Byetta, a drug approved by the FDA in 2005 for the treatment of type 2 diabetes, has come under fire for the risk of potentially serious diseases such as acute pancreatitis, pancreatic cancer, thyroid cancer and kidney disease. A recent study published in the journal Gastroenterology placed the risk of a Byetta user developing thyroid cancer at 4.7 times that of a person not taking the drug. Although thyroid cancer is not considered as deadly as pancreatic cancer, it is nonetheless serious. Despite the risks of Byetta thyroid cancer, pancreatic cancer and pancreatitis, the global market for diabetic drugs is well over $40 billion dollars, therefore Byetta—as well as several other potentially harmful diabetic drugs—remains on the market.

Byetta legal action is taking place, and it is likely there will be more lawsuits to follow. Byetta was approved in 2005, yet by 2007 the FDA had received over 30 adverse reports of patients taking Byetta who had developed acute pancreatitis. One study noted that patients taking Byetta were six times more likely to develop pancreatitis and 2.7 times more likely to develop pancreatic cancer. Since there have been well over 6 million prescriptions written for Byetta since its approval, it is likely more patients will come forward after experiencing adverse health issues related to Byetta.

Byetta contains Exenatide, a drug which is a synthetic form of the substance found in Gila monster saliva. Byetta mimics the effects of incretins which are hormones produced and released by the intestines into the blood after eating a meal. These hormones slow the absorption of glucose from the stomach, reduce the hormone which increases the liver’s glucose production and increases the secretion of insulin from the pancreas. Byetta was originally manufactured by Amylin Pharmaceuticals and Eli Lilly & Co. then last August Amylin sold their business to Bristol Myers-Squibb. Byetta has been used by well over a million patients since its introduction.

The attorneys of Sullo & Sullo, LLP will protect your Byetta claim if you have suffered injuries from taking Byetta. We have the experience and knowledge to assess the specific facts of your case and will provide you with the information you need should you make the decision to pursue a case against the manufacturer of Byetta. If you are entitled to medical expenses, lost wages and pain and suffering we will advocate on your behalf in their efforts to get you what you deserve. There exists a statute of limitations which differs from state to state, although Texas, like the majority of states has a two-year statute. Our attorneys can help make sure every necessary deadline is met in order to protect your case and your future. We understand that you should not suffer harm to your health because of a drug you and your physician believed to be safe.

Because there has been no recall on Byetta, determining when the statute of limitations begins can be somewhat “fuzzy”. Our Sullo & Sullo attorneys may be able to help you file a claim against the Byetta manufacturer even if you think you might have passed the time limits. The FDA has ordered Amylin to engage in further testing of the Byetta drug and has increased the requirements for warnings on the label several times. It is crucial for you to have experienced, reputable representation for your Byetta case; our Sullo & Sullo attorneys have those qualities plus compassion for the damage done to your health and will work tirelessly in their efforts to get you the Byetta compensation you deserve.