Filing a Byetta Lawsuit for Harm You Suffered From the Drug

Byetta, a drug marketed for the treatment of Type 2 diabetes, was approved in 2005 by the FDA. Since that time Byetta (exenatide) has labored under research which points to the potential of Byetta to cause serious illnesses such as thyroid cancer, pancreatic cancer and pancreatitis among those taking the drug. Byetta is given via injection, in the upper thigh, abdomen or upper arm twice daily prior to breakfast and dinner. Along with diet and exercise, Byetta helps adults with Type 2 diabetes control their blood sugar levels.

Millions of prescriptions have been written for Byetta, however between 2005 and 2007 thirty reports of Byetta users developing pancreatitis came in to the FDA. The next year six reports of necrotizing pancreatitis were communicated; two of those patients subsequently died from complications. The next year, 78 reports of kidney problems were tied to Byetta. The FDA required Amylin Pharmaceuticals to increase warnings on the labeling of Byetta in 2007, 2008 and 2009 after these adverse health reports.

Byetta Thyroid Cancer Lawsuit

Some research points to the fact that those taking Byetta could be at a two-fold risk of developing thyroid cancer while taking the drug. While Byetta thyroid cancer is much more treatable than pancreatic cancer, it is nonetheless serious. A study published in Gastroenterology reported that more than 1,000 patients have been diagnosed with pancreatitis and at least 375 patients have been diagnosed with Byetta thyroid cancer or pancreatic cancer. Exenatide contains the synthetic form of a hormone occurring naturally in the saliva of the Southwestern Gila lizard which is fifty percent identical to GLP-1—a hormone found naturally in the body’s digestive tract. While exenatide does appear to lower blood sugar among Type 2 diabetics, it may overstimulate beta cells, leading to the potential of cancerous cells.

Should You File a Byetta Thyroid Cancer Lawsuit?

Although there are currently no MDLs or mass tort actions filed in the Byetta cases, it is expected there will be as more patients who have been harmed by Byetta come forward. Whether a Byetta thyroid cancer lawsuit or a Byetta pancreatic cancer lawsuit, the allegations against the manufacturer of Byetta are serious. There may have been a failure to warn on the part of Amylin. Amylin sold to Bristol-Meyer-Squibb in 2012 for a whopping $5.3 billion dollars.

Only one small clinical trial was conducted prior to Byetta’s release, and although the FDA has ordered the manufacturer to complete further studies it appears the results of those studies have not yet been reported. Those patients who took Byetta, believing it to be safe, only to develop a serious disease could benefit from considering Byetta thyroid cancer legal action. Class action suits may also be filed in the future, however in many cases, particularly for those more seriously harmed, a class action settlement will simply not compensate for the level of medical expenses, lost wages and pain and suffering. It’s important to carefully consider all legal options regarding Byetta injuries prior to making a decision which could affect your entire future.