Manufactured and marketed by Merck & Co., Janumet is a combination of sitagliptin and metflorim and prescribed to type 2 diabetes struggling with their blood glucose levels. While many have reported success while taking Janumet, others are seeking compensation for injuries allegedly sustained during treatment.
If you or a loved one were injured and you feel your condition is directly related to Janumet, a Louisiana Janumet lawsuit attorney can inform you of your legal rights and help you to determine if you have a valid claim.
Janumet Overview
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) first approved Janumet for use in type 2 diabetes patients in 2007. However, the drug quickly became one of Merck’s best-selling products, grossing $1.7 billion in 2012 alone.
However, although Janumet appeared to help many patients better manage their blood sugar levels, plaintiffs are filing lawsuits against the manufacturer, claiming that it knew, or should have known, about the potential dangers associated with its product. Additionally, plaintiffs allege that Merck ignored data that suggested a link between pancreatitis and Janumet in an effort to increase sales and place its desire for profit ahead of consumer safety.
Health Risks of Janumet
According to healthcare providers, Janumet may cause several common side effects such as:
- Abdominal pain
- Loss of appetite
- Headache
- Upset stomach
- Diarrhea
- Upper respiratory infection
- Sore throat
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Runny or stuffy nose
However, while these side effects are common in the medication, plaintiffs are filing claims and alleging other serious complications while taking Janumet. Consider consulting with a Louisiana Janumet lawsuit attorney if you or someone you love noticed one or more of the following adverse effects:
- Chills
- Fever
- Continuous sore throat
- Allergic reactions
- Skin that is swollen, red, blistered or peeling
- Acute pancreatitis
The most serious of these, acute pancreatitis, is often difficult to diagnosis as the symptoms may appear to be common. However, abdominal pain, chills, fever, and abdominal pain or tenderness may all indicate acute pancreatitis and should be addressed immediately.
Acute pancreatitis, if not properly and efficiently treated, can lead to pancreatic cancer, a condition much more difficult to treat. In fact, statistics show that few patients live one year past a pancreatic cancer diagnosis. Studies have shown that Janumet may cause pre-cancerous cell changes in the pancreas, a condition known as pancreatic duct metaplasia. If you have been diagnosed with acute pancreatitis or pancreatic cancer, you may be entitled to recover damages with help from a Louisiana Janumet lawsuit attorney.
Plaintiffs File Janumet Lawsuits
Although Januvia has been at the center of hundreds of lawsuits throughout the U.S., plaintiffs are also filing for damages after taking Janumet. In fact, due to the increasing number of cases concerning both medications as well as other incretin mimetics such as Victoza and Byetta, the decision was made to consolidate all claims into a single multidistrict litigation (MDL) in the Southern District of California.
The MDL was established in an effort to save time and money as many plaintiffs were alleging similar injuries such as pancreatitis and thyroid cancer and seeking similar compensation in their claims. Additionally, 60 claims were filed since the consolidation, and attorneys speculate that more plaintiffs will move forward to file cases as well.
A Louisiana Janumet Lawsuit Attorney Can Inform You of Your Rights
If you or a loved one have been diagnosed with a serious condition or you experienced adverse side effects while taking Janumet, a Louisiana Janumet lawsuit attorney can help you to determine if you have a claim. At Attorney Group for Louisiana, we can answer your questions to the best of our ability and connect you with an experienced Louisiana Janumet lawsuit attorney who will handle your claim. You may be entitled to file for compensation for pain and suffering, medical expenses and lost wages as the result of your condition.
