According to a recent study, individuals taking prescription Januvia for the treatment of Type II diabetes may be at an increased risk of developing pancreatic cancer. The study, conducted by medical professionals at UCLA have suggested that Januvia may be linked to pancreatic cancer. The study also found that drug Byetta may increase the risk of developing thyroid cancer.
The study conducted by those at UCLA has suggested that Januvia could be linked to pancreatic cancer, but they do not say that the results are entirely conclusive. The results of the Januvia pancreatic cancer study are merely preliminary and they are currently working to determine if they can confirm a link between Januvia and pancreatic cancer.
Both Januvia and Byetta (which has been linked with causing thyroid cancer) are relatively new methods of treating type 2 diabetes. This recent introduction of new medications is likely due to the massive and growing size of the diabetes market in the United States especially. There is much potential profit to be made in the space which encourages many companies to introduce new and potentially lucrative diabetes products.
However, these new products may carry new risks with them including the potential risk of Januvia pancreatic cancer and Byetta thyroid cancer. Extensive testing and research is necessary to approve a drug, but that is not always adequate in determining the safety of a new drug or product. Both Januvia and Byetta treat type II diabetes by regulating levels of blood sugar and insulin in the body.
The research conducted related to the potential link between Januvia and pancreatic cancer determined that there was a six fold increase in the chances of developing pancreatitis (the inflammation of the pancreas) among those who took Januvia. Pancreatitis is a leading risk factor/indicator preceding pancreatic cancer which explains why those who took Januvia were almost three times as likely to develop pancreatic cancer according to the study.
Januvia and Pancreatic Cancer Symptoms
Pancreatic cancer is an especially dangerous and insidious form of carcinoma. Pancreatic cancer is one of the deadliest forms of cancer because it spreads very quickly and is commonly not detected until later stages. Some of the signs that appear in later stages of pancreatic cancer may include:
- Jaundice
- Lack of appetite
- Depression
- Blood clots
- Upper abdominal pain
Januvia and Pancreatic Cancer Lawsuit
If you or a loved one has taken Januvia for the treatment of Type 2 diabetes and has subsequently developed pancreatic cancer, you are not alone. You may be entitled to financial compensation from the manufacturers through a Januvia Pancreatic Cancer Lawsuit against the makers of the potentially harmful drug. There is reason to believe that the manufacturer knew or should have known about these potential Januvia pancreatic cancer risks. Please call one of our pharmaceutical liability lawyers today for a free consultation regarding your Januvia Lawsuit. All Januvia lawsuits are processed on a contingency fee basis, which means that you don’t pay anything unless your case is successful.