Januvia Lawsuit
Januvia, or sitagliptin, is marketed and manufactured by Merck & Co. and was first approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in October 2006. Januvia is intended to help those living with type 2 diabetes to better manage their blood glucose levels. However, according to clinical trials and adverse event reports submitted by patients, the medication may increase an individual’s risk of developing acute pancreatitis and pancreatic cancer.
If you or someone you love took Januvia to help control your blood sugar levels and you were later diagnosed with pancreatic cancer or other health complications, you may be entitled to file a Januvia lawsuit and seek compensation for your injuries.
Januvia Background
The medication mimics the actions of incretin, a hormone responsible for stimulating the pancreas to increase insulin production in those living with diabetes. However, according to clinical trials, the drug may also limit the natural defense system of the body that wards off various types of cancers.
Additionally, those who are currently filing a Januvia lawsuit allege that Merck did not conduct safety studies in a sufficient amount of time to determine its safety and effectiveness as required by the FDA prior to approval. Plaintiffs also claim that this reduced the company’s ability to determine potential complications and side effects before the drug was released, putting patients at an unnecessary risk for developing certain health conditions.
Health Risks and Side Effects
Many have taken the medication and reported little to no side effects. However, common side effects include:
- Muscle, back and joint pain
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Stomach pain
- Sore throat
- Headaches
- Constipation, diarrhea
- Nausea
However, those currently filing a lawsuit with the help of experienced Januvia attorneys allege that they have suffered from serious and potentially life-threatening side effects including those of pancreatitis. If you have noticed any one or more of the following symptoms, consider seeking legal counsel from Januvia lawsuit attorneys to learn more about your rights:
- Allergic reactions
- Difficulty urinating
- Swelling
- Shortness of breath
- Increased heart rate
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea, vomiting
- Pain in the upper abdomen that may or may not radiate to the back
In March 2013, the FDA announced that it would conduct its own review of incretin mimetics as a class after reviewing findings of an unpublished study in which researchers indicated a possible link between these medications and cellular changes in the pancreas.
Pending Januvia Lawsuits
According to court documents, a federal proceeding involving Januvia and other incretin mimetics held its first status conference in the U.S. District Court, Southern District of California on October 17, 2013. Documents indicate that an increasing number of claims from plaintiffs and attorneys include Januvia, Victoza and Byetta, among others, were filed in this litigation at the time of the status conference.
Over 60 claims are currently pending, many of which include Januvia lawsuits, in the Southern District of California as of October 2013. These claims allege that the manufacturers of these medications did not warn the public of the potential link between pancreatic cancer and their products.
Considering a Januvia Lawsuit? Contact Januvia Attorneys to Learn More
If you have been injured while taking Januvia and developed pancreatic cancer, thyroid cancer or other potentially life-threatening conditions, contact Attorney Group to learn more about filing a Januvia lawsuit. At Attorney Group, we can answer your concerns and questions to the best of our ability and help you to determine if you are entitled to pursue a claim. We will connect you with experienced attorneys who will be able to assist you in filing a Januvia lawsuit and handle your claim throughout the legal process. Contact us today for your free consultation.
