Januvia, Janumet Side Effects Pancreatic Cancer Risk

Januvia (sitagliptin) is part of a class of medications known as dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitors, which are approved for treatment of type 2 diabetes as an adjunct to diet and exercise. Janumet is another version that combines Januvia with metformin.

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Since it was first introduced by Merck in October 2006, signs have existed that suggest there is a connection between pancreatic cancer and Januvia side effects. However, the manufacturer appears to have ignored these safety signals and failed to provide adequate warnings about the risk of cancer from Januvia and Janumet.

Financial compensation may be available through a Januvia pancreatic cancer lawsuit for individuals who have suffered from these potential side effects. The product liability lawyers at Saiontz & Kirk, P.A. are reviewing potential cases nationwide, and there are no fees or expenses unless a recovery is received. Request a free consultation and claim evaluation.

Side Effets of Januvia and Pancreatic Cancer

Chronic, asymptomatic pancreatitis caused by Januvia side effects may ultimately cause some users to be diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, which is the fourth most common cause of cancer-related death in the United States.

Within a three years of Januvia being introduced in the United States, an increasing number of reports began to surface of users developing pancreatitis, which involves an inflammation of the pancrease.

In September 2009, the FDA required new warnings about the potential risk of Januvia pancreatitis side effects. Due to the strong association between Januvia and pancreatitis, and the importance of early recognition to reduce the risk of serious and potentially fatal injury, new warnings were provided for consumers and the medical community.

While Merck has attempted to minimize the risk and avoided studying the link between Januvia and pancreatitis, users have been exposed to a risk of potentially life-threatening health problems.

Chronic pancreatitis could substantially increase the risk of developing pancreas cancer from Januvia the longer an individual stays on the drug, highlighting the devastating effects of Mercks’ failure to provide proper warnings to consumers about the risk of pancreas injury and the possible connection between Januvia and pancreatic cancer.

Information on Januvia Pancreas Cancer Risk

A number of studies and reports have raised serious concerns about the side effects of Januvia and Janumet.

In February 2011, a study published in the medical journal Gastroenterology, provided substantial evidence of the potential link between Januvia and pancreatic cancer. After analyzing adverse event reports submitted to the FDA between 2004 and 2009, researchers found that when compared to a control group, users of Januvia developed pancreatitis 6 times more frequently, and pancreatic cancer with Januvia was 2.72 times greater.

A February 2013 study published in in the medical journal JAMA Internal Medicine has raised further concerns about the lack of research done by the manufacturer on the potential Januvia pancreatic cancer risk.

Researchers from Johns Hopkins conducted a case controlled study of 2,538 adults with type 2 diabetes, half of whom were hospitalized with acute pancratitis. After adjusting for other risk factors for pancreatitis, researchers concluded that individuals who had used Januvia within the prior 30 days were twice as likely to be hospitalized with pancreatitis, indicating that the findings demonstrate the need for further research to evaluate the link between Januvia and pancreatic cancer.

In response to these findings, the FDA issued a drug safety communication in March 2013, indicating that the U.S. drug regulatory agency was evaluating the increased risk of pancreatitis and pancreatic cancer from Januvia, Janumet, Janumet XR and Juvisync.

Januvia and Janumet Pancreatic Cancer Lawsuits

The Januvia lawyers at Saiontz & Kirk, P.A. are reviewing potential pancreatic cancer lawsuits for former users of the popular type 2 diabetes drugs. Due to the serious health consequences that may result from pancreatic cancer, many families are also now considering Januvia wrongful death lawsuits against Merck as a result of their desire to place profits before consumer safety.

To review a potential case for yourself, a friend or family member, request a free consultation and claim evaluation.