AstraZeneca’s extended-release diabetes drug Bydureon (exenatide) may increase your risk of pancreatitis (pancreas inflammation) and pancreatic cancer, according to several studies and warnings from the FDA.
What You Can Do & How We Can Help
The Schmidt Firm, PLLC is currently accepting Bydureon induced injury cases in all 50 states. If you or somebody you know has been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, you should contact our lawyers immediately for a free case consultation. Please use the form below to contact our Defective Drug Litigation Group or call toll free 24 hours a day at (866) 920-0753.
Overview
Bydureon is a prescription drug that helps adults with type-2 diabetes control blood-sugar levels. It is the extended-release version of Byetta (exenatide). Both drugs work by stimulating the pancreas to make more insulin, which causes the body to absorb more glucose (sugar) from the bloodstream.
What is the problem?
Because Bydureon relies on the pancreas, many experts are concerned that it could increase the risk of pancreatic side effects, such as:
- Chronic pancreatitis (pancreas inflammation)
- Hemorrhagic pancreatitis
- Necrotizing pancreatitis
- Pancreatic cancer
The FDA has received dozens of reports of patients on exenatide who were diagnosed with pancreatitis. In 2008, the agency reported that six patients developed hemorrhagic or necrotizing pancreatitis, including two who died.
Lawsuit Settlements
Hundreds of lawsuits have been filed against AstraZeneca by people who took Byetta or Bydureon and developed pancreatitis, pancreatic cancer, or other side effects. In August 2014, AstraZeneca reported reaching 84 lawsuit settlement agreements. The company is still facing hundreds of lawsuits in a federal Multi-District Litigation (MDL No. 2452) in California.
FDA Investigates Pancreatic Cancer Risk
In 2010, the journal Gastroenterology published a study linking exenatide with a 2.9-fold increased risk of pancreatic cancer. However, conclusions were based on small sample sizes.
In 2013, another study appeared to confirm an increased risk. Researchers autopsied pancreases from several patients on exenatide. The pancreases were 40% larger than normal and some had pre-cancerous cellular growths. In response, the FDA opened an investigation and issued a warning, but did not ask drug-makers to updated the label on Bydureon.
What is Pancreatic Cancer?
Pancreatic cancer is one of the rarest and deadliest types of cancer. It occurs when cells in the pancreas, a digestive gland below the stomach, start growing uncontrollably. Most people are diagnosed with exocrine tumors that block pancreatic ducts and interfere with digestion.
Pancreatic Cancer Symptoms
Although many types of pancreatic cancer are aggressive, the symptoms are often mild or nonexistent in its early stages. This can delay diagnosis and treatment until after the cancer has metastasized (spread to other organs). Because the pancreas is located so close to other vital organs, it is very difficult to treat once it spreads.
Symptoms of pancreatic cancer may include:
- Abdominal pain or discomfort
- Back pain
- Diarrhea
- Indigestion
- Fatigue or weakness
- Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)
- Loss of appetite and weight-loss
- Nausea, vomiting
- Dark urine or clay-colored stools
- And more
Do I have a Bydureon Lawsuit?
The Schmidt Firm, PLLC is currently accepting Bydureon induced injury cases in all 50 states. If you or somebody you know has been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, you should contact our lawyers immediately for a free case consultation. Please use the form below to contact our Defective Drug Litigation Group or call toll free 24 hours a day at (866) 920-0753.
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