Individuals who use the type-2 diabetes medication Byetta (exenatide) should be vigilant for symptoms of pancreatic cancer. Pancreatic cancer symptoms are often very mild in the early stages of the disease, which is why this rare cancer is not usually diagnosed until it has spread. Common symptoms include jaundice, itching, abdominal pain, weight loss, and unexplained onset of diabetes.
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 the Pancreas?
The pancreas is a spongy, 6-inch long digestive gland that is located behind the stomach. It is responsible for secreting powerful digestive enzymes, which break down food so the body can absorb nutrients. The pancreas also produces metabolic hormones, such as insulin (which tells cells to absorb sugar from the blood after a meal).
Byetta and Pancreatic Cancer
Byetta (exenatide) is a type-2 diabetes medication that stimulates the pancreas to secrete extra insulin. Byetta already carries a warning about the risk of pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas). However, the prescribing information does not contain any warnings about a potential risk of cancer.
This is concerning, because a study published in Gastroenterology in July 2011 by researchers from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) linked Byetta to a nearly 3-fold increased risk of pancreatic cancer. Because pancreatic cancer is very rare, this study warrants further research.
Byetta and Pancreatic Cancer Symptoms
Pancreatic cancer has a very high mortality rate because pancreatic cancer symptoms often go unnoticed until the cancer as already grown and spread (metastasized). If you take Byetta and you have symptoms of pancreatic cancer, see your doctor right away. Even if it’s not pancreatic cancer, these symptoms should be evaluated.
The symptoms of pancreatic cancer vary depending on the part of the pancreas where the cancer is growing. However, common symptoms include:
- Abdominal or belly pain
- Back pain
- Weight loss
- Jaundice (yellow skin and/or eyes)
- Enlarged lymph nodes
- Itching
- Malaise (generally feeling ill or tired)
- Decreased appetite
- Diabetes
- High blood-sugar (if the pancreas is not producing insulin)
Pancreatic cancer can also have gastrointestinal symptoms, including:
- Bloating
- Indigestion
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Pale or clay-colored stools, which may have an odd or strong smell
- Dark urine
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.