In 2009, the FDA warned about the potential risk of pancreatitis from Janumet. Three years later, the FDA sent Merck a warning letter for failing to conduct required studies of pancreatitis.
What You Can Do & How a Janumet Lawsuit Can Help
The Schmidt Firm, PLLC is currently accepting Janumet induced injury cases in all 50 states. If you or somebody you know was injured by pancreatitis, 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.
UPDATE: Janumet Linked to Doubled Risk of Pancreatitis
February 25, 2013 — A study published in JAMA Internal Medicine has linked sitagliptin (an ingredient in Janumet) to a doubled risk of acute pancreatitis. Click here to read more.
Does Janumet Cause Pancreatitis?
Experts do not know if Janumet causes pancreatitis. However, it is possible that Janumet is a risk factor for pancreatitis. Janumet contains sitagliptin, which simulates cells in the pancreas to produce insulin. In 2009, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) published a Safety Communication after they received 88 reports of acute pancreatitis in diabetics who took sitagliptin — including reports of hemorrhagic and necrotizing pancreatitis. Nearly half of individuals (49%) had no other risk factors for pancreatitis besides diabetes and Janumet.
Incomplete Studies of Janumet Pancreatitis
In February 2012, the FDA sent Merck & Co. a Warning Letter because the drug company failed to conduct a 3-month study of pancreatitis in rodents treated with sitagliptin. The FDA asked for the study in 2009. Merck agreed to complete the study by March 15, 2011, and submit the final report by June 15, 2011. When the study was not complete by 2012, the FDA found that Merck was in violation of federal law for failing to complete the safety study.
What Causes Pancreatitis?
The most common causes of pancreatitis are gallstones and alcoholism. Another major risk factor is type-2 diabetes. Because Janumet is a diabetes drug, it is difficult to say whether a case of Janumet pancreatitis is caused by Janumet, diabetes, or another risk factor.
Risk factors for pancreatitis include:
- Medications
- Diabetes
- Gallstones
- Alcoholism
- Obesity
- Abdominal injury or surgery
- Family history of pancreatitis
- Smoking cigarettes
- Cystic fibrosis
- Abnormal blood chemistry (high calcium, high triglyceride, high parathyroid hormone)
- Viral infections (mumps, etc.)
- Pancreatic cancer
- And more
Do I have a Janumet Lawsuit?
The Schmidt Firm, PLLC is currently accepting Janumet induced injury cases in all 50 states. If you or somebody you know was injured by pancreatitis, 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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