Byetta and Januvia

The Nature of the Drug: Byetta and Januvia are both used to treat Type 2 (adult onset) diabetes. Byetta is manufactured by Bristol-Myers Squibb Company, and is a GLP -1 agonist. That means that it increases the activity of the hormone glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), which helps the body secrete insulin; insulin balances blood sugar. Januvia (and the related drug Janumet) also balance blood sugar, but through different mechanisms. Byetta and Januvia have been prescribed millions of times.

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A 2011 study established a link between Byetta and Januvia and developing pancreatic disease or pancreatic cancer. Byetta is also associated with kidney problems, congestive heart disease, thyroid cancer, and heart failure, though most lawsuits stem from its causing pancreatitis. Pancreatitis can be acute or chronic, but both forms of the disease produce symptoms such as upper abdominal pain radiating to the back; nausea and vomiting; fever: increased heart rate: and a swollen abdomen.
Januvia and the related drug Janumet can cause necrotizing pancreatitis, a possibly fatal condition in which a digestive hormone produced by the pancreas destroys the pancreas. A rare side effect of Byetta and Januvia is thyroid cancer, whose symptoms include difficulty swallowing, hoarseness, throat lumps or throat swelling, and shortness of breath.
The FDA has recorded over 200 cases of pancreatitis, pancreatic cancer, and thyroid cancer associated with Byetta or Januvia use. Many former users have sued the drugs’ manufacturers because of those dangerous side effects.
To Obtain Legal Relief: Persons who have taken Byetta, Januvia, or Janumet to treat Type 2 diabetes and who have contracted pancreatic cancer, pancreatitis, or thyroid cancer, may have valuable legal rights. Attorney Stephen A. Katz is available at (800) 251-3529 for a free consultation, or for legal representation.