If your doctor prescribed Januvia and you suffered serious health consequences as a result, a Januvia pancreatic cancer lawsuit lawyer from Gacovino, Lake & Associates, P.C. can help you explore the legal options available to you. Merck & Co., Inc. may be liable for damages if you or a loved one suffered pancreatic cancer because of the drug, though other parties may be liable as well. This might include a healthcare provider who incorrectly prescribed the drug or a pharmacist who made a mistake when filling the prescription.
Call us today at 800-550-0000 to schedule your free consultation with one of our Januvia pancreatic cancer lawsuit attorneys.
What Issues Do People Report with Januvia?
Januvia is a Type 2 diabetes drug. Like many of the recent medications for Type 2 diabetes, Januvia works by decreasing the sugar produced by the liver and simultaneously increasing the production of insulin in the pancreas. Especially when combined with exercise and dieting, this type of drug can be a great resource in combating Type 2 diabetes. This medication is not effective for Type 1 diabetes.
Merck & Co., Inc. also manufactures and markets the popular Type 2 diabetes drug Janumet, comprised of both Januvia and another drug, the often-prescribed diabetes medication metformin. (If you were diagnosed with pancreatic cancer after taking Janumet, you might have a case for compensation.)
The side effects of these newer generation Type 2 diabetes drugs can be serious and may lead to severe and long-term health impairments or even death. If the drug causes severe complications, speak with our attorneys about what legal options you might have.
The current lawsuits against Merck & Co., Inc. all concern serious conditions with the pancreas, primarily pancreatitis and pancreatic cancer. Signs of these conditions may include inflammation, abdominal pain, nausea, fever, vomiting, and a rapid heartbeat. Pancreatic cancer is a particularly deadly type of cancer. It can be difficult to diagnose, and often spreads beyond the pancreas before doctors can identify it.
What Do Current Studies Say About Januvia and Pancreatic Cancer Risk?
The initial clinical trials on Januvia showed few indications of a serious risk of acute pancreatitis or pancreatic cancer. However, after dozens of reports about the drug began pouring into the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), independent researchers began considering the potential link between the diabetes medication and the development of pancreatitis and pancreatic cancer.
In March 2013, the FDA issued an announcement it would be reviewing the reports and research about Januvia. A few months later, it said there was no reason to be concerned about the possible pancreatic cancer risks, but that the review was ongoing. The FDA has not issued any new warnings related to an increased risk of cancer during the time since this review began.
Other studies show a stronger link between the medication and cancer. A small study of postmortem pancreases published in Diabetes showed that people prescribed sitagliptin, the drug in Januvia, had a significantly increased risk of pancreatic cancer over those who did not take the medication.
What Is the Current Status of Januvia Pancreatic Cancer Lawsuits?
The courts consolidated the Januvia lawsuits with similar claims based on other Type 2 diabetes drugs including Janumet, Byetta, and Victoza. This multidistrict litigation became MDL No. 2452, with Judge Anthony J. Battaglia presiding in California federal court. In November 2015, Judge Battaglia granted Merck & Co., Inc. and the other drug manufacturers a summary judgement dismissing all cases remaining in the MDL.
However, the plaintiffs appealed in September 2016. The appeal is currently in the hands of the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals. Many law firms believe the plaintiffs may win this appeal, and continue to accept new cases against Merck & Co., Inc. and other drug manufacturers.
According to the Form 10-K Merck & Co., Inc. submitted to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) for the year ending December 31, 2016, there are still pending lawsuits related to its diabetes drugs Januvia and/or Janumet.
If you believe your use of Januvia or another similar Type 2 diabetes drug caused or contributed to your acute pancreatitis, pancreatic cancer, or other serious health conditions, give us a call. We are still evaluating Januvia pancreatic cancer cases, filing lawsuits on behalf of clients with viable claims for compensation. We handle all cases on a contingency basis, which means you pay us nothing unless we recover money for you from the drug manufacturer.
How Can I Discuss My Case with a Januvia Pancreatic Cancer Lawsuit Lawyer?
If you believe you have a valid defective drug claim and want to pursue compensation, the first thing that you will have to prove is that Januvia caused your health problems and that your health problems would not have occurred if your doctor never prescribed this Type 2 diabetes medication. For help proving this, get one of our attorneys on your side. We know what it takes to link your condition to this medication and to build a strong case in your favor.
At Gacovino, Lake & Associates P.C., our attorneys can help explore and prove the liability of a defective drug’s manufacturer. If you or a family member received a pancreatic cancer diagnosis after taking Januvia, we can help you get the compensation you deserve.
Call our office today at 800-550-0000 to learn more. We offer complimentary consultations.
