Pancreatitis Symptoms
Pancreatitis occurs when the
pancreas—located behind the stomach in the upper part of the abdomen—becomes
inflamed. The pancreas is a gland which produces digestive juices which break
down proteins and fats in foods eaten so the nutrients can be properly absorbed.
The bicarbonate in those digestive juices neutralizes stomach acids. The
pancreas also produces the digestive hormones, insulin and glucagon which
control the body’s blood sugar levels and can play a key role in diabetes when
not functioning correctly. When the pancreas becomes inflamed, the digestive
juices may end up trapped, leading them to actually begin digesting the
pancreas itself. The pancreas loses its ability to carry out normal functions
when it is inflamed, and in certain cases pancreatitis can be so severe that it
is life-threatening.
When Pancreatitis Leads to Pancreatic Cancer
Acute or chronic pancreatitis
may eventually lead to pancreatic cancer. Symptoms of pancreatic cancer can
often be elusive therefore many of those diagnosed with pancreatic cancer do
not receive the diagnosis until the disease is fairly advanced. According to
the American Cancer Society, only about 23% of patients with exocrine cancer of
the pancreas will remain alive a year after the initial diagnosis. Pain in the upper or middle abdomen and back,
unexplained weight loss, depression, fatigue and loss of appetite are all
symptoms of pancreatic cancer, yet can also be symptoms of many other illnesses
as well. While diabetics do appear to suffer a higher risk of developing
pancreatitis, research on Type 2 diabetic drugs such as the DPP-4 Inhibitor Januvia
show a higher risk among patients taking the active ingredient in
Januvia—sitagliptin.
The DPP-4 Inhibitor Januvia and Adverse FDA Reports
Januvia, manufactured by
Merck, blocks DPP-4 (dipeptidyl peptidase-4), allowing the body to control
glucose levels in a more efficient manner. Any excess sugar produced by the
liver can also be handled through the use of Januvia. Januvia gained FDA
approval in 2006, yet only a few short years later adverse reports regarding
the drug and a higher incidence of pancreatitis began coming in. From 2006 to
2009, 88 cases of pancreatitis—sixty-six of which required hospitalization—were
reported to the FDA. Of those, over half of the cases resolved when Januvia was
discontinued. Nineteen of those patients
developed pancreatitis less than thirty days after beginning Januvia. Januvia
has also—rarely—been linked to severe allergic reactions and the development of
a skin disorder known as Stevens-Johnson Syndrome. Januvia thyroid cancer is
also a potential risk as at least one study showed that laboratory rats
developed thyroid cancer when given sitagliptin.
Significant Risks of Januvia Require Experienced Legal Representation
A study done at UCLA and
reported in the journal Gastroenterology revealed that those taking Januvia had
approximately six time the risk of developing pancreatitis and 2.9 times the
risk of pancreatic cancer. These risks are significant and those who have
developed a serious illness from a drug they believed to be safe are advised to
contact qualified Januvia Pancreatic Cancer Attorneys. Failure to warn
consumers of the potential risks associated with Januviaas well as negligence
on the part of Merck may have led to your serious health issues.
Sullo & Sullo, LLP prides itself on being a
client-focused law firm. With a reputation for exceptional personal attention,
unmatched professionalism, zealous advocacy, and a commitment to the
utilization of innovative and interactive technologies, our firm has been able
to serve over 160,000 clients for more than a decade. We wish you the best in your pursuits and
encourage you to engage our firm for legal representation. For more
information, visit Sullolaw - Januvia Dangers
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