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Type 2 Diabetes Patients Weary of Byetta

By Katie Kelley

Republish: EasyPublish™ Published: 29Sep2008 Word count: 411 Viewed: 548 time(s) Get Free Content For Your Site

Byetta (exenatide) is a type 2 diabetes treatment that controls glucose, or blood sugar, levels in individuals who are non-insulin dependent. The injectable drug, manufactured by Amylin Pharmaceuticals and Eli Lilly, was approved for market use in 2005.

The drug was recently the center of an investigation by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) after several individuals were hospitalized for serious risks. The FDA announced it would be increasing the warnings on the drug to include the risk of fatal pancreas conditions including hemorrhagic pancreatitis, inflammation of the pancreas also associated with bleeding, and necrotizing pancreatitis, a pancreas that becomes inflamed and attempts to destroy itself.

Two of the six patients that were hospitalized in August 2008 from the drug's dangers died because of their conditions. Additionally, 30 cases of acute pancreatitis, sudden pancreatic inflammation, were reported in October 2007 at which point the drug's makers agreed to include acute pancreatitis on the "precautions" section of the drug's label.

Side Effects of Byetta

The drug assists in insulin production from the pancreas and is described as an "injectable pen" that is used one hour prior to eating a meal and should be administered twice a day, according to manufacturers. The drug can be administered directly under the skin usually in the upper arm or thigh or the stomach area, but a spot should be predetermined with a physician.

There are several common side effects that are associated with consumption of the drug including:

* hunger

* headache

* vomiting

* feeling jittery

* dyspepsia

* diarrhea

* dizziness

While the above side effects are considered normal for a patient to experience, the following side effects have been associated with what Byetta's manufacturers consider "rare" side effects although a medical professional should be consulted immediately. The serious side effects include:

* hives

* difficulty breathing

* swelling of face, lips, tongue or throat

* pain in the upper stomach

* pain in the back

* nausea/vomiting

* increased heart rate

These dangers may lead to additional fatalities and patients are advised to discontinue use immediately while also consulting their physician.

Byetta Legal Consultation

Byetta patients who have suffered from any of the above symptoms may be at risk for pancreatitis and should consult medical assistance immediately. Additionally, consulting with a pharmaceutical attorney will increase the potential for receiving monetary compensation for the damages caused by risks. The opportunity for becoming involved with a Byetta class action lawsuit can be discussed with a knowledgeable lawyer, many of whom offer a free legal consultation to victims.

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