The FDA is investigating the risk of pancreatic cancer Kazano. Lawsuits have already been filed by people who took diabetes drugs in the “incretin mimetic” class and developed pancreatitis or cancer.
What You Can Do & How We Can Help
The Schmidt Firm, PLLC is currently accepting Kazano induced injury 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 toll free 24 hours a day at (866) 920-0753.
Kazano and “Incretin Mimetic” Diabetes Drugs
Kazano is a prescription medication for adults with type-2 diabetes. It contains alogliptin, which belongs to a class of drugs called “incretin mimetic.” These drugs mimic hormones called incretins, which forces the pancreas to make more insulin and lowers blood-sugar levels.
What is the problem?
Having diabetes is a risk-factor for pancreas problems, which is why experts are concerned that Kazano might over-stimulate the pancreas and cause side effects. Other incretin mimetics, such as Byetta (exenatide), have already been linked to dozens of cases of pancreas inflammation, including life-threatening hemorrhagic and necrotizing pancreatitis.
Kazano and Pancreatic Cancer
The pancreatic risks of Kazano were highlighted in a Safety Communication issued by the FDA in 2013. The agency cited several concerning studies, including one linking incretin mimetic drugs with a doubled increased risk of pancreatitis.
Other studies have found evidence of cancer, including one published by Gastroenterology in 2010. Another study published in Diabetes found evidence of pre-cancerous growths in several pancreases from patients who used an incretin mimetic drug for at least one year.
Pancreatic Cancer Information
About 42,000 people in the United States are diagnosed with pancreatic cancer every year. It occurs when tumors form in the pancreas, which is an organ located near the stomach. It makes digestive enzymes that break down food and hormones that regulate blood-sugar levels, including insulin and glucagon.
Symptoms
When symptoms do appear, they almost always include pain and weight-loss. The pain may get worse after eating greasy foods because the pancreas does not make enough enzymes to break down fat. The most common symptoms include:
- Upper abdominal pain or discomfort
- Diarrhea and indigestion (especially after eating fatty food)
- Loss of appetite
- Weight-loss
- Nausea, vomiting
- Feeling tired or weak
- Jaundice (yellowing of skin and eyes)
- Dark-colored urine, clay-colored stools
Diagnosis & Treatment
Most people do not have symptoms in the early stages of pancreatic cancer. This often delays diagnosis until after the cancer has spread to other organs (metastasized). There are many vital organs near the pancreas, which is why pancreatic cancer is very hard to treat. Only about 20% of people can have surgery to remove the cancer. Many people undergo aggressive cancer treatments like chemotherapy (“chemo”) or radiation therapy.
Do I have a Kazano Lawsuit?
The Schmidt Firm, PLLC is currently accepting Kazano induced injury 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 toll free 24 hours a day at (866) 920-0753.
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