Are you concerned that your thyroid cancer may have been caused by Januvia (sitagliptin)? If so, you may be entitled to significant financial compensation by filing a Januvia lawsuit. Recent studies have linked Januvia to a possible increased risk of cancer — including thyroid cancer and pancreatic cancer.

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

The Schmidt Firm, LLP is currently accepting Januvia thyroid cancer cases in all 50 states. If you or somebody you know has been injured by thyroid cancer caused by Januvia, you should contact our lawyers immediately for a free case consultation. Please use the form below to contact our Januvia Litigation Group or call us toll-free 24 hours a day at (866) 920-0753.

Januvia Overview

Januvia (sitagliptin) is a new type of Type-2 diabetes drug that was invented by Merck. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Januvia in 2006. When used with diet and exercise, Januvia can help people with Type-2 diabetes control their blood-sugar levels.

Type-2 diabetes is a chronic metabolic disorder in which cells are desensitized to insulin, a hormone that tells cells to absorb glucose (sugar) from the bloodstream. When cells are resistant to insulin, they do not absorb enough blood-sugar, and this causes blood-sugar levels to get too high. Type-2 diabetes can get progressively worse if it is not managed, which is why many people take a medication. Januvia treats Type-2 diabetes by using the body’s own hormones to stimulate extra production of insulin from the pancreas, which lowers blood-sugar.

How does Januvia work?

Januvia inhibits an enzyme called dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4). This enzyme is produced by the gut after a person eats a meal. It is responsible for breaking down hormones called incretins (such as GLP-1). Incretins tell the pancreas to produce more insulin, and they also tell the liver to stop producing blood-sugar. By inhibiting DPP-4, the amount of incretins rises. The body naturally produces more insulin and stops producing blood-sugar. This helps regulate a diabetic’s blood-sugar levels.

Januvia Thyroid Cancer

• What studies have investigated Januvia thyroid cancer?
• Does Januvia cause thyroid cancer?
• What are the symptoms of thyroid cancer?
• What are the complications of thyroid cancer?
• How is thyroid cancer diagnosed?
• What is the treatment for thyroid cancer?

Januvia was linked to two cases of thyroid cancer in a study published in 2011 in Gastroenterology. Although there is no way to prove that Januvia causes thyroid cancer, it is a warning signal that should be investigated further. Fortunately, most people who get thyroid cancer survive. The first symptom of thyroid cancer is a lump or “nodule” in the front and center of the neck. This symptom is usually noticed before the cancer grows very large or causes other serious complications. Most people who are diagnosed with Januvia thyroid cancer undergo surgical treatment to remove the cancer. Treatment may also involve radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and lifelong hormonal supplements if the thyroid gland is removed.

Studies of Januvia and Cancer

Some studies have suggested that DPP-4 inhibition may impair immune function, which could increase the risk of all types of cancers. However, because Januvia is a relatively new drug (only approved in 2006), there is no long-term safety data on large numbers of people. Preliminary studies, however, have found Januvia associated with an increased risk of cancer.

A study published in 2011 in the journal Gastroenterology found that Januvia increased the risk of pancreatic cancer by 2.7-times. The researchers compared adverse events for Januvia to other diabetes medications. Although they did not find that Januvia was associated with an increased risk of thyroid cancer, they did find that Byetta was associated with thyroid cancer. Because Byetta and Januvia are very similar drugs, further research is needed to better understand the link between Januvia and cancer.

Januvia Side Effects

Cancer is one of the most severe side effects that any medication can cause. Drug companies have a responsibility to investigate potential drug side effects, and warn you about the side effects of their medication — especially a serious side effect like cancer. If you were unaware about the risk of Januvia thyroid cancer, you are not alone. If you developed thyroid cancer after taking Januvia, you may have a Januvia lawsuit. You could be entitled to financial compensation for your injury, pain and suffering, decreased quality of life, disability, and more.

Do I have a Januvia Thyroid Cancer Lawsuit?

The Schmidt Firm, LLP is currently accepting Januvia induced thyroid cancer cases in all 50 states. If you or somebody you know has been injured by thyroid cancer caused by Januvia, you should contact our lawyers immediately for a free case consultation. Please use the form below to contact our Januvia Litigation Group or call toll free 24 hours a day at (866) 920-0753.

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