It is possible that the type-2 diabetes medication Byetta (exenatide) could cause kidney failure, but experts have not established a conclusive link. Byetta is associated with more than 78 cases of kidney problems, including 4 deaths. Many of these incidents occurred in people who suffered severe vomiting, diarrhea, and dehydration, which is a known cause of kidney failure. Byetta is also associated with pancreatitis, another potential cause of kidney failure.
What You Can Do & How a Byetta Lawsuit Can Help
The Schmidt Firm, PLLC is currently accepting Byetta induced 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 Defective Drug Litigation Group or call us toll-free 24 hours a day at (866) 920-0753.
Does Byetta Cause Kidney Failure?
It is unknown whether Byetta causes kidney failure. However, there is strong evidence that Byetta is a risk factor. The Prescribing Information for Byetta warns that patients have reported altered kidney function, worsening of existing kidney problems, and sudden kidney failure. The FDA has also linked 78 cases of kidney problems to Byetta. One individual stopped taking Byetta due to kidney problems, re-started Byetta, and suffered recurrent kidney problems.
Byetta is associated with two known risk factors for kidney failure:
- Dehydration: The most common serious side effects of Byetta are nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, which can lead to dehydration and cause kidney failure.
- Pancreatitis: Byetta can inflame the pancreas in some individuals, causing acute pancreatitis. This can cause low blood pressure, dehydration, or severe bleeding, which can cause kidney failure.
Causes of Acute Kidney Failure
There are many potential causes of kidney failure, including Byetta. Almost any medication, disease, or severe medical condition can cause problems with kidney function. The most common cause (60% of cases) occurs when blood-flow to the kidneys is decreased or obstructed. This is called prerenal kidney failure.
The most common causes of acute kidney failure include:
- Pancreatitis
- Dehydration (from vomiting, diarrhea, blood loss, lack of water)
- Medications that interfere with blood supply to kidneys
- Toxins that overload the kidneys
- Sudden drop in blood pressure
- Infection in the bloodstream (septic shock)
- Burns
- Hemorrhage (bleeding)
- Injury
- Illnesses
- Complications of surgery
- Heart attacks or heart failure
- Blockage of a blood vessel carrying blood to the kidneys
- And more
Do I have a Byetta Lawsuit for Kidney Failure?
The Schmidt Firm, PLLC is currently accepting Byetta induced 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 Defective Drug Litigation Group or call us toll-free 24 hours a day at (866) 920-0753.
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