The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) first approved Januvia for use in type 2 diabetes patients in October 2006. According to its manufacturer, Merck & Co., the medication is designed to help patients better control their blood sugar levels. However, Januvia has recently been linked to an increased risk of pancreatitis and pancreatic cancer.
If you or someone you love is taking Januvia and you suffered from serious or adverse side effects such as pancreatic cancer, pancreatitis, kidney failure or thyroid cancer, you may be entitled to file a Mississippi Januvia lawsuit and hold the manufacturer responsible for your condition.
What is Januvia?
Part of the incretin mimetics family of medications, Januvia works to mimic the role of incretin in the body, or the hormone responsible for stimulating the pancreas to produce additional insulin. While many have reportedly had success with the medication, clinical trials have suggested that incretin mimetics may prevent the body from fighting off specific types of cancerous cells.
Allegations against Merck include claims that the manufacturer failed to act in a timely manner when the FDA requested additional clinical trials to evaluate the safety of the drug. Plaintiffs assert that, had Merck acted in a reasonable amount of time, the company would have discovered the alleged dangers and risks of cancer associated with its product, and patients would have been able to avoid a potentially dangerous medication. If you have been harmed while taking the drug, contact an attorney to learn more about filing your Mississippi Januvia lawsuit to seek compensation for your injuries.
Can Januvia Cause Side Effects?
Although many have taken Januvia successfully to manage their type 2 diabetes, the medication has allegedly been linked to common side effects such as:
- Cold symptoms including sore throat, runny or stuffy nose
- Stomach pain or nausea
- Headaches
- Constipation or diarrheaMuscle, joint or back pain
Additionally, pancreatitis is also an allegation that appears to be the focal point in many lawsuits from those claiming they were injured while taking the medication. If you or someone you love have experienced any one or more of the following conditions, contact an attorney to learn more about filing your own Mississippi Januvia lawsuit to seek compensation:
- Shortness of breath
- Increased heart rate
- Loss of appetite
- Abdominal pain
- Nausea, vomiting
- Swelling
- Allergic reactions
- Difficulty urinating
After the agency reviewed clinical data provided by an unpublished study that investigated these medications, the FDA announced in March 2013 that it would be conducting its own research pertaining to Januvia and other incretin mimetics to determine whether these drugs increase a patient’s risk of pancreatitis and other life-threatening health complications.
Januvia Lawsuit Update
Incretin mimetics including Januvia, Byetta, Janumet and Victoza are currently the focal points of lawsuits across the country. Most recently, a status conference was held and a court determined that the cases would be consolidated into a multidistrict litigation (MDL).
An update also reported that 60 more claims have been filed since the approval of the consolidation by those alleging injuries during or following treatment with the medication. With the number of alleged injured patients increasing, experts anticipate that more claims will be filed over the next several months. Allegations include claims that incretin mimetics caused certain types of cancer, among other adverse effects, and that the manufacturers did not warn the medical community or the public of these potential dangers.
Injured? You May Have a Valid Mississippi Januvia Lawsuit Claim
You may be entitled to file a Mississippi Januvia lawsuit if you were diagnosed with cancer or suffered from adverse or life-threatening side effects while taking the medication. At Attorney Group for Mississippi, we can review your case and determine if you have a claim. We will answer your questions to the best of our ability and connect you with an experienced attorney who will handle your Mississippi Januvia lawsuit throughout the legal process. You may be entitled to receive compensation for pain and suffering, medical expenses and lost wages, among other damages.
