Januvia is a medication used to help patients with type II diabetes. It works by increasing the production of insulin in the pancreas and reduces insulin resistance. Januvia belongs to a group of diabetes drugs known as incretin mimetics. When used in conjunction with diet and exercise, these medications can help diabetics maintain healthy blood sugar levels.
There are many reports from Januvia patients that these drugs increase the risk of pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas) and pancreatic cancer; two very painful and serious conditions. A Januvia lawyer may be able to assist you in recovering damages if you were harmed by taking this drug. If you fell ill after taking Januvia, consult with a well-versed defective drugs attorney to determine whether you have a viable claim.
Januvia’s Troubled History
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the federal agency responsible for regulating pharmaceutical drugs issued two separate warnings under CPG Sec. 400 regarding Januvia. These warnings were directed at patients and their doctors regarding the pancreatic side effects of Januvia.
In the fall of 2009, the FDA warned that there was an increased risk of having pancreatitis, or an inflamed pancreas, associated with the use of Januvia. This warning came after 88 patients who took this medication developed pancreatitis. The FDA warning was eventually added to Januvia’s labeling.
The FDA issued another warning about all incretin mimetic drugs including Januvia in spring of 2013. This time the warning was to inform patients and medical providers about the increased risk of pancreatic cancer affiliated with the use of these types of medications.
The warning came on the heels of a study that found that some patients taking incretin mimetic drugs were diagnosed with pancreatic duct metaplasia, an early sign of pancreatic cancer. Even though the research study was based on a small sample of patients taking these drugs, it came as a serious warning as pancreatic cancer is extremely deadly. Only four percent of patients diagnosed with this type of cancer live more than five years after their diagnosis. While prescription drugs may cause injuries due to reasons such as errors in manufacturing, Januvia’s track record may indicate a more severe danger for users. Time may be of the essence for a person that was injured while taking Januvia’s to speak a Lafayette lawyer.
For a free legal consultation with a januvia lawyer serving Lafayette, call (337) 223-9925
Liability Lawsuits
Since these warnings were released, many patients have filed suit against Merck & Co., the manufacturer of Januvia. With the help of lawyers for Januvia claims, some of these lawsuits were combined into one large lawsuit within a federal court in San Diego, California in what is known as a mass tort lawsuit.
These may be claims meant to compensate patients for their damages, increase the public awareness of the defective drug, and make drug manufacturers accountable for their actions. Plaintiffs who were injured by taking Januvia may be eligible for compensation for their pain and suffering as well as other damages. To determine whether an injury is actionable, a patient should speak with a lawyer who could help assess a Januvia claim.
Lafayette Januvia Lawyer Near Me (337) 223-9925
Recovering Damages With the Help of a Januvia Lawyer
If you or a loved one was prescribed Januvia and were diagnosed with pancreatic inflammation or cancer, a Januvia lawyer may be able to help you recover damages. Even if you have a loved one who has already passed away from the potentially serious side effects of Januvia, you may still have a claim for them.
A team of product liability and mass tort attorneys are not afraid to hold large drug manufacturers accountable when they cause serious injuries. If you are interested in seeking justice, call today for a free consultation.
Call or text (337) 223-9925 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
