The FDA is investigating studies linking type-2 diabetes medications like Oseni with higher rates of pancreatic inflammation (chronic pancreatitis), pancreatic cancer, and other life-threatening side effects.
Need a Texas Oseni Lawyer? Collen A. Clark is a true advocate for his clients and is passionate about helping Texans that have been injured or wronged. If you or a loved one was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, you should contact our lawyers immediately. You may be entitled to compensation by filing a lawsuit.
What is Oseni?
Oseni is a medication for adults with type-2 diabetes that combines alogliptin (Nesina) with pioglitazone (Actos). These ingredients work in different ways to control blood-sugar levels.
What is the Problem?
The alogliptin in Oseni belongs to a new class of drugs called incretin mimetics. These drugs work by stimulating the pancreas to make more insulin, which tells the body to use blood-sugar for energy. Unfortunately, experts are concerned that Oseni could increase the risk of pancreatic side effects.
FDA Safety Warning
March 14, 2013 — The FDA has issued a Safety Communication to warn about the risk of pancreatitis and pre-cancerous growths called pancreatic duct metaplasia from Oseni.
According to the FDA, studies have also found a doubled increased risk of pancreatitis from sitagliptin and exenatide, two other drugs in the same class as Oseni. In 2010, both drugs were associated with higher rates of pancreatic cancer in a study published by Gastroenterology. Oseni and other drugs in its class have been linked to the following adverse events:
- Chronic pancreatitis
- Hemorrhagic pancreatitis
- Necrotizing pancreatitis
- Pancreatic cancer
- Pre-cancerous growths
- Pancreatic duct metaplasia
What is Pancreatic Cancer?
Pancreatic cancer occurs when tumors grow inside the pancreas, which is a small digestive organ located near the intestines. More than 42,000 Americans are diagnosed with pancreatic cancer every year.
Types of Pancreatic Cancer
Most types of pancreatic cancer begin in exocrine cells, which release digestive enzymes into the intestines to break down foods. In rare cases, pancreatic cancer occurs in islet cells, which make hormones like insulin that tell the body to use blood-sugar for energy.
Warning Signs & Symptoms
The early signs of pancreatic cancer are often vague or non-specific, such as tiredness and lack of appetite. The most common symptoms of pancreatic cancer include:
- Pain: Usually a dull ache in the upper abdomen (stomach area or back) that comes and goes, and might get worse after eating fatty foods.
- Weight-loss: Lack of appetite or diarrhea due to indigestion can cause weight-loss. Stools may look greasy due to undigested fat.
- Jaundice: Yellowing of the skin and eyes caused by a blocked bile duct. Itching, dark-colored urine, and clay-colored stools may also occur.
Diagnosis & Treatment
A lack of symptoms in the early stages can delay diagnosis and treatment of pancreatic cancer. Only about 20% of people can have the cancer surgically removed. Even with surgery, many patients must undergo chemotherapy (medications to kill cancer cells) and radiation therapy (high-energy x-rays).
Need a Oseni Lawyer in Texas?
Collen A. Clark is a true advocate for his clients and is passionate about helping Texans that have been injured or wronged.
Collen’s amazing success in the courtroom and well known dedication to his clients has earned him the recognition of his peers as one of The Top Trial Lawyers in Texas.”
The Clark Firm has assembled a team of trial lawyers with more than 100 years experience, participation in over 600 jury trials and $260 million in verdicts and/or settlements. Please use the form below to contact our Texas Oseni lawyers for a free lawsuit review.
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