A February 25, 2013 study published by the Journal of the American Medical Association Internal Medicine has reported a connection between acute pancreatitis and pancreatic cancer with the use of the diabetes drug, Januvia. The study also noted that there was increased risk of thyroid cancer. The JAMA Internal Medicine journal report found that hospitalized patients with pancreatitis were two times more likely to be taking either Januvia or Byetta than diabetic patients who did not have pancreatitis.
The reported side effects to Januvia are similar to those reported earlier for Byetta, made by Bristol-Myers Squibb Co. Byetta is another type II diabetes medication. Lawsuits have been filed in California against the maker of Byetta, alleging patients were not adequately warned about the risks associated with the drug.
Consumer Reports published an article warning patients to speak to their physicians about switching from Januvia to another diabetes medication. The drug manufacturer of Januvia denies that there is any harm in taking its product. However, independent studies indicate a high risk of injury from Januvia. The Federal Food & Drug Administration has not yet issued a warning about the potential harm associated with the taking of Januvia and thyroid or pancreatic cancer.
Kreisman Law Offices has been handing pharmaceutical lawsuits for more than 37 years, in and around Chicago, Cook County and surrounding areas, including Alsip, Chicago (Morgan Park), Chicago (Mount Greenwood), Evergreen Park, Elk Grove Village, Palos Heights, Oak Forest, Harvey, Marionette Park, Blue Island, Niles and Schiller Park, Illinois.