Byetta Lawsuit Information

Diabetes drug BYETTA linked to Pancreatitis and Kidney Failure

Byetta (exenatide) has been linked to life-threatening side effects including pancreatitis and kidney failure. Amylin Pharmaceuticals, Inc. manufactures Byetta and markets the diabetes drug with Ely Lilly and Co. Byetta was released onto the market and approved by the FDA in April 2005.

Byetta is an injectable prescription drug. Its purpose is to improve the control of glucose (blood sugar) in adults with type 2 diabetes. Byetta has also helped some patients lose weight. However, the primary purpose of Byetta is to regulate blood sugar.

On November 2, 2009, the FDA issued an alert to healthcare professionals that there were changes made to the warning label for Byetta. The change includes information on reports of kidney problems, such as renal failure and renal insufficiency. See link:

http://www.fda.gov/Drugs/DrugSafety/Byetta

The FDA had 78 patients using Byetta who were experiencing altered kidney function. Of the 78 cases, 62 patients suffered acute renal failure, which is a sudden loss of the kidneys. The remaining 16 patients experienced renal insufficiency, which is when the kidneys ability to remove waste from the body is lessened.

On August 18, 2008 the FDA said it planned to strengthen the warnings about life-threatening pancreas problems linked to the type 2 diabetes drug Byetta. This action followed after six Byetta users were hospitalized. Those patients had hemorrhagic pancreatitis or necrotizing pancreatitis. Byetta treatment was stopped. Of the six patients hospitalized, two died.

In October 2007, the FDA noted 30 reports of acute pancreatitis, which is sudden inflammation of the pancreas, in Byetta users. None of those patients had hemorrhagic pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas with bleeding) or necrotizing pancreatitis (in which the inflamed pancreas destroys itself). However, 5 of those patients also suffered from kidney failure.

Less serious side effects associated with the use of the diabetes drug Byetta include:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Abdominal Pain
• Dizziness
• Headach
• Jittery feeling

If you believe that you or a loved one has suffered as a result of taking Byetta, you may want to speak with an attorney, today, regarding your potential lawsuit. A lawyer familiar with new developments in the investigation of Byetta may be able to help you make important personal and legal decisions. Give us a call at 1-800-992-6878 or please CLICK HERE for a free consultation.