Thyroid cancer occurs when cells begin dividing out of control in the thyroid, which is a gland on the front of the neck that produces metabolic hormones. Fortunately, most cases of thyroid cancer are diagnosed early, treated, and can be cured.
What You Can Do & How We Can Help
The Schmidt Firm, PLLC is currently accepting thyroid cancer injury cases in all 50 states. If you or somebody you know was diagnosed with thyroid 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.
Byetta and Thyroid Cancer
Byetta is a relatively new drug, and there is no long-term safety data involving large numbers of people. Researchers still do not know if Byetta causes thyroid cancer and more studies are necessary to fully understand the risk. In 2009, the FDA asked drug-makers to “explore a potential signal of a serious risk of thyroid cancer.”
Byetta Linked to 5X Risk of Thyroid Cancer
In 2011, a study published in Gastroenterology specifically associated Byetta with a 4.7-fold increased risk of thyroid cancer. The study was based on an analysis of Adverse Event Reports (AERs) submitted to the FDA from 2004 through 2009. Researchers cautioned that this data does not prove that Byetta causes thyroid cancer, but it does signal a potential risk.
What is the problem?
Concerns about cancer have been raised regarding the entire class of diabetes drugs that work by mimicking the GLP-1 hormone. Victoza (liraglutide) is another Type-2 diabetes drug what mimics GLP-1. One study of Victoza in rodents found a significant increased risk of precancerous thyroid C-cell tumors. Although it is unknown whether this risk translates to humans, it is another cause for concern.
What is Thyroid Cancer?
Thyroid cancer is a cancer of the thyroid, which is an butterfly-shaped endocrine gland located in the front of the neck. There are several different types of thyroid cancer, including:
- Anaplastic carcinoma
- Follicular carcinoma
- Medullary carcinoma
- Papillary carcinoma
Most people who have thyroid cancer will require therapy to reduce the risk that the cancer will cause complications, or metastasize (spread to nearby tissues or other organs). Treatment may involve surgery to remove cancerous tissue. The entire thyroid gland is usually removed. For more advanced thyroid cancers, radiation therapy or chemotherapy may be necessary.
More Information
- What are the symptoms of thyroid cancer?
- What causes thyroid cancer?
- What are the complications of thyroid cancer?
- How is thyroid cancer diagnosed?
- What are the treatment options for thyroid cancer?
Symptoms of Thyroid Cancer
- Nodule or lump on the center of the throat
- Neck or throat pain
- Enlarged lymph nodes
- Chronic cough
- Problems breathing or swallowing
- Changes in voice (hoarseness)
- And more
Do I have a Byetta Lawsuit?
The Schmidt Firm, PLLC is currently accepting thyroid cancer injury cases in all 50 states. If you or somebody you know was diagnosed with thyroid 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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