Dangerous Drugs
: Byetta, Diabetes, & Potential Dangers

Columbus, Ohio

Byetta, is an injectable drug used to control glucose levels in adults with Type 2 diabetes.  Byetta’s manufacturer, Amylin Pharmaceuticals, Inc., claims that “4 times as many people on BYETTA were able to gain control of their blood glucose levels compared to those not on BYETTA,” while the product could aid in weight loss.  But, the drug has also been linked to cases of pancreatitis, some of which resulted in death. 

Byetta’s History

Exenatide, sold as Byetta, was first approved by the FDA in 2005.  In 2006, after reports began to surface of acute pancreatitis as a result of use of the drug, Amylin added information on the prescribing information about pancreatitis, and sent letters to doctors in 2007.  The letter stated that Amylin “suspected” an “association” between pancreatitis and Byetta use.  Multiple hospitalizations occurred in 2007 from use of the drug.  Then, six deaths were later reported in 2008, along with more hospitalizations. 

FDA Warnings

Along with the changes to prescription information in 2007, in 2008 the FDA added a stronger warning to Byetta about cases of pancreatitis in conjunction with Byetta.  Later in August of 2008, Victor Deleon, a Virginia user of Byetta, filed a pharmaceutical liability lawsuit against Amylin and Eli Lilly, Byetta’s marketing company, after developing pancreatitis.  Deleon argued that the companies hadn’t sufficiently tested the products or warned about the dangers of possible pancreatitis resulting from use of Byetta.  Deleon and his lawyers also argued that the companies knew about the link between Byetta and pancreatitis prior to having to change the prescription information the first time. 

Byetta’s Future

Despite the hospitalizations, the deaths, the lawsuit and the possible link to pancreatitis, Amylin is pushing forward with Byetta, disappointed with its sub-par performance so far.  The company is working on a longer-use version of the drug, able to be injected once a week, rather than the daily injections needed currently, although what this formulation's risk profile will be like no one can say. 

On Your Side

If you or someone you love has or is currently taking Byetta, and you are concerned about pancreatitis, please contact the expert personal injury attorneys at Robert W. Kerpsack Co., L.P.A. to find out more about your options and to schedule a consultation. 

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