Byetta is an injectable prescription medication prescribed to help patients improve their blood sugar. The drug is manufactured by Bristol-Myers Squibb Company using exenatide as the active ingredient. The drug was approved by the FDA in April of 2005.
Years after the approval, the FDA issued safety communications. In 2007, they released reports of acute pancreatitis. In 2008, reports grew more serious with hemorrhagic and necrotizing pancreatitis. Later, they added altered kidney function in 2009.
Another Drug Safety Communication was published in March 2013 for all incretin mimetic class of diabetes drugs, including Byetta. A study was performed showing the class of drugs could cause pancreatic cancer. The findings of this study are still under review by the FDA, causing patients to be uneducated about the risks of pancreatic cancer when taking the drug.
Victims of the risks of this drug are filing lawsuits for their suffering from the effects. If you or someone you love has experienced these serious side effects after taking Byetta, you may be entitled to financial compensation. Contact one of our offices for a free consultation to see if you have a case.