Janumet, a prescription drug intended to help patients living with type 2 diabetes, combines metflorim, the active ingredient in Januvia, with another ingredient, sitagliptin. While thousands of patients have successfully taken Janumet and reported little or no complications or side effects, others may consider filing a claim with the assistance of a Tennessee Janumet lawsuit attorney if they have suffered from adverse or life-threatening health conditions.
Those who are taking Janumet and have been diagnosed with pancreatitis or other condition may be entitled to seek compensation for their injuries in the form of pain and suffering, lost wages and medical expenses.
Janumet Overview
Originally approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2007, Janumet is manufactured and marketed by Merck & Co. The drug is a combination of two well-known medications prescribed to those living with type 2 diabetes and generated over $1.7 billion in sales in 2012 alone.
However, current lawsuits against the manufacturer allege that Merck knew, or should have known, about the potential risk for the development of pancreatitis and pancreatic cancer in those taking Janumet. Plaintiffs also allege that Merck placed a desire for profit ahead of consumer safety by neglecting to adequately warn the public and medical communities and ignoring clinical data that suggested a strong link between Janumet and adverse health conditions.
Is Janumet Safe?
Janumet has been considered to be a “blockbuster” drug by many as patients report little to no side effects while taking the medication. Several of the more common side effects include:
- Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, upset stomach
- Loss of appetite
- Abdominal pain
- Headache
- Upper respiratory infection
- Runny or stuffy nose, sore throat
Those who may be entitled to pursue a claim with the help of a Tennessee Janumet lawsuit attorney are patients who have suffered from serious side effects including:
- Swollen, peeling, red or blistered skin
- Persistent sore throat
- Chills, fever
- Allergic reactions
- Acute pancreatitis
In particular, the swelling or inflammation of the pancreas, or pancreatitis, has been the focal point of pending lawsuits across the country. The condition may be diagnosed after a patient experiences certain side effects such as abdominal pain, chills, fever or swelling or tenderness of the stomach.
According to members of the medical community, acute pancreatitis may be a risk factor for the onset of pancreatic cancer, and clinical trials have suggested that Janumet may increase pre-cancerous cell changes in the pancreas, a condition known as pancreatic duct metaplasia. If you or someone you love have been diagnosed with a condition such as pancreatitis, consider seeking legal counsel from a Tennessee Janumet lawsuit attorney to learn more about your legal rights.
Are There Janumet Lawsuits?
While Janumet has been named in several lawsuits, its parent drug, Januvia, has been the focal point of many more claims across the country. According to court documents, as more individuals file Januvia lawsuits alleging cancer, pending federal cases have been consolidated into a multidistrict litigation (MDL) in the Southern District of California.
Additionally, the latest update from the Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation reports that 60 cases have been filed since the creation of the MDL and include allegations of cancer while taking Janumet, Januvia, Victoza or Byetta.
Injured? A Tennessee Janumet Lawsuit Attorney Can Help
Have you or someone you love suffered from pancreatitis or pancreatic cancer while taking Janumet and you need legal assistance? Seeking counsel from a Tennessee Janumet lawsuit attorney can increase your chances of filing a successful claim and receiving the compensation to which you may be entitled. At Attorney Group for Tennessee, we will review your case and answer your questions regarding your legal rights. We will connect you with a Tennessee Janumet lawsuit attorney who will assist you in filing a claim and handle your case throughout the legal process. Contact Attorney Group for Tennessee today for your free consultation.