Byetta | Lawsuits and Side Effects

Byetta is manufactured by Eli Lilly and Co., and it's known as an incretin mimetic, which is a medical term for a drug that mimics the functions of hormones that otherwise occur naturally in the body. The formula for Byetta is a close copy of a lizard hormone, and the hormones Byetta mimics are those that tend to prompt the production of insulin in the body.

Byetta Prescription

Byetta is prescribed for patients who are suffering from type 2 diabetes, and it works by not only regulating the amount of insulin that the body generates in response to a meal, but it also decreases the amount of glucose that the liver produces. In addition to its hormonal functions, Byetta slows the process by which food empties from the stomach and into the intestines. By slowing this process, the patient using Byetta will generally eat less because of feeling full longer, which only reduces the risk that insulin or glucose imbalances could arise. As a result, the patient's type 2 diabetes tends to be more successfully controlled.

FDA Approved Uses of Byetta

Byetta was originally approved for sale, marketing and distribution in the United States in 2005, and it was approved for treatment of type 2 diabetes based on the functions it performs in the body, which were mentioned above. Since then, there have been no additional approved uses for this medication.

Byetta Side Effects

While there were some reports of relatively mild side effects developing in patients who were using Byetta after it hit the market in 2005, it wasn't until 30 reports of one extremely dangerous side effects surfaced that public scrutiny became fixated on Byetta. This side effect is a rare pancreatic condition known as acute necrotizing pancreatitis.

This condition is one that quite clearly attacks the pancreas, and its true danger lies in its detection. If acute necrotizing pancreatitis is not diagnosed early and treated aggressively, it can be fatal. Specifically, the condition will basically destroy the pancreas and lead to the failure of other internal organs prior to the death of the patient.

There are some common side effects associated with acute necrotizing pancreatitis, and some examples of these symptoms include:

• Severe abdominal pain
• Nausea
• Vomiting

Unfortunately, these are symptoms that are easily mistaken for other problems that are much less severe, including the common flu and/or food poisoning. This only increases the danger of not catching the disease early enough to reverse its course and to ultimately save the patient's life.

In addition, acute necrotizing pancreatitis is particularly dangerous for those who suffer from type 2 diabetes because the pancreas is the organ that produces insulin. If a diabetic's body is not producing enough of this substance without his or her knowledge, the issue becomes instantly dangerous and can lead to sudden death.

FDA Warnings and Alerts for Byetta

The FDA investigated these reports and Byetta in general, and the agency took two steps in response to their findings:

1. The FDA issued a public health warning to the public at large concerning the potential dangers involved with the use of Byetta, and advised anyone who was experiencing unexplained symptoms to seek immediate medical attention.



2. The FDA also required that the makers of Byetta place a 'Black Box Warning' on all containers of Byetta. A Black Box Warning is a step taken by the FDA whereby manufacturers must place clear warning labels on the product in question that directly warn the public of the dangers involved.

Byetta Contraindications

Generally, there are certain patients who should not use Byetta, and those patients have a few things in common in terms of their overall health. Specifically, patients who have any history of gastrointestinal problems or renal failure or disease should not use this medication. If your doctor is going to prescribe this information, make sure you mention these problems if they are in your past.

Questions About Byetta

Should I simply stop using Byetta if I'm having problems?

No, you should not cease with the use of Byetta without help from your doctor. Medications are critical for those who have type 2 diabetes, as any irregularity or imbalance in regards to glucose or insulin can place a patient in a situation of immediate danger. Therefore, you need to seek advice from your doctor if you need to stop using Byetta.

What should I do if I've been harmed after using Byetta?

If you have been injured or developed serious side effects after using Byetta, you need to take action. First, make sure that you've obtained all the medical help that could help you recover from your injuries, if that's possible. Secondly, you need to contact the defective drugs attorneys at the Phillips National Injury Group as soon as possible to schedule a free initial consultation.

Where can I find a Byetta lawyer?

If you are looking for a Byetta attorney, simply fill out the contact form on the right side of this page and you will be contacted by a lawyer that handles Byetta lawsuits immediately. Can I file a Byetta Lawsuit?

If you have been injured by Byetta, you can file a Byetta lawsuit. Your next step is to find a Byetta lawyer that will review your case for free and explain your options and a plaintiff in a Byetta lawsuit.

What are some Byetta side effects I should look out for?

If you experience any side effects from Byetta you should contact your physician immediately. Some of the more severe injuries reported from Byetta are pancreatitis, acute necrotizing pancreatitis, severe nausia and vomiting.