The FDA approved Januvia—a new
class of sitagliptin drugs used in the treatment of Type 2 diabetes—in 2006.
Only a few short years later the FDA had accumulated 88 reports of pancreatitis
from those taking Januvia. Of those patients, three-fourths of them ended up in
the hospital due to the severity of the pancreatitis. When Januvia was
discontinued, over half saw an immediate improvement in their pancreatitis
symptoms. Nearly a fourth of these patients developed pancreatitis less than a
month after beginning Januvia.
Other studies have shown that
Januvia may significantly increase the risk of pancreatitis, pancreatic cancer
and thyroid cancer among users. A UCLA study put the numbers at six times the
risk of developing pancreatitis and 2.9 times the risk of developing pancreatic
cancer for Januvia users. Because of the number of Januvia patients who
developed serious health issues after beginning the drug, Januvia lawsuits are
increasing steadily.
Januvia lawyers are reaching
out to those who have been harmed by Januvia which affects the GLP-1 metabolic pathway
while keeping Type 2 diabetes under control. The active ingredient, sitaglipin,
works by interfering with the GLP-1 metabolic pathway in the pancreatic duct.
This interference may disrupt the cells in the pancreas which leads to
pancreatitis and pancreatic cancer. One consolidated proceeding which involves
multiple pancreatic cancer lawsuits is currently pending in the Los Angeles
state court. Since millions of prescriptions have been written for Januvia, it
is unknown just how many people will be adversely affected and how many Januvia
lawsuits will be filed.
Some Januvia cases were filed
in state court prior to being moved to federal court. Litigation can be managed
much more efficiently when combined as resources can be shared. Depending on
the number of Januvia lawsuits ultimately filed, a federal judicial panel could
choose to centralize all Januvia cases under MDL procedures. Even if MDLs are
formed, plaintiffs may choose to keep their Januvia lawsuits in state courts
although it is expected that New Jersey will emerge as one of the more popular
MDL venues as Merck & Co.’s headquarters are there. Another motion to
consolidate more Januvia cases in the Southern District of California under a
federal MDL is pending.
Although a fair number of lawsuits
have been filed against Merck for the injuries sustained by patients taking
Januvia, none have yet gone to trial. The first Januvia trial will be closely
watched as it could set the tone for future Januvia lawsuit outcomes. A
bellwether trial is scheduled for the summer however in light of the pending
MDL’s it could be postponed. While no Januvia class action lawsuits are
currently in the works, they may be organized down the road as more Januvia lawsuits are filed.
Januvia Class action lawsuits may not be a good option for patients who have been
more severely injured since any settlement will be split evenly between all
plaintiffs. MDLs or mass torts could be a better choice for those with serious
Januvia damages in order to be fully compensated for medical expenses, pain and
suffering and lost wages. Those who feel they may be entitled to compensation
from Merck & Co for Januvia damages should consider contacting an
experienced Januvia pancreatic cancer attorney.
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 lawsuits
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