According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), an estimated 29 million1 or more individuals in the United States have diabetes. To help control blood sugar levels in patients with type 2 diabetes, doctors may prescribe medications that involve incretin therapy.2 The most popular incretin therapy drug on the market is called Januvia and is manufactured by pharmaceutical giant Merck.
Though the once-a-day pill is effective in regulating blood sugar levels, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has conducted investigations and issued warnings3 regarding potentially dangerous side effects that Januvia can cause in users. The two most serious conditions that can develop in Januvia users are as follows:
Pancreatitis – This serious medical condition causes the pancreas to become inflamed and sufferers can have acute or chronic episodes. Symptoms of pancreatitis include vomiting, serious abdominal pain, racing heartbeat, and nausea. Treatment generally requires a patient to be hospitalized and serious cases of pancreatitis can be fatal.
Pancreatic cancer – People with this particular type of cancer generally face a poor prognosis, even if they receive an early diagnosis. Pancreatic cancer spreads quickly so surgery is often impossible to remove the cancer. Patients typically undergo radiation and chemotherapy, though the large majority of sufferers ultimately die from this form of cancer.
Despite the risks of these very severe medical conditions, Merck continues to sell Januvia and does not properly warn users of the serious risks involved in taking the drug. In addition to the two above dangerous conditions, Januvia can also cause the following side effects:
- Increased liver enzymes
- Hypoglycemia
- Severe constipation
- Chronic headaches
- Nausea
- Congestion
- Upper respiratory infections
- Abdominal pain
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Swelling in the legs or hands
- Sore throat
Anyone who has suffered serious illness or side effects because they took Januvia should contact an experienced products liability attorney to determine your rights to recovery. Facing off against a large pharmaceutical company like Merck can be complicated and often requires extensive resources, so you want to seek help from a law firm that knows how to handle this particular type of case. Januvia users who developed pancreatic cancer, pancreatitis, or other serious health issues deserve to recover for all of their losses including medical bills, lost income, and pain and suffering.
Consult a Michigan drug injury attorney in you have suffered serious side effects of any medication
Though prescription drugs can be extremely effective in controlling serious medical conditions and improving an individual's quality of life, they can also create additional issues that may even be more threatening than the underlying condition. At Stroble Law, our Michigan drug injury lawyers are committed to holding large pharmaceutical companies accountable for producing and selling dangerous drugs. If you have suffered any type of unnecessary injury because you took Januvia or any other type of dangerous drug, please call our office today at 888-454-0801.
References:
1http://www.cdc.gov/features/diabetesfactsheet/
2http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2809297/
3http://www.fda.gov/Drugs/DrugSafety/ucm343187.htm
Thomas L. Stroble
FOUNDER
Mr. Stroble is a highly accomplished graduate of Michigan State University, with degrees in both science and law. He specializes in commercial lawsuits and personal injury cases. Licensed to practice law in Michigan and even the U.S. Supreme Court, he’s a well-qualified legal expert. Besides his career in law, he loves outdoor activities and volunteers as a part-time police officer in Birmingham.
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