Side Effects of Avandia and Byetta
Avandia and Byetta are two drugs used for treatment of Type 2 diabetes, and both drugs have recently been associated with two very different, yet serious side effects. Concerns have emerged among diabetics and their doctors about potential heart side effects of Avandia and about potential side effects of Byetta which could lead to pancreatitis.
>>INFORMATION: Side Effects of Avandia
Side Effects of Byetta
Approximately 20 million people in the United States suffer from Type II diabetes, and it is the sixth leading cause of death nationwide. Avandia is an oral medication which works by making the body more responsive to insulin, aiding in the management of blood sugar. Byetta is an injection given twice a day, which lowers blood glucoses levels by stimulating insulin secretion from pancreatic cells.
In May 2007, a report published in the New England Journal of Medicine indicated that cardiac side effects of Avandia could increase the risk of a heart attack or death. Researchers indicated that users of Avanda could face a 43% increased risk of heart attacks and a 64% increased risk of cardiovascular death. Although the FDA did not issue an Avanda recall, many doctors started looking for alternative medications for their patients.
Although Byetta is another type 2 diabetic drug which a number of Avandia users were switched to, the drugs are not equivalent therapies. A report last summer from Decision Resources indicated that most doctors did not view Byetta as an Avandia replacement at the time the concerns about Avandia emerged.
Recently concerns have emerged about a totally different health issue involving potential pancreatitis side effects of Byetta. In October 2007, the FDA notified the medical community that they had received reports of over 30 people who developed acute pancreatitis from Byetta. Pancreatitis is an inflammation of the pancrease that can cause problems like severe upper abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, high or low blood pressure, elevated heart rates, elevated respiratory rates and death.
Last month, an updated statement was issued by the FDA about six cases involving Byetta side effects that were associated with severe forms of pancreatitis, including necrotizing pancreatitis and hemorrhagic pancreatitis. Two of these six cases resulted in death, and after the FDA statement the drug makers disclosed that at least four other deaths had occurred among Byetta users who developed pancreatitis while on the drug.
BYETTA AND AVANDIA INJURY LAWYERS
The lawyers at Saiontz, Kirk & Miles, P.A. are investigating potential Avandia lawsuits and Byetta lawsuits throughout the United States. Cases are being investigated for side effects of Avandia, including:
- Heart Attacks
- Heart Related Deaths
- Ischemic Stroke
- Congestive Heart Failure
- Liver Failure
- Bone Fractures
- Macular Edema (Vision Loss or Blindness)
Potential cases are also being investigated for side effects of Byetta, including:
- Acute Pancreatitis
- Necrotizing Pancreatitis
- Hemorrhagic Pancreatitis
- Death
If you, a friend or family member have suffered an injury from Byetta or Avandia, request a free consultation and claim evaluation.
