Januvia, Byetta Linked to Dramatic Thyroid Cancer Risk

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has been investigating this class of drugs because of studies that revealed there have been cancerous changes in the cells of users. While the majority of cancer cases are centered on pancreatitis and cancer of the pancreas, the risk of thyroid cancer is also a possibility.

14 Claims of Thyroid Cancer linked to Byetta Use

Byetta, which falls in the incretin mimetics drug class, is designed to be injected. Through quarterly reports, it has been determined that as of June 2012 there were 14 reported instances of Byetta thyroid cancer. The actual number of thyroid cancer cases linked to Byetta and Januvia could actually be significantly greater as many adverse side effects are not reported by the physician or the consumer. Many studies are placing the emphasis of examining the link between the use of Byetta and Januvia in relation to the development of both pancreatic and thyroid cancer.

FDA Approved Byetta and Januvia in Same Time Frame

Byetta was initially approved by the FDA for treatment in type-2 diabetes patients in 2005. Januvia approval came shortly after in 2006. Since the approval and introduction of these medications on the market, there have been several Byetta and Januvia lawsuits filed by patients who subsequently were diagnosed with cancer.

The amount of lawsuits was significant enough that they were combined in an MDL along with Janumet and Victoza patients to be heard in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of California. This is taking place in San Diego and is expected to improve the handling for all of the Byetta and Januvia lawsuits that are being brought forth.

The Risk for Thyroid Cancer Increases Significantly

While all medications come with a certainty of risk for various side effects, the risk for thyroid cancer with the use of Byetta increases over 400%. The risk for pancreatic cancer increases dramatically also. Patients are up to 25 times more likely to develop pancreatic cancer when using Byetta and Januvia, according to studies. Thyroid cancer is considered to be an aggressive type of cancer that must be caught in early stages in order for the patients to have a good chance of survival.

Help Available for Byetta and Januvia Users

If you have taken Byetta or Januvia for type-2 diabetes management, or you know someone who has, you might be eligible to join ongoing lawsuits and seek compensation for your side effect injuries. Compensation may include pain and suffering, ongoing medical care, reimbursement of medical expenses and wrongful death in the instance of a death linked to the use of these drugs. Visit our Type 2 Diabetes Drugs Januvia, Byetta Class Action Lawsuit Investigation page for more information on how to get involved with a free legal review of you claims.