Continued Use of Byetta Increases Risk of Thyroid Cancer, Research Shows

Since its introduction in 2005, the complications attributed to the use of Byetta continue to increase by leaps and bounds. From mild side effects ranging from allergic reactions to headaches, it has progressed to more severe conditions such as pancreatitis and serious kidney problems. Recently, a report by the Institute of Safe Medication Practices (ISMP) was released showing that continued use of the Byetta injectable drug to treat type 2 diabetes may result to increased risk of getting pancreatic cancer.

The findings of the research, based on the adverse reports gathered by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), indicated that in a span of one year, around 105 patients reported to have developed pancreatic cancer as compared to only two patients who used other types of diabetes medications.

As if this was not enough, findings of a new study conducted Dr. Peter Butler, as published in the medical journal Gastroenterology, also revealed that the use of the Byetta medication may significantly increase the risk of thyroid cancer among type 2 diabetes patients. Another publication, the GI & Hepatology News, reported its findings that the risk of thyroid cancer was very high with an unsatisfactory odds ratio of 4.7.

Read More: Study: Byetta Linked to Cancer Risks

Byetta May Double Pancreatic Problems

Byetta is an injectable diabetes medication, which is formulated to control blood sugar levels in the body. This medication may aid the pancreas to produce insulin more efficiently. This medication is one type of short-acting of exenatide. Exenatide belongs in a class of drugs called incretin mimetics because these drugs mimic the effects of incretins. Incretins, such as human-glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), are hormones that are produced and released into the blood by the intestine in response to food. The production of insulin from pancreas is increased, the absorption of glucose from the gut is slowed down and the action of the glucagon is reduced by the GLP-1.

Approved in 200e by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Byetta is a new drug which is used to treat type 2 diabetes. It is considered as an incretin mimetic and is a synthetic version of a compound found in the venom of a Gila monster, specie of lizard in the south-western United States. Doctors wrote almost seven million Byetta prescriptions between 2005 and 2008.

There is a potential that Byetta may cause harm to some people, or simply people may become unsuitable for it. It is recommended that you immediately contact your physician if you feel that the Byetta is not right for you. The increased regular dosage of Byetta from five to ten micrograms twice daily may increase the symptoms of pancreatitis, says the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). It has been reported that out of the 30 people using the medication, 21 of them have been hospitalized and five of these have been observed to developed serious health problems, such as dehydration, kidney failure, intestinal obstruction, tissue inflammation, and abnormal build-up of fluid in the abdomen.

Patients developing severe, persistent abdominal pain should seek prompt medical attention. Exenatide needs to be discontinued immediate if you suspect pancreatitis and not to start using it again until pancreatitis has been excluded.

Researches discovered that the use of Byetta may heighten your risk for pancreatic cancer, pancreatitis and thyroid problems. The site on Byetta lawsuits is giving you more current updates on this matter.

References:

• medicinenet.com/exenatide/article.htm
• diabetes.co.uk/diabetes-medication/diabetes-and-byetta.html
• nhs.uk/Conditions/Diabetes-type2/Pages/MedicineOverview.aspx?condition=Diabetes&medicine=Byetta&preparationByetta%2010micrograms/0.04ml%20solution%20for%20injection%202.4ml%20pre-filled%20disposable%20devices
• drugs.com/byetta.html