Sitagliptin, more commonly known as Januvia, first received approval by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in October 2006. While the medication has reportedly helped those living with type 2 diabetes to better manage their blood sugar levels, the drug’s manufacturer, Merck & Co., is currently facing a number of lawsuits from plaintiffs alleging that Januvia caused acute pancreatitis, pancreatic cancer and other serious complications.
If you took Januvia to help your type 2 diabetes condition and you subsequently developed a life-threatening health condition or experienced adverse side effects, you may be entitled to file an Oklahoma Januvia lawsuit to seek compensation for your injuries.
Background of Januvia
Januvia, part of the incretin mimetic class of medications, copies the role of incretin in the body and helps to stimulate the pancreas to produce more insulin in those with type 2 diabetes. However, Januvia also allegedly limits the body’s natural defense system and lowers the patient’s ability to ward off cancers and other diseases.
Those who are in the process of filing lawsuits against the manufacturer maintain that the company did not conduct safety trials as requested by the FDA. Plaintiffs allege that it was the negligence of the company that put hundreds or thousands of patients at an unnecessary risk for developing serious health complications because, had Merck conducted the trials, the company would have known about the potential dangers earlier. If you feel you have a valid Oklahoma Januvia lawsuit, contact an attorney to learn more about your rights.
Patients Report Side Effects
Although patients living with type 2 diabetes across the country have reported that Januvia helped them to better control their blood sugar levels, others have reported common side effects such as:
- Nausea, diarrhea, constipation
- Back, muscle, stomach or joint pain
- Headaches
- Stuffy or runny nose, sore throat
Still, plaintiffs working with attorneys to file lawsuits against the manufacturer allege that the medication caused adverse and severe side effects and health complications including pancreatitis, a potential precursor to pancreatic cancer. If you or someone you love have noticed the following symptoms or side effects, you may be entitled to file an Oklahoma Januvia lawsuit to seek compensation for your injuries:
- Abdominal pain
- Trouble urinating
- Allergic reactions
- Vomiting
- Nausea
- Increased or irregular heart rate
- Shortness of breath
- Loss of appetite
- Swelling
The FDA announced in March 2013 that it would be conducting its own analysis and studies regarding incretin mimetics and the potential link to pancreatitis, pancreatic cancer and other health conditions. The agency had reportedly reviewed data from an unpublished study which suggested a positive correlation between the drugs and pre-cancerous cell changes in the pancreas.
Januvia Lawsuits Filed Throughout U.S.
A federal proceeding pertaining to incretin mimetics including Januvia was recently established as a multidistrict litigation (MDL) on October 17, 2013. The proceeding will be held in the U.S. District Court, Southern District of California. An increasing number of plaintiffs have come forward to file claims against the manufacturers and seek compensation for their injuries, according to court documents.
Additionally, since the creation of the MDL, an additional 60 claims have been filed, alleging that the manufacturers did not adequately warn of the potential side effects and risks of their products. Attorneys expect that more plaintiffs will continue to move forward over the next several months.
Want More Information about Filing an Oklahoma Januvia Lawsuit? Contact Us Today
Have you taken Januvia and you developed a serious or life-threatening condition that you feel is the result of the medication? You may be entitled to file an Oklahoma Januvia lawsuit to seek compensation for your injuries. At Attorney Group for Oklahoma, we can provide you with a no-obligation consultation, free of charge, and help you to determine if you have a valid claim. We will connect you with an experienced attorney who will handle your Oklahoma Januvia lawsuit and work to help you seek the compensation to which you may be entitled.
