Byetta Pancreatitis Risk Highlighted by FDA
The FDA has issued another warning to doctors about reports of users of Byetta developing pancreatitis. Following an earlier alert issued in October 2007, the FDA indicates that they have received at least six new cases of hemorrhagic pancreatitis or necrotizing pancreatitis associated with Byetta side effects. Two of these cases resulted in death.
>>PRIOR POST (10/17/2007): Byetta Pancreatitis Side Effects
Byetta is an injectable diabetes drug used to lower glucose levels for type 2 diabetics. Since its approval in 2005, over 700,000 people in the United States have received the drug and the FDA has received a high number of reports of side effects involving acute pancreatitis and more severe forms of pancreatitis.
As of October 2007, the FDA suggested that 30 cases of acute pancreatitis had been associated with use of Byetta, and doctors were told to instruct their patients to receive prompt medical care if they experienced unexplained severe abdominal pain so that the medication could be discontinued.
On August 18, 2008, additional information was posted on the FDA website about 6 more reports of cases involving hemorrhagic pancreatitis or necrotizing pancreatitis among users of Byetta. All of the patients were hospitalized, and two died.
Pancreatitis is an inflammation of the pancreas, which typically causes severe upper abdominal pain which radiates through the back. It could also be associated with nausea and vomitting. The symptoms for more severe forms of pancreatitis are often not easily distinguished, but hemorrhagic pancreatitis could occur if erosion of the blood vessels causes severe bleeding and necrotizing pancreatitis can cause multi-organ failure from tissue damage.
BYETTA PANCREATITIS LAWSUITS
The lawyers at Saiontz & Kirk, P.A. are evaluating the potential for Byetta lawsuits for individuals diagnosed with pancreatitis. Information reported by the FDA and medical literature are being evaluated to determine whether the manufacturer should have been providing stronger warnings about the potential Byetta side effects which could cause hemorrhagic pancreatitis or necrotizing pancreatitis.
If you, a friend or family member have been diagnosed with pancreatitis resulting in substantial medical treatment, hospitalization or death, contact our product liability lawyers to review a potential Byetta lawsuit.
