No one knows if Byetta causes pancreatic cancer. However, there is strong evidence that it is a risk factor. The FDA has received several reports of pancreatitis (pancreas inflammation), pre-cancerous pancreatic tumors, and pancreatic cancer in Byetta patients.
What You Can Do & How We Can Help
The Schmidt Firm, PLLC is currently accepting Byetta induced injury cases in all 50 states. If you or somebody you know was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, 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 Causes Pancreatic Cancer?
Pancreatic cancer is a life-threatening disease in which pancreatic cells begin dividing out of control. These cells form tumors inside the pancreas, which is an organ located behind the stomach that produces insulin and digestive enzymes. Cancer occurs when mutations in a cell’s DNA change the instructions about when the cell can divide and grow. It is unknown what causes these changes in DNA. However, chronic inflammation is a risk factor, because inflammation causes cells to divide more than usual.
Does Byetta Cause Pancreatic Cancer?
It is possible that Byetta causes pancreatic cancer, but no one knows for sure. Byetta treats diabetes by mimicking the action of GLP-1 (a hormone that stimulates the pancreas to produce more insulin). In some patients, this could possibly cause chronic inflammation of the pancreas, also known as pancreatitis. Pancreatitis is a risk-factor for cancer because inflammation results in more cell growth and death, which increases the odds of a DNA mutation that causes cancer.
Risk Factors for Pancreatic Cancer
- Age (being over 65 years old)
- Being male (30% more likely to develop pancreatic cancer)
- Race (African Americans are more likely to develop pancreatic cancer)
- Chronic pancreatitis
- Cigarette smoking
- Obesity
- Diabetes
- Cirrhosis of the liver
- Occupational exposure to toxic substances
- Family history
- Genetic diseases
- And more
More Information
- Symptoms of pancreatic cancer
- Complications of pancreatic cancer
- Diagnosis of pancreatic cancer
- Treatment for pancreatic cancer
Do I have a Byetta Lawsuit?
The Schmidt Firm, PLLC is currently accepting Byetta induced injury cases in all 50 states. If you or somebody you know was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, 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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