Januvia (sitagliptin) has been linked to two cases of hemorrhagic pancreatitis, in which inflammation in the pancreas causes severe bleeding. In response, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) published a warning about Januvia hemorrhagic pancreatitis in 2009. If you were injured by this life-threatening complication of Januvia, contact our Januvia lawyers today regarding a lawsuit and potential injury compensation.

What You Can Do & How a Januvia Lawsuit Can Help

The Schmidt Firm, LLP is currently accepting Januvia induced injury cases in all 50 states. If you or somebody you know was injured by Januvia hemorrhagic 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.

What is Hemorrhagic Pancreatitis?

Hemorrhagic pancreatitis occurs when severe inflammation in the pancreas leads to tissue death (necrosis), which ruptures blood vessels and causes bleeding (hemorrhaging) inside the abdominal cavity and pancreas. It is a severe complication of acute pancreatitis.

The pancreas is an organ involved in digestion and metabolism. It is located behind the stomach, where it secretes hormones (such as insulin) and digestive enzymes to break down food. No one knows exactly what causes pancreatitis, but it is believed to occur when inflammation causes digestive enzymes activate and auto-digest pancreatic tissue. If the inflammation is not controlled, severe complications like hemorrhagic pancreatitis can occur.

Hemorrhagic pancreatitis can occur with necrotizing pancreatitis (tissue death).

Does Januvia Cause Hemorrhagic Pancreatitis?

It is unknown whether Januvia (sitagliptin) causes hemorrhagic pancreatitis. However, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) published a Safety Communication about the risk in 2009, warning:

“Eighty-eight post-marketing cases of acute pancreatitis, including two cases of hemorrhagic or necrotizing pancreatitis in patients using sitagliptin, were reported to the Agency between October 2006 and February 2009.”

Januvia has been marketed and sold by Merck & Co. in the U.S. since 2006. It belongs to a new class of diabetes drugs that stimulate the pancreas to secrete more insulin by inhibiting dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4). This helps a diabetic person control their blood-sugar levels.

Unfortunately, there is a growing amount of evidence linking Januvia and hemorrhagic pancreatitis. Several other drugs in the same class as Januvia (such as Byetta and Janumet) have also been linked to hemorrhagic pancreatitis, which has prompted warnings from the FDA.

Symptoms of Januvia Hemorrhagic Pancreatitis

Januvia hemorrhagic pancreatitis often causes severe symptoms, such as:

• Abdominal pain, which may:
• Radiate to the back
• Be persistent or grow worse over several days
• Worsen after eating, drinking, or while lying down
• Become constant or severe
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Digestive problems (indigestion, diarrhea, constipation)
• Weight loss, lack of appetite, anorexia
• Jaundice (mild yellowing of skin or eyes)
• Clay-colored stools
• Fever
• And more

Complications of Januvia Hemorrhagic Pancreatitis

Januvia hemorrhagic pancreatitis complications can be life-threatening, which is why most people with this disease require hospitalization. They may need to fast (stop eating and drinking) to give the pancreas time to rest, during which time they will receive intravenous fluids and nutrition. The goal of treatment is to reduce inflammation in the pancreas.

Complications of Januvia hemorrhagic pancreatitis include:

• Kidney damage or kidney failure
• Respiratory problems
• Organ system failure
• Increasing fluid in the abdomen
• Pancreatic cysts
• Fluid-filled abscesses
• Heart failure
• Low blood pressure (hypotension)
• Necrotizing pancreatitis (death of pancreatic tissue)
• Intestinal bleeding
• Surgical treatment
• Permanent pancreas damage
• Disability
• Death

Do I have a Januvia Lawsuit?

The Schmidt Firm, LLP is currently accepting Januvia induced injury cases in all 50 states. If you or somebody you know was injured by Januvia hemorrhagic 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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