Merck’s new diabetes drug Januvia (sitagliptin) has been linked to at least 88 cases of pancreatitis (pancreas inflammation). Januvia pancreatitis reports include the most life-threatening forms of the disease — hemorrhagic and necrotizing pancreatitis. If Januvia caused your pancreatitis, contact our Januvia lawyers regarding a potential lawsuit.
What You Can Do & How a Januvia Lawsuit Can Help
The Schmidt Firm, PLLC is currently accepting Januvia induced injury cases in all 50 states. If you or somebody you know was injured by Januvia pancreatitis, 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 Januvia?
The drug company Merck manufactures Januvia (sitagliptin), a treatment for type-2 diabetes. When Januvia was approved by the FDA in 2006, it was the first diabetes drug in a new class that lowers blood-sugar levels. It treats diabetes by stimulating the pancreas to produce more insulin (a hormone that tells cells to absorb more blood-sugar).
- What are the symptoms of Januvia pancreatitis?
- What causes pancreatitis?
- What are the complications of pancreatitis?
- How is pancreatitis diagnosed?
- What is the treatment for pancreatitis?
Januvia Pancreatitis
Unfortunately, there is also evidence that Januvia could increase the risk of sudden pancreas inflammation, also known as acute pancreatitis. These diseases affect the pancreas, which is an organ located behind the stomach that is responsible for making metabolic hormones like insulin and glucagon. The pancreas also secretes digestive enzymes that help break down food.
Januvia pancreatitis is a very severe, life-threatening medical emergency that can be deadly. Although most cases of pancreatitis are mild, Januvia has been linked to the most deadly forms of the disease:
- Hemorrhagic pancreatitis: Occurs when the pancreas bleeds (hemorrhages). If it is ruptured, the pancreas may also spill powerful digestive enzymes into the abdomen, which can cause massive tissue damage, organ failure, and death.
- Necrotizing pancreatitis: If pancreas inflammation is not controlled, it may cut off the supply of blood to the pancreas and cause tissue damage or tissue death (necrosis). This necrotic tissue is highly susceptible to bacterial infection, which is why it often needs to be removed surgically to prevent sepsis (blood infection) and death.
Treatment for pancreatitis typically involves hospitalization, which can minimize the risk of life-threatening complications. Patients may need to stop eating and drinking for a few days to give the pancreas a chance to heal, and intravenous fluids and nutrition are given during this time.
FDA Warning for Januvia Pancreatitis
In 2009, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) published a Drug Safety Communication to report that they had received 88 reports of Januvia pancreatitis from October 2006 through February 2009. These cases included 2 reports of hemorrhagic and necrotizing pancreatitis.
The FDA warning stated that Januvia has not been studied in patients who are at risk of pancreatitis, and therefore it should be used with caution. The FDA also warned:
“Because acute pancreatitis is associated with considerable morbidity and mortality, and early recognition is important in reducing adverse health outcomes.”
Symptoms of Januvia Pancreatitis
Recognizing the symptoms of Januvia pancreatitis is essential to a prompt diagnosis, treatment, and good long-term prognosis. The most common symptoms include:
- Severe, persistent upper abdominal pain
- Pain that may radiate to the back
- Abdominal pain that worsens after eating
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Indigestion
- Weight loss
- Fever
- Oily, smelly stools
- And more
Januvia Side Effects
Our law firm is now accepting potential Januvia lawsuits on behalf of people who used Januvia and suffered the following serious side effects:
- Pancreatitis
- Hemorrhagic pancreatitis
- Necrotizing pancreatitis
- Pancreatic cancer
- Death
Do I have a Januvia Lawsuit?
The Schmidt Firm, PLLC is currently accepting Januvia induced injury cases in all 50 states. If you or somebody you know was injured by Januvia pancreatitis, 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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