Byetta & Pancreatitis

Byetta, a type two diabetes drug used to control high blood sugar, may cause pancreatitis. Pancreatitis is a medical term that simply means inflammation of the pancreas. There are several different types of pancreatitis, and some forms are more serious than others. The following forms of pancreatitis have been linked to Byetta: &nbsp

• acute pancreatitis
• necrotizing pancreatitis
• hemorrhagic pancreatitis
• chronic pancreatitis

Severe cases of pancreatitis can cause toxins and enzymes to be released into the blood stream. When this happens, the heart, lungs, kidneys or other organs can be injured, and in some instances, these injuries can be fatal.

Byetta & Symptoms of Pancreatitis

Pancreatitis is characterized by mild to severe pain in the upper abdomen that may radiate to the back and may be accompanied by nausea or vomiting. Byetta patients suffering from pancreatitis may experience constant pain for hours or days. This pain will become worse if a Byetta patient drinks alcohol or eats. Byetta patients who experience symptoms of pancreatitis should contact a doctor immediately.

Byetta & Pancreatitis Deaths

Amylin Pharmaceuticals and Eli Lily & Company, the companies that co-market Byetta, have admitted that at least six Byetta patients have died after developing pancreatitis. All six deaths resulted from either hemorrhagic pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas with bleeding) or necrotizing pancreatitis (an inflamed pancreas that begins to destroy itself).

Hemorrhagic pancreatitis and necrotizing pancreatitis are both extremely dangerous forms of pancreatitis with high death rates. Because there are no signs or symptoms that distinguish acute Byetta-related hemorrhagic or necrotizing pancreatitis from less severe forms of the condition, doctors are advised to promptly discontinue Byetta if pancreatitis is suspected.

If pancreatitis is confirmed, the condition should be treated promptly and the patient carefully monitored until recovery. Additionally, patients who have developed pancreatitis should not resume treatment with Byetta. Instead, other anti-diabetic therapies should be considered.

Byetta & Pancreatitis Lawyers

If you or a loved one took Byetta and experienced severe side effects, such as pancreatitis, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries. Contact us today for a free and confidential case review.