabetes and suffered from serious health complications that you believe could be related, begin the process of filing a lawsuit against the manufacturer by consulting with Arkansas Byetta attorneys. At Attorney Group for Arkansas, we want you to understand your rights and can connect you to an attorney that can help you seek compensation for damages you have suffered.
Byetta Lawsuits
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Byetta in 2005. Since then, however, patients have started filing lawsuits against the drug’s manufacturer, Amylin Pharmaceuticals, alleging an increased risk of pancreatic cancer, pancreatitis and thyroid cancer.
Over the past several years, the FDA has investigated the potential link between Byetta and these conditions as patients continue to come forward to file adverse event reports and claim injuries. Plaintiffs should consider working with Arkansas Byetta attorneys if they believe they suffered one of these injuries due to Byetta or a similar drug resulting in expensive and frequent hospitalization, pain and suffering and lost wages, or the death of a loved one.
Byetta is intended to help patients manage their blood glucose levels by stimulating insulin production in the pancreas. However, physicians report that some patients have exhibited signs of pancreatic cancer including:
- Enlarged lymph nodes
- Itching
- Weight loss
- Back pain
- Abdominal pain
- Jaundice
- Pale-colored stools
- Nausea
These symptoms are much more noticeable than pancreatitis, which is often a precursor to pancreatic cancer, in that some may confuse symptoms of pancreatitis as common side effects of taking the medication, including:
- Fever
- Nausea, vomiting
- Swelling of abdomen
- Increased heart rate
- Abdominal tenderness and pain
In addition to pancreatitis and pancreatic cancer, studies have suggested that Byetta may also be linked to renal, or kidney, failure. If left untreated, these complications can be fatal. If you or a loved one has or is currently experiencing sweating, confusion, anorexia, swelling in your legs and feet, decreased urine output or nausea, consult with a healthcare provider. If you are diagnosed with kidney failure, you should consider seeking legal counsel from Arkansas Byetta attorneys to learn more about your rights.
The FDA notified the public in November 2009 of receipt of at least 78 cases of impaired or altered kidney function as well as 62 claims of complete kidney failure. The same month, the agency announced that it would use these reports to require an update of Byetta’s warning label to include information about kidney complications.
FDA Notifications
The FDA released a statement on August 8, 2008 in which the agency acknowledged receipt of claims of both necrotizing and hemorrhagic pancreatitis, all of which required hospitalization. The agency also reported that four patients were still recovering at that time while two others had died.
Although the manufacturer has not officially confirmed that the FDA requested the company to change Byetta’s warning label, Amylin Pharmaceuticals reportedly did acknowledge that their product is associated with acute pancreatitis and instructed physicians to closely monitor patients for symptoms of the condition.
Byetta Lawsuits
While each case is different, it is important to consult with an Arkansas Byetta attorney about your potential Byetta, as statutes of limitations could bar your potential claim. Additionally, FDA notifications may also affect the time in which you have to file, so consult with Arkansas Byetta attorneys to discuss seeking compensation.
Have Questions? Arkansas Byetta Lawsuit Attorneys are Here to Help
If you or a family member suffered injuries while taking Byetta or you developed an illness or life-threatening condition while taking Byetta or other incretin mimetic, it is important to protect your legal rights and overall health by consulting with Arkansas Byetta attorneys today. At Attorney Group for Arkansas, we can help answer your questions and concerns and help you determine if you have a claim. We can also connect you with experienced Arkansas Byetta attorneys who can assist you in filing a lawsuit against Amylin so that you may seek compensation for your injuries.
