Byetta (exenatide) could potentially cause pancreatic cancer, but no one knows for sure. Recent studies have linked Byetta to as much as a 3-fold increased risk of pancreatic cancer. Furthermore, a known side effect of Byetta is pancreatitis, which is a known risk factor for developing pancreatic cancer.
Do I Have a Texas Byetta Lawsuit? 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 injured by Byetta, you should contact our lawyers immediately. You may be entitled to compensation by filing a Byetta lawsuit in Texas.
What is Pancreatic Cancer?
Pancreatic cancer occurs when cells begin dividing out of control in the pancreas, which is a digestive gland behind the stomach. The purpose of the pancreas is to produce metabolic hormones, such as insulin, and powerful digestive enzymes to break down food.
Cancer of the pancreas occurs when there are abnormal mutations in cellular DNA that causes normal cells to begin dividing out of control. DNA is a chemical inside every cell that contains instructions for when a cell can divide and grow. If something mutates the DNA, the cell can become cancerous.
Does Byetta Cause Pancreatic Cancer?
It is possible, but unknown whether Byetta could cause pancreatic cancer. The active drug in Byetta (exenatide) mimics the effect of a hormone called GLP-1, which stimulates the pancreas to secrete extra insulin. In some people, drugs that mimic GLP-1 can inflame the pancreas, causing pancreatitis. Pancreatitis is a known risk factor for pancreatic cancer.
Researchers have not proved a causal link between Byetta and pancreatic cancer. However, Byetta is associated with an increased risk of the disease. In July 2011, researchers at UCLA published a study in the journal Gastroenterology that linked Byetta to a nearly 3-fold increased risk of pancreatic cancer.
Risk Factors for Pancreatic Cancer
Researchers have identified the following risk factors for pancreatic cancer:
- Age (being over 65 years old)
- Being male (30% more likely to develop pancreatic cancer)
- Ancestry (African Americans are more likely to develop pancreatic cancer)
- Chronic pancreatitis
- Cigarette smoking
- Obesity
- Diabetes
- Cirrhosis of the liver
- Occupational exposure to toxic substances
- Family history
- Genetic diseases
- And more
Do I have a Byetta Lawsuit 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 $60 million in verdicts and/or settlements. Please use the form below to contact us for a free Texas Byetta lawsuit review.