First approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in October 2006, Januvia was initially created to help patients diagnosed with type 2 diabetes to gain better control of their blood sugar levels. Januvia was the first of its kind oral medication classified as a DPP-4 inhibitor intended to help the body increase insulin production. However, several studies have concluded that Januvia may increase a patient’s risk of developing pancreatic cancer and pancreatitis after the patient takes the first dose and following subsequent increases of the dosage. Many of those who have allegedly experienced adverse side effects have filed Januvia lawsuits to seek compensation for their suffering.
If you or a loved one were diagnosed with thyroid cancer or pancreatic cancer while taking Januvia, contact a Januvia attorney at Linville Johnson today to learn more about your legal rights. You may be eligible to pursue a claim against the manufacturer and seek compensation for your injuries.
Januvia Overview
Januvia was manufactured and marketed by Merck & Co. Inc. to help the body produce more insulin by both targeting pancreatic cells and affecting the incretin system. However, it has also been shown that the drug may prevent the body from fighting off various types of cancer; research has found evidence that DPP-4 inhibitors may actually help to stop the spread of cancerous cells throughout the body. As a result, many medical experts and physicians agree that Januvia may potentially cause adverse health complications such as pancreatitis, pancreatic cancer and thyroid cancer, leading many patients who have been diagnosed with these conditions to seek legal counsel from a Januvia attorney.
Januvia May Cause Cancer
Additionally, research conducted in 2009 and 2011 attempted to examine the potential connection between Januvia and pancreatic cancer and pancreatitis. Results confirmed that although the medication has successfully helped type 2 diabetes patients to better manage their blood sugar levels, there was an increased risk of developing both types of cancer in patients taking the drug. The latter study also found that patients taking Januvia were six times more likely to develop pancreatitis in the future, and those taking Januvia were two times more likely to develop pancreatic cancer in the future.
Patients File Januvia Lawsuits
Patients who took Januvia and allegedly suffered from adverse side effects allege that although the FDA required the manufacturer to conduct studies pertaining to the safety of Januvia, Merck allegedly delayed the process and reduced the potential of finding serious side effects or complications before the drug was released to the public.
Additionally, those working with a Januvia attorney claim that, had Merck acted accordingly, these health risks would have become known sooner, and patients would have been more adequately informed of the possibility of developing pancreatitis, pancreatic cancer and thyroid cancer beforehand.
Members of the healthcare community maintain that several side effects may be common while taking Januvia, including:
- Sore throat
- Stomach pain
- Nausea
- Sinus complications
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
However, those working with a Januvia attorney to file a lawsuit allege that the medication caused more serious side effects such as:
- Swelling of body or face
- Quickly gaining weight
- Difficulty urinating or not at all
- Shortness of breath
- Severe skin reactions as evident by fever, facial swelling, rashes, sore throat, burning eyes and a painful sensation on the skin
Additionally, according to plaintiffs and their Januvia attorneys, those who were diagnosed with pancreatitis did not know that they had the condition when they first experienced symptoms. Instead, several plaintiffs pursuing claims allege that they were not adequately informed of the potential side effects and complications prior to taking the medication. Most notably, patients allegedly suffered from irregular or increased heart rates, decreased or loss of interest in food, nausea, vomiting and a severe pain that radiated from the abdomen to the back.
Contact a Januvia Attorney Today
If you or a loved one have been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes and you were taking Januvia to monitor your blood glucose levels, and then suffered an adverse event such as cancer or pancreatitis, you may be eligible to file a lawsuit and recover damages for your condition. The Januvia attorneys at Linville Johnson are working with patients who had taken Januvia and subsequently experienced adverse side effects and health complications such as thyroid cancer and pancreatic cancer. Contact our Januvia attorneys today to learn more about your legal rights and how to pursue a claim to seek compensation for your injuries.