Texas Tradjenta Pancreatic Cancer Lawyer

One of the newest diabetes drugs on the market, Tradjenta, lowers blood-sugar levels by forcing the pancreas to make more insulin. The FDA is now investigating severe side effects in the pancreas, such as pancreatitis (inflammation) and pancreatic cancer.

Need a Texas Tradjenta 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 Tradjenta?

Tradjenta is the brand-name for linagliptin, which belongs to a class of drugs called “incretin mimetics.” It treas type-2 diabetes by mimicking hormones called incretins, which stimulates the pancreas to make more insulin. This lowers blood-sugar levels and prevents hyperglycemia.

Tradjenta and Pancreatic Cancer

Incretin mimetics have been on the market since 2005, when the FDA approved Byetta (exenatide). In 2008, the FDA issued warnings about dozens of reports of pancreatitis (inflammation in the pancreas) and asked drug-makers to investigate reports of pancreatic cancer and thyroid cancer.

Pancreatitis is a risk-factor for pancreatic cancer. Several recent studies suggest that “incretin mimetic” diabetes drugs like Tradjenta could over-stimulate the pancreas and cause severe side effects, such as pancreatitis and pancreatic cancer.

Studies Link Incretin Therapy and Pancreatic Cancer

In 2010, Gastroenterology published a study linking Byetta with a 6-fold increased risk of pancreatitis. The study also found higher rates of pancreatic cancer.

In 2013, the FDA issued a Safety Communication about pancreatic side effects from Tradjenta. They cited a study published in Diabetes in which researchers found evidence of pre-cancerous growths in the pancreases from patients who used incretin medications.

Overview

The pancreas is a gland located behind the stomach. It makes digestive enzymes that break down food and hormones like insulin and glucagon that regulate blood-sugar levels.

Pancreatic cancer occurs when cells grow uncontrollably in the pancreas and form a tumor. Most cancers start in exocrine cells, which make enzymes. These tumors do not cause symptoms in early stages.

Symptoms of Pancreatic Cancer

• Pain: Located in the upper-abdomen (stomach area) or wraps around to the back. May get worse after eating greasy foods.
• Weight-loss: Loss of appetite and feeling weak or tired are vague symptoms that is easily ignored or misdiagnosed.
• Indigestion: Bloating, diarrhea, and greasy stools are a sign that the pancreas is not producing enzymes it needs to break down fatty foods.
• Jaundice: Yellowing of the skin and eyes, itching, clay-colored stools, and dark-colored urine are a sign of a blocked bile duct.

What is the problem?

Pancreatic cancer is relatively rare, but it is the fourth leading cause of cancer-related death in men and women in the United States. Because it does not cause symptoms, pancreatic cancer is usually diagnosed after it has spread (metastasized) to vital organs located next to pancreas. Surgery is only an option for about 20% of people who are diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. Even with chemotherapy and radiation therapy, the survival rate is much lower than other types of cancers.

Risk-Factors for Pancreatic Cancer

• Diabetes
• Chronic inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis)
• Obesity
• Smoking cigarettes
• Family history of pancreatitis or genetic conditions

Need a Tradjenta 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 Tradjenta lawyers for a free lawsuit review.