Also known as exenatide, Byetta has been one of the most popular medications for type 2 diabetes patients. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Byetta for use in April 2005, and the manufacturer of Byetta, Amylin Pharmaceuticals, reported that its product was intended to help reduce blood glucose levels in patients living with type 2 diabetes.
However, many patients who have taken Byetta have allegedly suffered from adverse side effects and complications such as thyroid cancer and pancreatic cancer during treatment. If you or someone you love has been injured and you feel that your condition was caused by the drug, contact Attorney Group for California today to learn more about your legal rights and filing a Byetta lawsuit in California.
History of Byetta
Byetta and other incretin mimetics imitate the action of the incretin hormones found in the patient’s gastrointestinal tract. According to Amylin Pharmaceuticals, Byetta helps lower the patient’s sugar levels by stimulating the pancreatic cells to produce more insulin. The drug was hailed as a revolutionary treatment following its FDA approval, and it was introduced with high expectations.
Byetta Raises Concerns
However, and although Byetta grossed more than $700 million in sales between 2005 and 2008, studies surfaced that concluded the medication could potentially cause cancer and other side effects. A 2011 study published in the Journal of Gastroenterology found that the use of Byetta and other incretin mimetics increased the patient’s chance of developing pancreatic cancer six-fold as compared to other conventional medications or treatments.
In February 2013, another study raised concerns regarding the potential cancer risk of the medication. Researchers found that Byetta patients were twice as likely to need hospitalization due to pancreatitis, a condition that may ultimately develop into pancreatic cancer. Although diabetics are generally at a greater risk of pancreatitis even if they do not use these medications, the study found that Byetta patients were at an even higher risk of developing cancer.
Aside from pancreatitis and pancreatic cancer, other side effects include:
- Hypersensitivity
- Kidney failure, damage and altered functions
- Renal impairment
- Immunogenicity
- Acute necrotizing pancreatitis
- Hypoglycemia
- Vomiting
- Headaches
- Chest pain
- Nausea
- Severe allergic reactions
- Abdominal pain that radiates throughout the back
- Unstable blood pressure
- Elevated heart and respiratory rates
In October 2007, the FDA issued an alert after receiving more than 30 reports from Byetta users who had taken the medication and received a diagnosis of acute pancreatitis. In August 2008, the warning label was updated after the agency received claims of six additional cases of necrotizing pancreatitis, hemorrhagic pancreatitis and two fatalities. Of the 30 reports submitted to the agency, five patients had allegedly experienced kidney failure. The FDA acknowledged in 2009 that it had again received 78 additional reports of kidney problems in Byetta patients.
Plaintiffs File Byetta Lawsuits in the U.S.
Shortly after the drug’s introduction, patients allegedly began to experience life-threatening complications such as pancreatitis, causing many to seek legal counsel in an attempt to file Byetta lawsuits against the manufacturer. Although this condition is a well-known risk factor for pancreatic cancer due to the chronic inflammation and increased cell turnover, Amylin Pharmaceuticals allegedly failed to warn physicians of the importance of monitoring their patients for pancreatic changes.
Those who are filing Byetta lawsuits against Amylin Pharmaceuticals claim that the company did not adequately research the possible side effects and complications of its product prior to releasing it to consumers. Additionally, plaintiffs allege that Amylin Pharmaceuticals failed to provide thorough warnings regarding the impact that Byetta could have on a patient’s pancreas or thyroid. If you have developed a serious condition while taking Byetta, you may be eligible to file a Byetta lawsuit in California and recover damages for your condition.
Injured in California? Contact Us Today to File Your Byetta Lawsuit
If you or a loved one took Byetta to help control your type 2 diabetes condition and developed cancer or sustained other injuries, you may be eligible to file a Byetta lawsuit in California and recover damages for your injuries. Attorney Group for California can discuss claims on behalf of patients in California who have developed thyroid cancer or pancreatic cancer, possibly as a result of the medication. We can review your case, help you determine if you have a claim and connect you with an experienced attorney who can assist you in filing your Byetta lawsuit in California. Contact us today for your free consultation.
