The Merck & Co. diabetes drug Januvia (sitagliptin) has been linked to several cases of necrotizing pancreatitis. This disease is a life-threatening complication of acute pancreatitis (pancreas inflammation), and it occurs when pancreatic tissue begins to die (necrosis). There is a very high risk of complications, including surgery, organ failure, and death. Our Januvia lawyers are currently accepting potential lawsuits on behalf of people who were injured by Januvia necrotizing pancreatitis.

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 necrotizing 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.

Januvia and Necrotizing Pancreatitis

Januvia (sitagliptin) is a type-2 diabetes medication that has been marketed in America since 2006. The active drug in Januvia, sitagliptin, belongs to a new class of diabetes drugs that lower blood-sugar levels by inhibiting dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4). It specifically targets cells in the pancreas and triggers the production of more insulin.

Unfortunately, there is an increasing body of scientific evidence suggesting that Januvia can also have adverse effects on the pancreas, such as pancreatitis — sudden inflammation of the pancreas. If pancreatitis inflammation is not reduced for days or weeks, Januvia necrotizing pancreatitis may occur.

What is Necrotizing Pancreatitis?

Necrotizing pancreatitis is a complication of uncontrolled acute pancreatitis. It occurs when persistent inflammation cuts off the supply of blood to pancreatic tissue, which causes cells in the pancreas to die. Large sections of tissue may be permanently damaged or destroyed. This is called necrosis.

FDA Warning for Januvia Necrotizing Pancreatitis

The risk of Januvia necrotizing pancreatitis was highlighted by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in a Drug Safety Communication published in September 2009:

“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 16, 2006 and February 9, 2009.”

The FDA also recommended that Januvia patients and doctors should be vigilant for symptoms of Januvia necrotizing pancreatitis.

Symptoms of Januvia Necrotizing Pancreatitis

Januvia is associated with acute pancreatitis, which may produce the following symptoms:

• Upper-abdominal pain that is severe and persistent
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Fever
• Weight loss, decreased appetite, anorexia
• Abdominal tenderness or swelling

The symptoms of Januvia necrotizing pancreatitis are similar to the symptoms of pancreatitis, but more severe. These additional symptoms may include:

• Extremely low blood pressure (hypotension)
• Changes in heart rhythm, palpitations, rapid heart-rate
• Severe abdominal pain
• Symptoms of shock
• Cold extremities (hands, arms, legs, feet)
• Very high fever, or low body temperature
• Confusion, agitation, anxiety
• Breathings problems, shortness of breath

Januvia Necrotizing Pancreatitis Complications

Once necrosis (tissue death) occurs in people with pancreatitis, the risk of mortality increases significantly. However, treatment options vary depending on whether the necrotizing pancreatitis is infected or sterile. Once infection occurs, surgery is usually necessary to prevent more complications.

Januvia necrotizing pancreatitis complications may include:

• Infection
• Septic shock: This complication occurs when a bacterial infection in the pancreas spreads to other tissues, organs, or the blood. This can cause inflammation in the entire body (septic shock) and organ failure.
• Pancreatic abscess: This occurs when infected fluids (pus) and digestive enzymes accumulate in a fluid-filled sac in the abdomen. A surgeon may need to place a shunt to drain the abscess. If it ruptures, spilled digestive enzymes can cause severe organ damage in the abdomen.
• Organ failure: Failure of the heart, lungs, and kidneys is responsible for 2/3 of deaths in patients with necrotizing pancreatitis.
• Surgery: Individuals with Januvia necrotizing pancreatitis may require surgery to remove infected tissue.
• And more

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 necrotizing 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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