Januvia (generic: sitagliptin) is an oral diabetes medication administered to those looking to regulate their blood sugar levels. Through a unique mechanism of action, Januvia is capable of regulating the levels of insulin the body produces after eating. However, an increased risk of severe complications has recently been associated with the prolonged use of this diabetes medication. Patients who receive Januvia treatment may significantly increase their risk of developing acute pancreatitis and any corresponding complications that may ensue.
If you or a loved one has been injured by Januvia, you should contact our lawyers immediately for a free confidential case evaluation. You may be entitled to compensation for your injuries and we can help.
Januvia Lawsuit Overview
As a flagship product in Merck’s arsenal of diabetes medications, Januvia was introduced to the U.S. market on October 16, 2006. In conjunction with its release approximately six years ago, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved of the use of Januvia to control blood sugar levels in those diagnosed with type 2 diabetes.
Sitagliptin, the active ingredient found in Januvia, is in a class of medications known as dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitors. As a DPP-4 inhibitor, sitagliptin work to increase the amount of certain natural substances that lower blood sugar when it is high. Subsequently, by inhibiting the production of dipeptidyl peptidase-4, sitagliptin is able to increase the secretion of insulin and suppress the release of glucagon by the pancreas. This drives blood glucose levels towards normal.
Unfortunately, the introduction of Januvia may coincide with catastrophic results. Recent studies suggest that the mechanism of action witnessed in Januvia may have adverse and potentially dangerous effects on the pancreas. Accordingly, patients who receive Januvia treatment may significantly increase their risk of developing acute pancreatitis and any corresponding complications that may ensue. Due to the sever nature of these problems, patients may contact a lawyer at The Senators (Ret.) Firm, LLP for a free case evaluation regarding their potential Januvia lawsuit.
Januvia Side Effects
The following is a comprehensive list of side effects that have been associated with the use of Januvia:
- Headache
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Upper respiratory infection
- Upset stomach
- Severe allergic reactions (rash, hives, itching and difficulty breathing)
- Decreased urination
- Red, blistered or peeling skin
- Pancreas inflammation
- Pancreatic cancer
- Thyroid cancer
Januvia Pancreatitis
Most often pancreatitis occurs when pancreatic enzymes are activated within the pancreas and not the small intestine. Subsequently, Januvia treatment may also serve as a catalyst for the development of this condition. Normally, digestive enzymes secreted by the pancreas do not become active until they reach the small intestine. However, inflammation caused by pancreatitis causes the enzymes inside to attack and damage the tissues that produce them. Pancreatitis can be acute or chronic. Either form is serious and can lead to complications. In severe cases, bleeding, infection, and permanent tissue damage may occur. If you have taken Januvia and are worried about pancreatitis, you should speak with an attorney about a possible Januvia lawsuit. The following is a list of the signs and symptoms associated with pancreatitis:
- Abdominal pain
- Chills
- Clammy skin
- Fatty stools
- Fever
- Mild jaundice
- Nausea
- Sweating
- Weakness
- Weight loss
- Vomiting
FDA Safety Warning
The following FDA Safety Warning acknowledges the dangerous link between Januvia and pancreatitis:
The FDA has notified healthcare professionals and patients of revisions to the prescribing information for Januvia (sitagliptin) and Janumet (sitagliptin/metformin) to include information on reported cases of acute pancreatitis in patients using these products. Eighty-eight post-marketing cases of acute pancreatitis, including two cases of hemorrhagic or necrotizing pancreatitis in patients using sitagliptin, were reported to the Agency between October 2006 and February 2009. It is recommended that healthcare professionals monitor patients carefully for the development of pancreatitis after initiation or dose increases of sitagliptin or sitagliptin/metformin.
Do I Have a Januvia Lawsuit?
The trial lawyers at The Senators (Ret.) Firm, LLP have decades of experience navigating through complex legislative and regulatory issues and litigating high stakes cases all over the nation. Our law firm focuses on the representation of plaintiffs in Januvia lawsuits. We are currently accepting new cases in all 50 states.
Again, if you or a loved one has been injured by Januvia, you should contact our lawyers immediately by clicking the link below or calling toll free 1-(949) 557-5800. You may be entitled to compensation for your injuries and we can help.