Byetta Diabetes Injections:

Byetta (exenatide) is a type 2 diabetes drug manufactured by Amylin Pharmaceuticals, Inc. and Eli Lilly & Co. which was approved by the FDA in April 2005 to help reduce blood sugar levels. It is a subcutaneous injection administered twice a day. Byetta has been taken by over 700,000 people in the United States. Recently, Byetta has been linked to serious cases of pancreatitis and in some cases death.

FDA ISSUES WARNINGS:

In October of 2007, the FDA issued an alert about the link between Byetta and over 30 reported cases of Pancreatitis among its users. In August 2008, a second FDA alert was issued to inform healthcare providers about additional reported cases of necrotizing pancreatitis and hemorrhagic pancreatitis among Byetta users. At least two of these cases resulted in death.

What Is Pancreatitis?

Pancreatitis is an inflammation of the pancreas.

Acute pancreatitis is usually resolved after a few days. It is accompanied by severe pain in the upper abdomen which may radiate to the back. The belly may be swollen and tender. In severe cases there may be other symptoms such as vomiting and nausea, chills and/or rapid heartbeat. There may also be lethargy, fatigue and disorientation.

Hemorrhagic pancreatitis is a severe form of the condition where massive erosion of blood vessels can lead to severe bleeding.

Necrotizing pancreatitis involves tissue damage, which leads to the release of toxins and enzymes into the blood stream and may cause multi-organ failure and death.

Chronic pancreatitis may not be accompanied by severe pain. If there is severe pain it is usually totally debilitating. This lack of pain may indicate extreme conditions such as total dysfunction of the organ. It may also indicate that the pancreas is no longer producing insulin. Liver damage may also occur causing jaundice ( yellowing of the skin).

The FDA has recommended that healthcare providers monitor their patients who are receiving Byetta and the drug should be stopped if pancreatitis is suspected. If someone develops pancreatitis or has a history of the condition, the FDA indicates that a different diabetes treatment should be used. Individuals receiving the drug have also been urged to report any potential Byetta side effects, including unexplained severe abdominal pain, either with or without bleeding.

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If you or a loved one have suffered pancreatitis, hemorrhagic pancreatitis, necrotizing pancreatits, or death as a result of taking Byetta, you may be entitled to compensation. Contact the Byetta attorneys of Ennis & Ennis today for a free case evaluation. Our on staff nurse and lawyers are standing by to answer any questions you may have regarding Byetta side effects, a possible Byetta class action lawsuit, or any other type of Byetta Pancreatitis litigation.