Introduced to the market in 2005, Byetta treats those with type II diabetes. But in 2007, researchers found a potential link to an increased risk of acute pancreatitis and changes in kidney functions. Despite the links, doctors continue to prescribe this dangerous drug to patients nationwide.
If a doctor prescribed Byetta and you suffered from pancreatitis, kidney problems, or other health problems caused by the drug, you may be entitled to compensation. Many people are already pursuing a class action lawsuit against the drug manufacturing company. If you had health problems from this drug, an injury attorney can help.
Why do doctors prescribe Byetta?
The active ingredient in Byetta is a compound known as exenatide, which is a protein. Byetta is administered by the patient himself or herself via injection, and is intended to help the body to release its own insulin. Therefore, it’s intended to improve blood sugar control among adults with type II diabetes.
Additionally, some patients have also opted to choose Byetta (as opposed to other diabetes drugs) because of it’s tendency to help with weight maintenance, or even weight loss, in some patients. The drug is also reportedly easier to inject than insulin, although it’s important to note that it is not an insulin replacement.
Byetta is not intended to be used by those with type I diabetes, nor by children. If a doctor prescribed this dangerous drug when he or she should not have, then the patient may seek damages from the physician. But in many cases, patients who suffer harm pursue compensation from the manufacturer for serious side effects, a case with which a lawyer can help.
Possible Complications and Side Effects of Byetta
Byetta has a myriad of undesirable side effects, including some that may prove deadly to the user. According to the FDA, side effects may include:
- headache.
- drowsiness.
- weakness.
- dizziness.
- confusion.
- irritability.
- hunger.
- fast heartbeat.
- sweating.
- jitters.
- kidney failure resulting in the need for a kidney transplant or dialysis.
- nausea.
- vomiting.
- diarrhea.
- and, constipation.
In addition to the side effects above, Byetta has also been linked to acute pancreatitis, or the severe inflammation of the pancreas. Acute pancreatitis can be life threatening, and is usually accompanied by severe stomach pain and vomiting. There have been several deaths – at least six as of 2008 reports – from acute pancreatitis among patients who had been linked to patients taking Byetta.
Many others have suffered severe complications that have led to them to seek expensive, painful, and life-altering medical treatments. If you find yourself in this case, talk to an attorney about your options for recovering these and other damages.
Seek Legal Action if You’ve Suffered Harm
If you or a loved one was prescribed Byetta by a healthcare professional and developed serious health problems, you may be eligible to recover compensation in a lawsuit. In a dangerous drug lawsuit such as this, there could be multiple culpable parties.
- the doctor who wrote the prescription.
- the pharmacy that filled the prescription.
- or, the drug manufacturing company.
This will depend on the circumstances of the case. In many cases, the drug manufacturer is liable for serious complications.
At Gacovino, Lake & Associates, P.C., we know how traumatizing and scary severe health problems can be. If injured because of this drug, you deserve to be compensated for both your medical bills and your suffering. Our lawyers can help to guide you through the process of filing your claim, and will work hard to get you the compensation to which you are entitled.
For questions about the claims process or to receive a free case consultation, call our firm to get started: 800-550-0000 or contact us online.
