Byetta Kidney Failure Symptoms

People who use Byetta (exenatide) to treat kidney failure should be aware of the most common signs and symptoms of kidney failure, because early diagnosis and treatment are essential for good long-term prognosis. The most common symptoms include nausea, vomiting, changes in urination, diarrhea, confusion, muscle weakness, confusion, and more.

What You Can Do & How a Byetta Lawsuit Can Help

The Schmidt Firm, PLLC is currently accepting Byetta induced injury cases in all 50 states. If you or somebody you know was injured by Byetta, 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 us toll-free 24 hours a day at (866) 920-0753.

Byetta and Kidney Failure

Amylin Pharmaceuticals and Eli Lilly & Co. produce and market Byetta (exenatide), a medication that helps people with type-2 diabetes lower their blood-sugar levels. Unfortunately, Byetta has been linked to at least 78 cases of kidney problems, including 62 people with kidney failure, 16 people with poor kidney function (renal insufficiency), and 4 people who died.

The FDA has warned that kidney failure can occur as a complication of other side effects of Byetta:

“Some of the 78 patients reported nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea — the most common side effects associated with Byetta in clinical trials. These side effects may have contributed to the development of altered kidney function in the reported cases.”

The kidneys are organs that filter blood, remove waste products and excess fluid, and balance the levels of salt, electrolytes, minerals, and water in the blood. Acute kidney failure occurs when the kidneys stop working within less than 2 days. Life-threatening complications can occur when wastes and fluids build up in the bloodstream.

Byetta Kidney Failure Symptoms

Byetta patients may develop kidney failure symptoms at any time during treatment. The FDA has received reports of symptoms appearing in as little as 3 days, or up to 2 years after the patients starts using Byetta. Furthermore, some Byetta patients have no symptoms of kidney failure in its early stages, which can delay diagnosis.

Byetta patients may develop symptoms of kidney failure, including:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Loss of appetite
• Lethargy, fatigue, drowsiness
• Muscle weakness, tingling, or decreased sensation
• Confusion
• Changes in urine (color, amount, frequency)
• Bloody stools
• Dehydration
• Swelling in the extremities (feet, ankles)
• High blood pressure
• Nosebleeds
• Muscle twitches or cramps, hand tremor
• Chest pain or pressure
• Shortness of breath (if there is fluid in the lungs)
• And more

Will My Symptoms Improve If I Stop Byetta?

Unfortunately, many people who stop taking Byetta due to kidney problems do not see improvements in their symptoms. This Drug Safety Communication from the FDA announced that the agency had received 78 reports of Byetta kidney problems, and 63 out of 78 stopped taking Byetta. However, only 39 (50%) reported an improvement in their symptoms. This raises concern about severe long-term complications from Byetta-induced kidney failure.

Do I have a Byetta Lawsuit for Kidney Failure?

The Schmidt Firm, PLLC is currently accepting Byetta injury cases in all 50 states. If you or somebody you know was injured by Byetta, 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 us toll-free 24 hours a day at (866) 920-0753.

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