Did you suffer from thyroid cancer after taking the Type-2 diabetes medication Byetta (exenatide)? Thyroid cancer occurs when cells begin dividing out of control in the thyroid, which is a gland in the front of the neck that produces metabolic hormones. Fortunately, most cases of thyroid cancer are diagnosed early, treated, and can be cured.

What You Can Do & How a Byetta Thyroid Cancer Lawsuit Can Help

The Schmidt Firm, LLP is currently accepting Byetta thyroid cancer 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 Byetta Litigation Group or call us toll-free 24 hours a day at (866) 920-0753.

Overview

Byetta (exenatide) is a twice-daily injection medication that helps people with Type-2 diabetes control their blood sugar levels. It is a synthetic drug that works by mimicking the action of a hormone called GLP-1, which stimulates the pancreas to secrete extra insulin. The hormone insulin triggers cells to absorb blood-sugar, which lowers total blood-sugar levels. Byetta also reduces appetite, which is why many patients on this medication experience weight loss.

Byetta was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2005. It is manufactured and marketed by the drug companies Amylin Pharmaceuticals and Eli Lilly & Co. Byetta is a very unique drug, because it contains a compound that was developed from the poisonous saliva of the Gila monster, a large venomous lizard native to the Southwestern United States.

Byetta Thyroid Cancer

Byetta is a relatively new drug, and there is no long-term safety data involving large numbers of people. Researchers still do not know if Byetta causes thyroid cancer. More research is necessary to fully understand the link between Byetta and thyroid cancer.

Concerns about cancer have been raised regarding the entire class of diabetes drugs that work by mimicking the GLP-1 hormone. Victoza (liraglutide) is another Type-2 diabetes drug what mimics GLP-1. One study of Victoza in rodents found a significant increased risk of precancerous thyroid C-cell tumors. Although it is unknown whether this risk translates to humans, it is another cause for concern.

In 2009, the FDA decided to require Amylin Pharmaceuticals to conduct six post-marketing safety studies to better understand the link between Byetta and thyroid cancer and pancreatic caner. Because these types of cancer are relatively rare, it may be several years before the studies are completed.

Studies Linking Byetta to Thyroid Cancer

The journal Gastroenterology published a study in 2011 linking Byetta to a 4.7-fold increased risk of thyroid cancer. The study was based on an analysis of Adverse Event Reports (AERs) submitted to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) from 2004 through 2009. Researchers cautioned that this data does not prove that Byetta causes thyroid cancer, but it does signal a potential risk.

What is Thyroid Cancer?

Thyroid cancer is a cancer of the thyroid, which is an butterfly-shaped endocrine gland located in the front of the neck. There are several different types of thyroid cancer, including:

• Anaplastic carcinoma
• Follicular carcinoma
• Medullary carcinoma
• Papillary carcinoma

Most people who have thyroid cancer will require therapy to reduce the risk that the cancer will cause complications, or metastasize (spread to nearby tissues or other organs). Treatment may involve surgery to remove cancerous tissue. The entire thyroid gland is usually removed. For more advanced thyroid cancers, radiation therapy or chemotherapy may be necessary.

• What are the symptoms of thyroid cancer?
• What causes thyroid cancer?
• What are the complications of thyroid cancer?
• How is thyroid cancer diagnosed?
• What are the treatment options for thyroid cancer?

Symptoms of Thyroid Cancer

Thyroid cancer often produces no symptoms in its early stages. When symptoms do appear, they may include:

• Nodule or lump on the center of the throat
• Neck or throat pain
• Enlarged lymph nodes
• Chronic cough
• Problems breathing or swallowing
• Changes in voice (hoarseness)
• And more

Do I have a Byetta Thyroid Cancer Lawsuit?

The Schmidt Firm, LLP is currently accepting Byetta thyroid cancer 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 Byetta Litigation Group or call toll free 24 hours a day at (866) 920-0753.

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