Byetta FAQ
How Does Byetta Work?
The Byetta pen (generic: exenatide) is used to improve glycemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes. Byetta’s mechanism of action works by mimicking the effects of the body’s natural GLP-1, a hormone that reacts to high blood sugar by increasing insulin production.
What is the Dosing?
Byetta is supplied as a sterile solution for subcutaneous injection containing 250 mcg/mL exenatide in the following packages: 5 mcg per dose, 60 doses, 1.2 mL prefilled pen. 10 mcg per dose, 60 doses, 2.4 mL prefilled pen.
Which Side Effects has Byetta Been Linked to?
Serious side effects of Byetta may include:
- Pancreatic inflammation
- Pancreatitis
- Chronic pancreatitis
- Acute pancreatitis
- Necrotizing pancreatitis
- Hemorrhagic pancreatitis
- Pancreatic cancer
- Thyroid cancer
- Kidney damage
- Low blood-sugar (hypoglycemia)
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Decreased appetite
- And more
What Does the FDA say about Byetta?
In October 2007, the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) required Byetta labels to include more prominent warning labels alerting patients to the risk of Byetta side effects, including reports of acute pancreatitis. This was mandated after the agency received at least 30 cases of pancreatitis associated with Byetta.
FDA in August 2008 issued a healthcare provider alert, warning physicians about 6 additional cases of necrotizing or hemorrhagic pancreatitis (two of which resulted in death) among Byetta users.
Then in November 2009, the agency warned physicians and patients that Byetta had been linked to kidney problems. The warning was based on reports of possible kidney function complications in Byetta users. According to the FDA, from April 2005 to October 2008, the agency received 78 reports of kidney function problems in patients who used Byetta.
Which Byetta Injuries is your Law Firm Accepting?
Our lawyers are currently only accepting potential lawsuits on behalf of patients who developed pancreatic cancer or thyroid cancer after taking Byetta.
What are Byetta Lawsuits Alleging?
Byetta lawsuits allege that AstraZeneca failed to adequately warn that use of the drug may increase the risk of pancreatitis, pancreatic cancer and thyroid cancer.
Is There a Class Action?
No class action has been filed in the Byetta litigation. However, in August 2013 a panel of judges decided to consolidate all federal Byetta lawsuits into a multidistrict litigation (MDL) in the Southern District of California before Judge Anthony J. Battaglia. The litigation is In Re: Incretin Mimetics Products Liability Litigation (MDL No. 2452).
Have There Been Any Settlements?
In August 2014, AstraZeneca reported that it had settled dozens of Byetta lawsuits. However, the company still faces hundreds of similar complaints alleging that Byetta caused pancreatic cancer, thyroid cancer and pancreatitis.
What Damages Could I Be Awarded?
If our lawyers determine that you have a legitimate Byetta claim against AstraZeneca, you could be awarded compensation to assist with medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.