The FDA has issued a second warning for diabetes drug Byetta. On August 18, 2008, the FDA stated:
Since issuing Information for Healthcare Professionals in October 2007, FDA has received reports of 6 cases of hemorrhagic or necrotizing pancreatitis in patients taking Byetta. Byetta is a medicine given by subcutaneous injection to help treat adults with type 2 diabetes. Of the 6 cases of hemorrhagic or necrotizing pancreatitis, all patients required hospitalization, two patients died and four patients were recovering at time of reporting. Byetta was discontinued in all 6 cases.
Byetta and other potentially suspect drugs should be promptly discontinued if pancreatitis is suspected. There are no known patient characteristics which determine when pancreatitis associated with Byetta will be complicated by the hemorrhagic or necrotizing forms of this condition. If pancreatitis is confirmed, initiate appropriate treatment and carefully monitor the patient until recovery. Byetta should not be restarted. Consider antidiabetic therapies other than Byetta in patients with a history of pancreatitis.
FDA is working with the maker of Byetta, Amylin Pharmaceuticals, Inc., to add stronger and more prominent warnings in the product label about the risk of acute hemorrhagic or necrotizing pancreatitis
If you believe you have a case and have sustained injuries from taking Byetta, first, do not stop taking your medication. If you are concerned, the first step is to contact your doctor or health care provider about your concerns.
Second, call Ed Wallis at (901) 527-4673 or send us an e-mail by clicking HERE. We will provide you a case evaluation and discuss steps you may be able to take to address your concerns.
You can also visit the pharmaceutical litigation page by clicking HERE.
