If you are a Type II Diabetic who has taken Byetta to control your blood sugar and later developed pancreatic cancer, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries.

Byetta (exenatide) was approved by the FDA on April 28, 2005 for use in adults with Type II Diabetes.  It is a twice-daily injection that encourages insulin production.  Byetta is manufactured by Amylin Pharmaceuticals Inc, and previously was marketed jointly by Amylin and Eli Lilly, & Co.

In 2010, Byetta was prescribed over one million times and brought in over $550 million in sales.  However, at least two studies have shown that Byetta side effects can include pancreatitis, which can and often does lead to the development of pancreatic cancer.

By 2008, the FDA had received more than 30 reports of acute pancreatitis in Byetta users.  Armed with this information, the FDA directed Amylin to conduct six post-marketing studies regarding acute pancreatitis associated with the use of Byetta, as well as to look at the risk of Byetta cancer, including thyroid cancer and pancreatic cancer.  Additionally, the FDA has expressed concern that all extended-release diabetes drugs belonging to Byetta’s family of GLP-1 receptor agonists may be linked to thyroid tumors based on tests conducted on rats and monkeys.

While diabetics are more vulnerable to developing pancreatitis than those without the disease, it does appear that taking Byetta can potentially increase that risk. And, if pancreatitis becomes chronic, the inflammation of the pancreas will alter its normal structure and functions.

We believe that Amylin Pharmaceuticals and Eli Lilly & Co. have failed to adequately warn doctors and consumers about the risk of serious and potentially fatal side effects including pancreatic cancer and thyroid cancer associated with the use of Byetta.  If you or someone you know has taken Byetta and developed one of these conditions, you should speak with us to learn more about your legal rights.

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The attorneys of the Diaz Law Firm are dedicated to protecting clients in pharmaceutical drug and medical device litigation. Our team of professionals has the legal savvy and diligence necessary to handle complex cases until completion, whether that is at the negotiation table or in court. We do everything possible to ensure that you receive high-quality representation and the maximum possible compensation.

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If you have been injured through no fault of your own, please contact the Diaz Law Firm. You can reach us online or by calling our toll-free number at 800.459.2222. Our team is available to speak with you about your potential case. We work on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay us nothing unless we recover for you.

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