Byetta, the brand name for exenatide, is a twice-daily injectable medication that treats type 2 diabetes. Approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2005, the medication lowers the blood glucose levels in diabetic patients.

Byetta Side Effects – Pancreatitis

The FDA issued a warning regarding Byetta after it had received more than 30 reports of acute pancreatitis in Byetta users. In addition to the 30 reports, the FDA received two reports of death and four reports of Byetta-related hospitalizations. The FDA is working with the manufacturers of Byetta, Eli Lilly and Company, and Amylin Pharmaceuticals, to update their packaging to properly warn consumers of the risks associated with Byetta use.

Patients taking Byetta should watch for the symptoms of a potentially deadly condition, pancreatitis. Byetta side effects might include abdominal pain, changes in bowel movements, fever, nausea, rapid heartbeat, swollen and tender abdomen, and vomiting. If left untreated, patients with acute pancreatitis can develop hemorrhagic and/or necrotizing pancreatitis, which can lead to multi-organ failure and death.

Byetta has been prescribed to more than 700,000 people in the United States, and obtains annual sales of $636 million; it is one of Amylin Pharmaceuticals' most lucrative drugs.

Filing a Byetta Lawsuit

Patients who have received additional medical care because of Byetta side effects could be entitled to receive damages to offset their medical bills, lost income and emotional distress. Pharmaceutical companies, such as Amylin Pharmaceuticals and Eli Lilly and Company, are required by law to properly warn consumers of the side effects of their products. Failing to do so is considered negligent behavior, which can make the companies subject to personal injury litigation. The defective drug attorneys of Aylstock, Witkin, Kreis and Overholtz hold advanced expertise in filing claims against defective drug manufacturers and can help you develop a strong case. To speak with a skilled defective drug lawyer, contact AWKO at (888) 255-2956.