Questions about the Diabetic Drug Byetta

Is Byetta Linked to Pancreatic and Thyroid Cancer?

Those patients with Type 2 diabetes may have heard about potential problems with the diabetic drug, Byetta, and are wondering whether Byetta has actually been linked to pancreatic cancer and thyroid cancer. Between 2005 when Byetta gained FDA approval and 2007, the FDA received 30 reports of acute pancreatitis. The next year six more people reported suffering acute pancreatitis after beginning Byetta. Two of those six patients died while the other four spent considerable time in the hospital. Those who develop pancreatic cancer likely have a history of pancreatitis, perhaps from taking Byetta. Unfortunately, pancreatic cancer has a very low survival rate and is generally diagnosed in the latter stages.

Symptoms of pancreatitis include severe pain in the abdomen, nausea, fever and vomiting and, in some cases, changes in bowel movements, a rapid heartbeat and swelling in the abdominal area. Although the various studies differ in the exact numbers, overall it appears there is a six-fold increase in pancreatitis, a three-fold increase in pancreatic cancer and a two-fold increase in thyroid cancer among Byetta users. The FDA required the manufacturer to increase the warnings on Byetta labels first in 2007, again in 2008 and once again in 2009.

The labeling noted the potential risks of Byetta, particularly pancreatitis, pancreatic cancer, Byetta thyroid cancer and renal failure. A 2010 FDA advisory panel pointed to the fact that exenatide was responsible for a higher than normal number of thyroid tumors among laboratory rats. The FDA expressed alarm regarding the huge number of extended release diabetic drugs currently being taken in the United States by diabetics, noting the potential of thyroid tumors among humans as well.

Did the Manufacturer of Byetta Exhibit a Failure to Warn?

Although there has been no recall of Byetta as of this writing, lawsuits continue to mount. Those who were harmed by a drug they believed to be safe are consulting attorneys to file a Byetta lawsuit. As with many cases involving dangerous drugs and huge pharmaceutical companies many wonder whether Amylin exhibited a failure to warn consumers.

The failure to warn allegation may include the failure to sufficiently test Byetta, the failure to advise physicians to monitor patients taking Byetta carefully for signs of pancreatitis and the failure to mention the risk of pancreatic cancer on the original Byetta labeling.

If you believe you have a Byetta thyroid cancer lawsuit, it could be advantageous for you to speak with a knowledgeable Byetta attorney, as you may be entitled to compensation for your medical expenses, pain and suffering and lost wages associated with Byetta.