The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) first approved Januvia, or sitagliptin, for use in October 2006. Its manufacturer, Merck & Co., created the drug as a means to assist those struggling with type 2 diabetes; the medication was designed to help patients better manage their blood glucose levels. The oral medication was the first of its kind and classified as a DPP-4 inhibitor. Januvia was meant to help patients’ bodies increase insulin production. However, research has concluded that Januvia may be responsible for the alleged increased risk of developing pancreatic cancer and pancreatitis after the first dose and following increases of doses.
If you have been injured or diagnosed with a serious medical condition while taking Januvia, you may consider seeking legal counsel from an experienced Kentucky Januvia lawsuit attorney to evaluate your case. You may be entitled to receive compensation for your condition.
What is Januvia?
While Januvia allegedly targets cells in the pancreas, the medication may also be responsible for restricting the body’s natural ability to fight against cancer. Studies have concluded that medications including Januvia prevent cancer-fighting cells from spreading. Consequently, many medical experts and physicians acknowledge that Januvia may potentially cause severe side effects such as pancreatitis, pancreatic cancer and thyroid cancer.
Januvia Lawsuits Pending Against Merck
Many of those who were taking Januvia and allegedly suffered from health complications are working with experienced Kentucky Januvia lawsuit attorneys to learn more about their legal rights. These lawsuits allege that although Merck was ordered to conduct additional safety studies by FDA, the company failed to do so and reduced the likelihood of identify adverse health conditions prior to the drug’s release to the public market. Additionally, a plaintiff and his or her Kentucky Januvia lawsuit attorney may allege that had the manufacturer conducted these trials, the company would have made note of these health risks much sooner and been able to inform consumers of the potential dangers and the possibility of cancer development.
Those working with a Kentucky Januvia lawsuit attorney and numerous medical experts allege that common Januvia side effects include:
- Sore throat
- Nausea
- Sinus complications
- Stomach pain
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
Although these side effects are often nonthreatening, plaintiffs are also claiming more serious conditions including:
- Not urinating or difficulty urinating
- Swelling of body and/or face
- Shortness of breath
- Rapid weight gain
- Severe skin reactions as evident by fever, swelling of the face, sore throat, burning eyes, rashes or a stinging sensation on the skin
Those who were diagnosed with cancer were not originally aware of their condition when symptoms initially appeared nor were they aware that the symptoms indicated pancreatitis, thyroid cancer or pancreatic cancer. Plaintiffs and an experienced Kentucky Januvia lawsuit attorney maintain that they noticed severe stomach-to-back pain, increased or irregular heart rates, lost or decreased interest in food, vomiting and nausea.
Januvia’s Alleged Link to Cancer
Studies were conducted in May 2009 and two years later in 2011 in efforts to examine the alleged relationship between Januvia and pancreatic cancer. Data showed that while patients had successfully managed their conditions with help from the medication, other patients did exhibit an increased risk of developing both pancreatitis and pancreatic cancer while taking Januvia. In fact, patients had a six times higher chance of developing pancreatitis while taking Januvia than those who did not; patients had a two times higher chance of developing pancreatic cancer compared to patients taking other medications.
Experts in the medical community advise patients to research the potential side effects of each medication before taking the initial dose, mainly because three years lapsed before complications from taking Januvia presented themselves. Januvia may be linked to other conditions of which researchers are not yet aware.
FDA Gets Involved
The FDA has admittedly launched investigations into Januvia to examine its relationship with other serious health conditions. The agency also reported evidence of pre-cancerous cell changes and pancreatic inflammation, two factors which may be linked to certain cancers.
In September 2009, the FDA asked Merck to revise Januvia’s safety label to include information about the alleged side effects. The FDA wanted to ensure that consumers were fully aware of the potential dangers and link to pancreatitis prior to beginning the medication. The agency also requested that Merck inform healthcare professionals within the medical community of the same risks and advise them to closely monitor their patients after prescribing an initial dose or increasing the dose.
Have Questions? Contact a Kentucky Januvia Lawsuit Attorney Today
If you or a loved one took Januvia in an effort to manage your type 2 diabetes and a physician diagnosed you with thyroid cancer, pancreatic cancer, pancreatitis or other serious health condition, a Kentucky Januvia lawsuit attorney could help. At Attorney Group for Kentucky, we will evaluate your claim and connect you with an experienced Kentucky Januvia lawsuit attorney who will handle your case and work to obtain the compensation to which you are entitled. So contact Attorney Group for Kentucky today for your free consultation.
