Januvia and Janumet

On September 25, 2009, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) released a statement regarding their investigation of sitagliptin and its use in Januvia and Janumet. The investigation follows 88 reports of acute pancreatitis in people taking Januvia and Janumet from October 2006 to September 2009.

The FDA is encouraging physicians and users to monitor their health while taking the medications, and is working with the drugs' manufacturer, Merck and Company, to update the package to include a warning related to acute pancreatitis risks.

Janumet, Januvia Acute Pancreatitis Side Effects

Januvia (sitagliptin) and Janumet (sitagliptin and metformin) are oral type 2 diabetes medications that enhance the activity of glucagon-like-peptide-1 (GLP-1), resulting in lower blood sugar.

In reports to the FDA, 21 percent of patients developed acute pancreatitis within 30 days of taking Januvia or Janumet, with 53 percent of the conditions being resolved after discontinuing use of Januvia. In addition, two cases of hemorrhagic or necrotizing pancreatitis were reported, requiring extensive hospitalization for the severe conditions.

In response to the reports, the FDA is urging physicians and consumers to be aware of the possible link between Januvia or Janumet use and acute pancreatitis, and to seek immediate medical attention if they develop signs or symptoms of pancreas disease.

Some symptoms of acute pancreatitis include:

• Abdominal pain that radiates to the back
• Fever
• Loss of appetite
• Oily, foul-smelling bowel movements
• Nausea
• Vomiting

Finding a Janumet or Januvia Lawyer

Janumet or Januvia users who develop pancreatitis or other adverse side effects are eligible to receive compensation for their medical bills, lost income, lost prospects and emotional distress. Many victims of Janumet or Januvia contact the attorneys of Aylstock, Witkin, Kreis and Overholtz to file a defective drug claim against the drugs'manufacturer, Merck and Company, or those who are found liable for the damage endured. To learn more about filing a Janumet or Januvia lawsuit, contact AWKO Law at (888) 255-2956.