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Januvia Thyroid Cancer Link May Have Been Known in 2008
By John Curran
Many of the drug injury lawsuits involving the type-2 diabetes drug Januvia focus on the side effects of pancreatic cancer and pancreatitis, or an inflamed pancreas. However, the influence on the endocrine system has also led to concerns about Januvia thyroid cancer side effects.
Januvia’s effects on the pancreas may have been known as far back as 2008, according to Doctor Peter Butler, who was involved with initial clinical trials for Merck & Co. prior to the drug’s approval. Pancreatic cancer side effects occur because the drug is designed to increase pancreas tissue to develop more insulin. Type-2 diabetes means the body requires more of the chemical to moderate blood sugar levels.
However, the pancreas is part of the endocrine system, and that means that other organs can be affected. While rare, Januvia thyroid cancer seems to occur because the thyroid becomes smaller as it no longer regulates the pancreas on its own. Hypothyroidism is not generally linked to cancer, but when it is, the tumors can be large and are often metastatic.
Advanced stages of thyroid cancer are often fatal as the survivability of these conditions is extremely low. While most type-2 diabetes patients only suffer from pancreatitis, other Januvia side effects can require vigorous legal efforts to obtain some remedy because Stage IV survival rates of all types of thyroid cancer hover around 50 percent, according to the American Cancer Society.
Earlier stages of Januvia thyroid cancer offer patients better chances of survival, yet it is hard to diagnose these Januvia side effects in earlier stages, and as noted with hypothyroidism, the signs are usually of aggressive tumor growth. Unfortunately, the public is only now learning of these problems. In addition to Januvia, other similar type-2 diabetes drugs such as Byetta are also linked to cancer and pancreas side effects.
People who have been diagnosed with cancer of any organ in the endocrine system may be able to pursue a claim against Merck & Co., or other drug makers if they had been taking a similar drug such as Janumet or Byetta. Learn more by getting a free consultation with a Januvia lawsuit attorney at the Type 2 Diabetes Drugs Januvia, Byetta Class Action Lawsuit Investigation. One may be eligible for a legal remedy for costly medical bills or lost wages. Get in touch with a Januvia lawsuit attorney to learn more today.
Updated June 11th, 2013
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