Januvia Pancreatitis Causes

Januvia (sitagliptin) could potentially cause pancreatitis (pancreas inflammation), but scientists are still investigating this risk.

Do I Have a Texas Januvia 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 Januvia pancreatitis, you should contact our lawyers immediately. You may be entitled to compensation by filing a Januvia lawsuit in Texas.

Januvia Pancreatitis

Januvia (sitagliptin) is a medication that was developed by Merck & Co. to treat diabetes. It works by mimicking a hormone that causes the pancreas to produce more insulin, which helps a diabetic lower their blood-sugar levels. Unfortunately, Januvia could potentially cause pancreatitis — inflammation of the pancreas. No one knows for sure. However, the risk of Januvia pancreatitis was highlighted in this 2009 Safety Communication from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA):

“[Januvia] has not been studied in patients with a history of pancreatitis. Therefore, it is not known whether these patients are at an increased risk for developing pancreatitis and the medication should be used with caution and with appropriate monitoring in patients with a history of pancreatitis.”

Does Januvia Cause Pancreatitis?

It is unknown if Januvia causes pancreatitis or increases the risk of pancreatitis. Januvia treats type-2 diabetes by stimulating the pancreas (a digestive organ) to secrete more insulin than normal. Pancreatitis occurs when digestive enzymes inside the pancreas somehow activate and begin digesting pancreatic tissue.

No one knows exactly what causes pancreatitis, but it is possible that Januvia could cause pancreatitis. Of the 88 reports of Januvia pancreatitis reported to the FDA, 49% had no other risk factors for pancreatitis.

• Januvia has been linked to 88 cases of acute pancreatitis from October 2006 until February 2009. Hospitalization was reported in 58/88 (66%) of patients.
• Januvia has also been linked to 2 cases of hemorrhagic or necrotizing pancreatitis. These life-threatening forms of pancreatitis occur when pancreatic tissue is severely inflamed, begins bleeding, and may die (necrotize).

Causes of Pancreatitis

According to the FDA, about 51% of people who developed Januvia pancreatitis had at least one other risk factor for developing the disease. Januvia is a diabetes medication, and diabetes itself is associated with a higher risk of pancreatitis. It is difficult for researchers to tell whether a case of pancreatitis was caused by Januvia, diabetes, or some other risk factor.

In the United States, the most common cause of acute pancreatitis is gallstones. Alcoholism is the most common cause of chronic pancreatitis.

Causes and risk factors for pancreatitis include:

• Medications
• Diabetes
• Gallstones
• Alcoholism
• Obesity
• Abdominal injury or surgery
• Family history of pancreatitis
• Smoking cigarettes
• Cystic fibrosis
• Abnormal blood chemistry (high calcium, high triglyceride, high parathyroid hormone)
• Viral infections (mumps, etc)
• Pancreatic cancer
• And more

Do I have a Januvia 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 Januvia lawsuit review.