Questions You May Have Regarding Januvia

Studies show the drug Januvia may be linked to pancreatitis and pancreatic cancer. Januvia is a drug which contains sitagliptin; this active ingredient will reduce the levels of blood sugar in those patients who suffer from Type 2 diabetes. Januvia inhibits certain enzymes in the body and reduces blood glucose levels. Some 45,000 Americans are diagnosed with pancreatic cancer each year, and only 3-4% of those will reach the five year survival rate. Pancreatic cancer is rarely discovered in the early stages as the typical symptoms can relate to many other health issues as well.

Some symptoms of pancreatic cancer include jaundice, weight loss or loss of appetite, a pain in the upper abdomen which can radiate to the back, depression and blood clots. When Januvia stimulates the pancreas to increase the amount of insulin produced the pancreas may become inflamed, significantly increasing the risks of pancreatitis and pancreatic cancer. Those patients who suffer from chronic pancreatitis are more likely to develop pancreatic cancer.  A UCLA research study places the risk of developing pancreatic cancer while taking Januvia at 2.9 times the normal risk.

Thyroid cancer may also be linked to Januvia. One study in which laboratory rats were injected with Januvia shoed the number of precancerous thyroid cells increased significantly. A 2011 journal article in Gastroenterology noted that while it is still under investigation Januvia was linked to thyroid cancer in humans as well. Although thyroid cancer is relatively rare, this type of cancer has a much better expected outcome than pancreatic cancer.

Those taking Januvia should be aware of the side effects related to thyroid cancer and be alert for any signs. A lump in the front part of the neck, hoarseness when speaking, throat or neck pain, trouble swallowing, an unexplained and persistent cough, enlarged lymph nodes, diarrhea or unexplained itching may all be symptoms of thyroid cancer. A UCLA study determined Januvia could potentially increase the risk of thyroid patients 148%.

The question has been raised as to whether Merck & Co. has exhibited a failure to warn although the company continues to maintain the safety of Januvia. FDA data shows hundreds of reports of acute and chronic pancreatitis attributed to Januvia in 2011 alone. Between 2006 and 2009, the FDA received 88 reports of pancreatitis from Januvia users, 66 of which resulted in hospitalizations. Nineteen of those patients developed pancreatitis within a month of beginning Januvia and over half saw their symptoms disappear once Januvia was discontinued.

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