In August 2008, the FDA announced that Byetta, a type 2 diabetes drug, had been linked to two deaths and four hospitalizations. The patients who were harmed by Byetta suffered from severe pancreatitis, including hemorrhagic pancreatitis (swelling and severe bleeding of the pancreas) and necrotizing pancreatitis (rapid decay and death of organ cells).

Byetta is made by Amylin Pharmaceuticals Inc. and Eli Lilly & Co. The drug first hit the market in June 2005 and has now been used by more than 700,000 patients worldwide. Many healthcare professionals consider Byetta to be an improvement over other medications that are used to treat diabetes.

Due to the recent injuries and deaths, the FDA has started working on a stronger warning label for Byetta. There is speculation that the drug may soon carry a Black Box warning -- the most serious warning issued by the FDA when a prescription drug carries a significant risk of severe side effects or death.

This is not the first time that Byetta has been associated with pancreas injuries. In October 2007, the FDA said 30 instances of acute pancreatitis had been reported among Byetta users. Twenty-one patients were hospitalized, including five with serious complications. The FDA asked Amylin to include information about pancreatitis in the Precautions section of the drug's labeling.

Many people recover from acute pancreatitis, but it can be a life-threatening condition that can cause severe breathing problems as well as kidney failure. Also, the FDA notes, "There are no signs or symptoms that distinguish acute hemorrhagic or necrotizing pancreatitis associated with Byetta from the less severe form of pancreatitis."
Current users of Byetta who are concerned about the recent adverse events surrounding the drug should contact their doctor before discontinuing use. They should also immediately contact their doctor if they experience symptoms of acute pancreatitis. The symptoms include:

• Abdominal pains
• Vomiting
• Fever
• Swollen and tender abdomen
• Rapid pulse
• Nausea

If you or someone you love has been harmed by a pharmaceutical side effect, the manufacturer may have failed in its duty to provide a safe and well-tested product. Only a qualified pharmaceutical lawyer can help you determine if you have a case.

At Brown & Crouppen our experienced team of defective drug lawyers provide tough, aggressive representation for Byetta victims and their families. When you choose us to handle your Byetta claim, our entire team becomes fully committed to your cause. We'll find answers, hold negligent companies responsible and get you the compensation you deserve.

Brown & Crouppen can help you make informed decisions about your legal rights. Call Brown & Crouppen Toll-Free at 888-891-2022 for your free legal consultation, or save time with our online Contact Form.

Call Brown & Crouppen at Toll-Free: 888-891-2022 for your free
legal consultation or save time with our online Contact Form.

Toll-Free: 888-891-2022