According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), an estimated 21 million individuals in the United States have been diagnosed with diabetes, many of whom have been prescribed medication to help control their blood sugar levels. Two of the most popular diabetes drugs on the market are Byetta and Januvia, which were approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2005 and 2006, respectively.
While these drugs are effective in controlling diabetes, they both have potential side effects that can cause substantial injury to users. Specifically, Byetta, Januvia, and related medications can lead to the development of the following conditions:
- Acute pancreatitis
- Chronic pancreatitis
- Pancreatic cancer
- Thyroid cancer
- Lactic acidosis
- Kidney issues
Pancreatitis
Pancreatitis is a serious medical condition that can cause the body to attack the inflamed pancreas and can lead to infection, bleeding, and damaged tissue. This condition has many symptoms and effects, including the following:
- Pain in the abdomen and back
- Vomiting and nausea
- Pain when bending over or eating
- Rapid heartbeat
- Fevers
Pancreatitis also has the potential to lead to the development of pancreatic cancer and the condition can be fatal.
Cancer
Medical researchers estimate that people taking Byetta or Januvia can have at least double the risk of developing pancreatic cancer. This type of cancer is often not discovered until later stages, which limits the possibility of treatment. People diagnosed with this type of cancer often live less than 20 months with only four percent of patients living for five years after diagnosis.
Diabetes drug users also may have an increased risk for thyroid cancer. While the prognosis for patients with thyroid cancer is relatively better than some other cancers, the condition can cause serious symptoms and victims will have to undergo chemotherapy and similar treatments.
You have rights if you were injured by diabetes drugs
If you took Januvia, Byetta, or similar diabetes medications and suffered injury, the pharmaceutical manufacturer should be held liable for selling a dangerous drug and/or failing to properly warn of the potential side effects of the drug. The diabetes drug attorneys at Michigan Injury Lawyers will stand up for your rights, so please call us today at (888) 454-0801 to discuss your rights for free.