The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) first approved Januvia in October 2006 for type 2 diabetes patients who were struggling to control their blood sugar levels. Its manufacturer, Merck & Co., allegedly designed the product to help patients’ bodies increase insulin production and while many reported that the medication functioned as intended, others reportedly developed pancreatitis and pancreatic cancer while taking Januvia. If you would like more information about filing a New York Januvia lawsuit, contact Attorney Group for New York today.
What is Januvia?
Incretin mimetics such as Januvia, Janumet, Byetta and Victoza stimulate the cells within the pancreas to produce more insulin. However, in doing so, these medications may also prevent the body from fighting potentially cancerous cells, resulting in an increased risk of developing serious and life-threatening conditions. Consider seeking legal counsel from an attorney if you were diagnosed with pancreatitis or pancreatic cancer while you were taking Januvia. You may be eligible to file a New York Januvia lawsuit.
Why are There Januvia Lawsuits?
According to pending Januvia lawsuits, Merck failed to adequately test its product even after the FDA required additional studies to evaluate the side effects and risks of Januvia. Had Merck acted quickly, it may have been able to find the alleged relationship between Januvia and pancreatic cancer much sooner, according to plaintiffs seeking compensation for their injuries.
On March 13, 2014, the U.S. Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation issued an update to inform the public of 320 Januvia lawsuits pending in the Southern District of California. Two months later, that number had increased to 414. Plaintiffs allege that Januvia caused pancreatitis, thyroid cancer and pancreatic cancer.
Other possible side effects include stomach pain, sore throat, sinus problems, constipation and nausea as well as rapid weight gain, difficulty urinating, allergic skin reactions, body or facial swelling and a shortness of breath. If you feel that you have been adversely affected by Januvia or you lost a loved one due to pancreatic cancer or other complications that may have been caused by the product, you may be entitled to pursue a wrongful death New York Januvia lawsuit claim to recover damages for your injuries or losses.
FDA Investigates Januvia Complications and Side Effects
After the agency received thousands of claims from patients in the U.S. who allegedly sustained injuries while taking Januvia, the FDA announced that it would be investigating Januvia and other incretin mimetics to determine whether the products posed any risks of complications or side effects. In September 2009, the FDA required Merck to update the warning label on Januvia to reflect the possible link between pancreatic cancer and the drug, but many believe that the update was too late as thousands of patients had already taken Januvia for type 2 diabetes.
Contact Attorney Group for New York Today
For more information about filing a New York Januvia lawsuit if you or someone you love took the medication and developed complications, please contact Attorney Group for New York. We can provide you with a free case evaluation and help you determine whether you may be eligible to recover damages for your injuries. We can also connect you with an affiliated attorney who can handle your New York Januvia lawsuit and assist you in seeking the compensation to which you may be entitled.
