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A once-daily pill that controls type 2 diabetes patients’ blood sugar levels, Januvia was first approved in October 2006 by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The drug, designed to inhibit the DPP-4 enzyme has reportedly helped thousands of type 2 diabetes patients to control their blood glucose levels. However, a medical journal, Diabetes, released a study in 2009 that linked Januvia to pancreatic abnormalities that could potentially lead to cancer. Additionally, Januvia and other incretin mimetics have been linked to several adverse and life-threatening complications, prompting patients to consider seeking legal counsel from an Oklahoma Januvia lawyer for their injuries.
Januvia may cause less severe side effects including dizziness, confusion, stomach pain, nausea, swelling and fever. While these effects are not indicative of a serious complication, plaintiffs allege that the medication caused liver cancer, kidney damage, pancreatitis, thyroid cancer and pancreatic cancer, among other health conditions. An Oklahoma Januvia lawyer can review your case and help you to determine if you have a valid claim if you experienced one or more of these adverse side effects.
The FDA has advised those consuming alcoholic beverages on a regular basis to avoid taking Januvia to reduce the risk of pancreatic cancer. However, the agency has received 88 claims from patients claiming to have been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and pancreatitis while taking the medication. As of 2012, over 14,600 reports were submitted to the agency pertaining to Januvia – 765 included patients with high blood sugar levels, 625 included patients diagnosed with pancreatitis and 1,942 included patients whom had needed hospitalization due to adverse side effects.
Additionally, Januvia patients are 25 times more likely to suffer from pancreatic cancer, according to a study released in 2013 by the Institute for Safe Medication Practices. After learning of these results, the FDA announced that it would be launching its own investigation to determine whether Januvia and other incretin mimetics such as Byetta, Victoza and Janumet do more harm than good. The results of the FDA’s findings have not yet been released, but plaintiffs are continuing to file claims throughout the U.S.
An Oklahoma Januvia Lawyer Can Inform You of Your Legal Rights
If you took Januvia and you later developed a serious health complication or experienced adverse side effects, you may be entitled to pursue a claim with assistance from an experienced Oklahoma Januvia lawyer. At Attorney Group for Oklahoma, we can help you to determine if you have a valid claim and answer your questions and concerns to the best of our ability. While every case is different and no amount of compensation is guaranteed, we can connect you with an affiliated Oklahoma Januvia lawyer who will handle your claim and help you to recover the damages to which you may be entitled.
