Byetta Linked to Acute Pancreatitis Deaths
Byetta warning increased by FDA due to Byetta deaths and cases of acute pancreatitis.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently issued a warning about the potential link between acute pancreatitis and patients taking Byetta (exenatide). Byetta is an inectable drug used to treat patients with Type II diabetes. On August 18, 2008, the FDA reported on its website that of the 6 cases reported, all patients were hospitalized, and two of the patiented died. Further, the use of Byetta was stopped in all cases.
SimmonsCooper is a national law firm with lawyers experienced in handling complex medical cases. If you or someone you love were injured due to taking Byetta, please contact us for a free consultation.
Byetta Deaths Come After Prior Pancreatitis Warning
It was only 10 months ago that the FDA issued a “safety alert” warning patients about the risk of acute pancreatitis as a result of taking Byetta.
The FDA has now advised that patients taking Byetta seek prompt medical care if they experience unexplained severe abdominal pain which may or may not be accompanied by vomiting.
What is Byetta?
Byetta (also called exenatide) is used in patients with Type II diabetes. It is an injectable drug that lowers blood sugar levels. Byetta was approved by the FDA in 2005. Byetta is manufactured by Amylin Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
Pancreatitis Signs and Symptoms
Pancreatitis is the inflammation of the pancreas. The pancreas is a gland that secretes enzymes into the small intestine to aid in digesting fats, proteins and carbohydrates in food, and releases insulin into the bloodstream to help the body convert glucose from food into energy. Symptoms of pancreatitis may include:
- nausea
- vomiting
- fever
- rapid pulse
Acute hemorrhagic (inflammation of the pancreas with bleeding), or necrotizing (inflammation causing tissue death) pancreatitis are severe forms of pancreatitis that can lead to the release of toxins into the blood stream risking damage to other organs.
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