Research has suggested that Byetta, a product of Amylin Pharmaceuticals, may help to treat blood glucose levels in those living with type 2 diabetes. However, concerns are growing over the potential complications and include allegations of necrotizing and hemorrhagic pancreatitis, thyroid cancer, pancreatic cancer and wrongful death from the development of cancer.
If you or a loved one have been directly affected by Byetta, you may be entitled to pursue a claim against Amylin and seek compensation. Contact Florida Byetta attorneys who are knowledgeable about the drug and pending lawsuits in an effort to determine if you have a valid case.
Byetta Cancer Complications
Byetta, or exenatide, is an injectable medication administered twice per day to help reduce sugar levels in patients diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. It was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in April 2005 and is commonly referred to as the “Byetta Pen.” Millions of patients across the country have successfully used the drug with little or no complications.
However, since it was first introduced into the public market, clinical trials have emerged that suggest a potential link between Byetta and an increased risk of pancreatitis, or inflammation of the pancreas. The condition may be asymptomatic, causing chronic pancreatitis and subsequent pancreatic cancer. The University of California at Los Angeles reported results from a study which concluded that patients taking Byetta were six times more likely to suffer from pancreatitis while taking the drug when compared to other patients who opted for an alternative medication or therapy.
According to allegations by plaintiffs currently considering lawsuits, the manufacturer chose to ignore clear evidence about the relationship between the product and pancreatic cancer. Additionally, plaintiffs allege that Amylin Pharmaceuticals failed to warn the public and the healthcare community about the increased risk of pancreatitis and the development of pancreatic cancer should the patient continue to take the medication.
Between April 2005 and August 2006, 30 cases of acute pancreatitis were reported to the FDA. In 2007, the agency issued a warning to both Amylin Pharmaceuticals and the manufacturer’s distributor, Eli Lilly Pharmaceuticals, and requested that the companies add more complete information to the warning label to inform consumers of the increased risk of pancreatic cancer.
Additionally, in 2008, six new cases were reported to the FDA including two fatalities and four other patients in critical condition. No new information has been reported about those patients. If you are considering filing a lawsuit to seek compensation for your injuries, Florida Byetta attorneys can determine whether you are eligible to pursue a claim.
Byetta Lawsuit Allegations
Those considering filing a lawsuit with the help of Florida Byetta attorneys may reference allegations that the manufacturer continued to aggressively market and promote the drug rather than providing adequate warnings for consumers or recalling the medication. Additionally, Amylin Pharmaceuticals allegedly withheld information in an effort to gain FDA approval of different variations of the product in order to increase their sales even more.
A once-weekly version of Byetta, known as Bydureon, was approved in 2012, although both medications have been potentially linked to serious and adverse health complications. They are both members of the same drug class and contain the same active ingredient, so plaintiffs are also filing claims alleging injuries from Bydureon as well.
Byetta Side Effects
Before consulting with Florida Byetta attorneys, it is important to be aware of the specific side effects of the medication so that you may be able to better tell whether you have a valid claim:
- Drowsiness
- Back pain
- Diarrhea
- Low blood sugar
- Swelling
- Vomiting and nausea
- Weight loss
- Dizziness and headache
- Kidney failure or complications
- Hemorrhagic or necrotizing pancreatitis
- Acute pancreatitis
Unfortunately, pancreatic cancer is one of the most deadly diseases as its precursor, pancreatitis, often comes with little to no side effects. While pancreatitis is curable if caught and treated early, such is not always the case, and the condition almost always progresses to full pancreatic cancer. If you have been diagnosed with cancer, Florida Byetta attorneys can work to determine if you are eligible to pursue a claim.
Aside from claims of pancreatitis, kidney function complications have been reported in patients taking Byetta. By October 2008, the FDA reported receipt of 78 cases of damaged kidneys in those taking Byetta. In many of these claims, patients were at a predisposed risk of the condition; in many others, patients had no genetic tendency or family history of kidney disease.
Florida Byetta Attorneys Can Help You File
If you have been injured while taking Byetta or you have suffered the loss of a loved one due to complications, you may be entitled to pursue a claim against the manufacturer and seek compensation with the help of Florida Byetta attorneys. At Attorney Group for Florida, we can answer your questions and concerns and help you determine if you have a claim. We can connect you with experienced Florida Byetta attorneys who can assist you throughout the process in an effort to get you the compensation to which you are entitled.
