Studies have found evidence of pancreatic side effects from diabetes drugs in the incretin mimetic class, such as Nesina. The FDA is investigating risks like pancreatitis (chronic inflammation) and pancreatic cancer.
What You Can Do & How We Can Help
The Schmidt Firm, PLLC is currently accepting Nesina 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.
How Does Nesina Work?
Nesina is the brand-name for alogliptin, a new medication that helps control blood-sugar levels by mimicking hormones called incretins, which stimulates the pancreas to make more insulin.
What is the Problem?
Nesina relies on the pancreas to work. The risk is that over-stimulation of the pancreas could potentially lead to chronic inflammation and other pancreatic side effects, such as:
- Chronic pancreatitis
- Hemorrhagic pancreatitis
- Necrotizing pancreatitis
- Pancreatic cancer
- Pre-cancerous growths (pancreatic duct metaplasia)
FDA Issues Safety Warnings
The FDA has been investigating the risk of pancreatitis from other drugs in the same class as Nesina, including Byetta (exenatide) and Januvia (sitagliptin). Both drugs were linked to a doubled increased risk of pancreatitis in a study published by JAMA Internal Medicine in February 2013.
In March 2013, the FDA also issued a Safety Communication after researchers found evidence of pre-cancerous growths called pancreatic duct metaplasia. However, the FDA did not order drug-makers to strengthen warning labels.
What is the Pancreas?
The pancreas is a digestive gland located below the stomach. It releases enzymes into the intestines to help break down food. It also makes hormones like insulin that tell your body to start using blood-sugar for energy.
What Causes Pancreatic Cancer?
Pancreatic cancer is caused by uncontrolled cell growth inside the pancreas. It almost always occurs in exocrine cells, which make enzymes. Unfortunately, these tumors are usually aggressive.
Symptoms of Pancreatic Cancer
Pancreatic cancer rarely produces symptoms in its early stages. When symptoms do appear, they may be vague and non-specific, such as lack of appetite or tiredness. Most people have pain and weight-loss. The pain can come and go, and it might get worse after eating.
Pancreatic cancer symptoms may include:
- Pain or discomfort in the abdomen, stomach, or back
- Indigestion or diarrhea after eating fatty foods
- Bloating and gastrointestinal discomfort
- Nausea, vomiting
- Loss of appetite and weight-loss
- Tiredness or weakness
- Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)
- Blocked bile ducts (itching, clay-colored stools, dark-colored urine)
- And more
Risk-Factors for Pancreatic Cancer
People with type-2 diabetes are more likely to be diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, but no one knows why. Chronic inflammation in the pancreas (pancreatitis) is a major risk-factor for pancreatic cancer. Other risk-factors include genetic (hereditary) medical problems and cigarette smoking.
Treatment for Pancreatic Cancer
Treatment options depend on the stage of the tumor and where it is located. Only about 20% of patients who are diagnosed with pancreatic cancer can have it surgically removed. The surgeon may remove part of the pancreas or the whole organ and other organs nearby.
Do I have a Nesina Lawsuit?
The Schmidt Firm, PLLC is currently accepting Nesina 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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