Januvia Side Effects

Januvia has been linked to many severe, life-threatening side effects, including pancreatitis, low blood sugar, kidney problems, and allergic reactions. The FDA is also investigating the risk of pancreatic cancer, severe joint pain, and heart failure.

What You Can Do & How We Can Help

The Schmidt Firm, PLLC is currently accepting Januvia induced pancreatic cancer cases in all 50 states. If you or somebody you know has been 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.

Januvia Side Effects

The most common side effects of Januvia (experienced by at least 5% of patients) include headache, runny nose, and lung infections. The Prescribing Information (PDF) for Januvia includes warnings about the following severe side effects:

• Acute Pancreatitis: The use of DPP-4 inhibitors is associated with a risk of pancreatitis. Patients should be warned about this risk and seek medical attention for severe, persistent abdominal pain. Januvia has also been linked to cases of hemorrhagic and necrotizing pancreatitis and/or death.
• Hypoglycemia: This can occur when Januvia is used with other medications that lower blood-sugar levels, such as insulin and sulphonylureas (medications that force the pancreas to make more insulin).
• Kidney impairment: Januvia is removed from the bloodstream by the kidneys and excreted in urine. The dose should be limited in patients who have moderate to severe kidney problems.
• Allergic reactions: Serious hypersensitivity reactions have been reported in patients on Januvia, including angioedema and skin conditions like Stevens-Johnson Syndrome. These reactions occurred during the first 3 months the patient was on Januvia.

Pancreatitis and Pancreatic Cancer

On March 14, 2013, the FDA issued a Safety Communication about reports of a possible increased risk of pancreatitis and pancreatic cancer from Januvia. In 2009, the FDA also warned about 88 reports of pancreatitis associated with Januvia.

The agency cited two concerning studies. One study found a doubled increased risk of pancreatitis, and the other study found pre-cancerous growths in several pancreases from patients who used Januvia.

Pancreatic cancer is an extremely dangerous disease. It occurs when cells start growing uncontrollably in the pancreas, which is a digestive organ located deep inside the abdomen. The cancer does not cause symptoms in its early stages, which almost always delays diagnosis until it is too late to cure.

Joint Pain

In August 2015, the FDA issued a warning that Januvia may cause severe, disabling joint pain. The agency said it received 28 reports of patients on Januvia who developed severe joint pain between October 2006 through December 2013. Many of the patients were disabled by the pain, and several had to be hospitalized because symptoms were so severe. Most cases occurred within 1 month of starting Januvia. In some cases, problems persisted after they stopped taking Januvia.

Heart Failure

Januvia has been linked to an 84% increase in hospitalization for heart failure, according to research published in JACC Heart Failure. The study adds to a growing body of evidence linking DPP-4 inhibitors and heart failure. The FDA has already issued warnings about this risk from Onglyza, a diabetes drug that is very similar to Januvia.

Do I have a Januvia Lawsuit?

The Schmidt Firm, PLLC is currently accepting Januvia induced pancreatic cancer cases in all 50 states. If you or somebody you know has been 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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