Juvisync (sitagliptin and simvastatin) is a type-2 diabetes drug that may increase the risk of pancreatic cancer, according to recent studies. Although researchers are still investigating the link, preliminary research is concerning enough that the FDA has published a warning.
What You Can Do & How a Juvisync Lawsuit Can Help
The Schmidt Firm, PLLC is currently accepting Juvisync induced injury cases in all 50 states. If you or somebody you know was injured by 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 is Juvisync?
Juvisync is a medication that is used to treat high cholesterol and type-2 diabetes. It was developed by Merck & Co. and approved in October 2011 by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Juvisync is a combination of two drugs:
- Sitagliptin (brand-name: Januvia): This is a type-2 diabetes drug in the incretin mimetic class. Sitagliptin helps control blood-sugar levels by increasing levels of a hormone that tells the pancreas to produce insulin.
- Simvastatin (brand-name: Zocor): This treats high cholesterol by reducing the amount of fatty substances in the blood. It increases “good cholesterol” and lowers “bad cholesterol” (low-density lipoprotein or LDL cholesterol) and triglycerides.
Juvisync and Pancreatic Cancer
Researchers are concerned about a possible association between Juvisync and pancreatic cancer. A study published in February 2013 in the Journal of the American Medical Association indicated that sitagliptin may double your risk of pancreatitis. Pancreatitis (sudden and severe inflammation in the pancreas) is a risk factor for developing pancreatic cancer.
In March 2013, the FDA published this Safety Alert to warn that researchers discovered pre-cancerous cellular changes in pancreatic tissue samples collected from patients who were taking an incretin mimetic drug to treat diabetes. Because Juvisync belongs to this class of drugs, the FDA warned that it may increase the risk of pancreatic cancer.
Studies of Juvisync and Cancer
In 2011, the medical journal Gastroenterology published a study that linked sitagliptin to a higher risk of pancreatic cancer. The study was based on adverse event data that was voluntarily submitted to the FDA between 2004 and 2009. Although the reports do not prove that Juvisync can cause cancer, they are concerning and need to be investigated.
Juvisync Class Action Lawsuits
Our trial lawyers are not filing a Juvisync class action. We are filing individual lawsuits against drug-makers for failing to warn about pancreatic side effects. Over 750 lawsuits have been centralized under U.S. District Judge Anthony Battaglia in the Southern District of California, Multi-District Litigation (MDL No. 2452), In Re: Incretin Mimetics Products Liability Litigation MDL.
Do I have a Juvisync Lawsuit?
The Schmidt Firm, PLLC is currently accepting Juvisync induced injury cases in all 50 states. If you or somebody you know was injured by 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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