Have Byetta Safety Problems Changed Your Life?

The marketing of Byetta, a drug manufactured to treat Type 2 diabetes, has suffered from recent reports that the drug carries a risk of thyroid cancer as well as pancreatitis and pancreatic cancer. Other Byetta risks and dangers may be present as well. Additionally, Byetta liver problems and Byetta respiratory infections may be a potential risk among those taking Byetta. Byetta is injected twice a day, prior to breakfast and dinner and is a synthesized version of a hormone found in the saliva of the Southwestern Gila monster.

This hormone, known as exendin 4, was discovered in 1992 and is approximately 50% identical to a hormone occurring natural in the human digestive tract known as GLP-1. A diabetic may gradually lose the ability to produce the necessary amount of GLP-1 which allows blood sugar levels to rise. The exendin 4 found in Byetta prevents blood sugar from rising to potentially dangerous levels. A decrease in appetite due to Byetta’s ability to decrease the time in which the stomach empties after a meal can result in a reduction in weight however users are cautioned not to use Byetta to treat obesity.

Byetta Thyroid Cancer Risks

The active ingredient found in Byetta is exenatide, a substance which imitates incretin which occurs naturally in the intestines. Incretin suppresses the release of liver glucose, stimulating beta cells in the pancreas after meals are aten. Unfortunately, exenatide can also cause lesions which lead to pancreatic inflammation. This inflammation can lead to acute pancreatitis and even pancreatic cancer in some cases. Several studies place the risk of Byetta thyroid cancer at twice the normal rate among those taking the drug. A study published in Gastroenterology in 2011 connected Byetta with thyroid cancer as well as pancreatic cancer. Adverse reports submitted to the FDA were analyzed which resulted in the conclusion that Byetta thyroid cancer appeared to over four times as often in those taking exenatide as those taking another diabetic drug.   

Byetta Diabetes Medication Side Effects

In addition to the potential risk of thyroid cancer, Byetta may be responsible for kidney problems, some severe allergic reactions, hypoglycemia and a condition known as alopecia which is hair loss resulting when the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks the hair follicles. In clinical trials, a significant number of those taking Byetta suffered hypoglycemia with such symptoms as intense hunger, irritability, problems with coordination, blurry vision, shaking, sweating, the inability to speak correctly, seizures and even a coma. Severe allergic responses to Byetta can manifest in the swelling of the face, mouth or throat, itching, hives or rash and in life-threatening cases a sudden drop in blood pressure and an inability to catch a breath

Byetta Thyroid Cancer Lawyers

If you have been diagnosed with Byetta thyroid cancer—or another serious disease—after beginning Byetta, you have important legal rights. Further, a statute of limitations exists which varies from state to state, limits the amount of time you may have to seek compensation for lost wages, medical expenses and pain and suffering. A qualified Byetta Attorney can review your potential Byetta thyroid cancer claim, offering you a complete evaluation regarding the merits of your case, and also take the required actions to preserve your case and protect your rights with the goal of allowing you to concentrate on getting well while looking out for your future.