Slater Slater Schulman LLP is investigating complaints that type 2 diabetes treatment Januvia may be associated with pancreatic cancer, as well as allegations that Januvia’s manufacturers negligently marketed and promoted the drug and failed to adequately test it or warn consumers of the risks of pancreatic cancer.
About Januvia
Januvia (sitagliptin), the type 2 diabetes treatment manufactured by Merck & Co., Inc., is a pharmaceutical drug prescribed for lowering blood sugar levels in adult patients with type 2 diabetes. Type 2 diabetes affects millions of Americans and their families. Januvia works by increasing insulin production by the pancreas and reducing the amount of sugar produced by the liver when blood sugar levels are too high. Januvia was approved for sale in the U.S. by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2006.
Januvia and Pancreatic Cancer
On March 14, 2013, the FDA released a Drug Safety Communication concerning Januvia, Byetta and others in the same class of drugs, stating:
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is evaluating unpublished new findings by a group of academic researchers that suggest an increased risk of pancreatitis, or inflammation of the pancreas, and precancerous cellular changes called pancreatic duct metaplasia in patients with type 2 diabetes treated with a class of drugs called incretin mimetics.
Drugs in this class work by mimicking the incretin hormones produced by the body to stimulate the release of insulin after ingesting food. Together with exercising and eating better, these drugs can help lower blood sugar levels in adults with type 2 diabetes. While there were previous studies suggesting Januvia and other incretin drugs, including Byetta, Onglyza and others may be linked to pancreatitis, this recent FDA statement raises the possibility that Januvia, Onglyza and Byetta may also be associated with pancreatic cancer.
Do I have a Januvia Cancer Lawsuit?
Slater Slater Schulman LLP are dedicated to assisting potential plaintiffs in Januvia pancreatic cancer lawsuits. If you or someone you love have taken Januvia and developed pancreatic cancer, you should contact Slater Slater Schulman LLP for a free consultation by filling out the form on this page or by calling us at (800) 251-6990.
Medical disclaimer: Please note that any change in medications should be made only after consulting with your doctor about the risks and benefits of doing so, and should not be based on any information contained in this web site or on a commercial.
