Byetta Lawsuit
Last Updated: October 2009 • 77 Comments
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The use of the diabetes drug Byetta has been linked to reports of serious and potentially life threatening injuries, including pancreatitis, impaired kidney dysfunction and kidney failure.
BYETTA LAWSUIT STATUS: Lawyers are evaluating potential Byetta pancreatitis lawsuits and Byetta kidney failure lawsuits for individuals who have experienced problems that may be caused by side effects of the diabetes drug.
>>REVIEW A CASE WITH A BYETTA LAWYER<<
MANUFACTURERS: Amylin Pharmaceuticals, Inc. and Eli Lilly & Co.
OVERVIEW: Byetta (exenatide) is a type 2 diabetes drug which was approved by the FDA in April 2005 to help reduce blood sugar levels. As of September 2008, more than 7 million prescriptions for Byetta have been filled.
The drug belongs to a class of drugs known as incretin mimetics, which mimic the action of endogenous incretin hormones like GIP and GLP-1, which are found in the gastrointestinal tract. Byetta lowers blood glucose levels by stimulating insulin secretion from pancreatic cells.
BYETTA KIDNEY SIDE EFFECTS: In November 2009, the FDA announced that new prescribing information would be added about reports of Byetta side effects linked to kidney failure and other kidney problems. At that time, the agency indicated that at least 78 reports have been received of users experiencing altered kidney function, including at least 62 reports of kidney failure on Byetta.
As a result of the post-marketing reports, the FDA notified healthcare providers and patients to watch for signs of Byetta kidney side effects, which could lead to:
- Changes in urine color
- Changes in frequency of urination or the amount of urine
- Unexplained swelling of the hands or feet
- Fatigue
- Changes in appetite or digestion
- Dull ache in the mid-to-low back
The most common side effects of Byetta include nausea, vomiting and diarrhea, which the FDA suggested could be a contributing factor in the reports of kidney problems with Byetta. This is a serious and potentially life-threatening issue, as altered kidney function could lead to a build-up of waste products in the blood and potentially result in serious injury or death.
BYETTA PANCREATITIS SIDE EFFECTS: In October 2007, the FDA issued an alert about an association between Byetta and pancreatitis, which could lead to fatal injuries for some users. At that time, the FDA had received at least 30 reports of acute pancreatitis associated with Byetta, and the manufacturer agreed to update the warning label about this potential Byetta side effect.
In August 2008, a second FDA alert was issued to inform healthcare providers about six additional cases of necrotizing pancreatitis or hemorrhagic pancreatitis which had been reported among Byetta users. At least two of these cases resulted in fatal injuries for the user.
Pancreatitis is an inflammation of the pancreas, which can cause symptoms like:
- Severe upper abdominal pain which may radiate through the back
- Nausea and Vomiting
- High or Low Blood Pressure
- Elevated Heart or Respiratory Rates
Hemorrhagic pancreatitis is a severe form of the condition where massive erosion of blood vessels can lead to severe bleeding.
Necrotizing pancreatitis involves tissue damage, which leads to the release of toxins and enzymes into the blood stream and may cause multi-organ failure and death.
The FDA has recommended that healthcare providers monitor their patients who are receiving Byetta and the drug should be stopped if pancreatitis is suspected. If someone develops pancreatitis or has a history of the condition, the FDA indicates that a different diabetes treatment should be used. Individuals receiving the drug have also been urged to report any potential Byetta side effects, including unexplained severe abdominal pain, either with or without bleeding.
Pingback by FDA Warns of Additional Byetta Pancreatitis Reports : AboutLawsuits.com on 19 August 2008:
[...] PagesByetta Lawsuits Filed Under: News Tags: Byetta • [...]
Pingback by Byetta Lawsuit Filed For Pancreatitis : AboutLawsuits.com on 21 August 2008:
[...] PagesFDA Warns of Additional Byetta Pancreatitis Reports Byetta LawsuitsRapamune (sirolimus) Lawsuits Filed Under: News Tags: Byetta • Diabetes • [...]
Comment by Sonji on 8 October 2008:
I started Byetta in May 2008. I thought this was a wonder drug. My blood sugars were normal for a change. However, in June 2008, I developed severe abdominal pain and was hospitalized. I was dx with a small bowel obstruction and pancreatitis. The hospitalist stopped my byetta because of the reports he had heard regarding the use of Byetta and pancreatitis. Four month later, I still have GI problems and have been told this is probaly due to the Byetta.
Comment by Linda on 14 October 2008:
around october 2003 my dr. put me on byetta. In February 2005 I had to have my right kidney removed andon May 27, 2007 i had to go on dialysis.
Comment by Brigitte on 22 October 2008:
In 2006-2007 I was on Byetta. At first it really helped my blood sugar and I ate less. But I was always sick with abdominal pain which I thought it would pass but never did. I still have GI problems to this day.
Comment by Linda on 31 October 2008:
I being for the last five months having chest pains and my EKG test has being unnormal. I being recommed to go too a heart doctor. I’m 43 years of age and, I have never had problems, before taken Byetta.
Pingback by FDA Requires Additional Byetta Safety Data Before Considering Long-Acting Version : AboutLawsuits.com on 5 November 2008:
[...] Byetta (exenatide) is a synthetic hormone sold in a pre-filled pen by Amylin Pharmaceuticals Inc. and Eli Lilly & Co. The type 2 diabetes drug, which is currently administered twice a day as a subcutaneous injection, lowers blood glucose levels by stimulating insulin secretion from pancreatitis cells. [...]
Pingback by Concerns About Byetta Deaths Require Amylin to Cut Work Force : AboutLawsuits.com on 12 November 2008:
[...] which has recently been associated with 6 deaths caused by severe cases of pancreatitis. Byetta (exenatide) is a synthetic incretin mimetic, which is sold in a pre-filled pen by Amylin [...]
Comment by Jennifer on 12 November 2008:
I began taking Byetta in December of 2007, and continued to take it until April of 2008. Though it worked wonders at lowering my blood sugar levels in combination with my Glipizide, it made me sick to my stomach with serious abdominal pain. In August of this year my pills completely stopped working, causing my sugar levels to soar into the 500’s on nearly a daily basis, and I was informed that my pancreas had completely stopped working, and there are threats of dialysis in the very near future. I am going to have additional tests run this week, but I need to know if anyone else has had issues like this after taking this drug?
Comment by patty on 13 November 2008:
I started taking byetta in july of 07. It worked wonderful until aug of 08 when i developed severe pain and was taken to a local hospital where they transferred me to a bigger hospital. I am still having pain of and on and have to take morphine when it is severe.
Comment by Shelly on 1 December 2008:
I started Byetta in 2006 and stop taking it about four months ago. I was never told about the pancreatitis issues. My doctor took me off of it because my blood sugar was well maintained. For a little over a year I have been having severe abdonminal pain and abnormal bloodwork. I was told my liver and pancreas levels were high. I have under gone several tests. Now it looks like I have liver disease. I’m having a liver biospy done this coming Thursday to see how bad it is. I’m 34 and what most doctors consider a good diabetic. My A1C hasn’t been any higher than 6.7 in a year and a half. Now I’m thinking that their is a link to my liver issues. Has anyone else been having liver issues? I was also told that my gall bladder is involved. So I’m having issues with three organs. I had a full cardio work up about three months ago. Everything is fine. I only failed the EKG. Since taking Byetta I have been having heart palpations. I’m glad I’m no longer taking Byetta.
Pingback by FDA Byetta Review for Expanded Use Delayed as Agency Reviews Warning Revisions : AboutLawsuits.com on 8 December 2008:
[...] Byetta (exenatide), which is jointly marketed by Amylin and Lilly, has been used by nearly 1 million people in the United States to help control blood sugar levels in type 2 diabetics. It is currently approved as an add-on therapy for people also using metformin, a sulfonylurea drug or a thiazolidinedione medication, such as Avandia or Actos. [...]
Comment by patricia on 8 December 2008:
in 2006 i was precribed byetta. i began to take it even with the warning from my dr. about the side effects. he did say stay with it because in timr the symptoms will probably go away. that is what i did, every side effect listed i experienced. i was sick as a dog, lost a great deal of wehit, could not keep anything down, the abdominal was awful, i mostely stayed in bed then i would take the second dose, the onslaught continued. after being told by my dr. to hang on a few more weeks i did but got no better. in 2007 i stoped taking byetta for three months then i was told to begin again. again i suffered the same symptoms but with a vengence. after 6 mo. i finally told my dr. i could not do this anymore. now i take lantus, but my sugars are difficult to keep at a normal range.
Comment by Richard on 15 December 2008:
I took byetta for 14 months and had excellent control over my diabetes as well as lost 50 pounds. Six weeks ago my endocrinologist d/c my byetta and prescribed insulin due to extremely elevated liver enzynes. SMy liver levels have now gotten back to almost normal. I also had to d/c lipitor at the same time so I’m uncertain which or if both are related.
Comment by Bill on 19 December 2008:
I have taken Byetta since 2005 when it was first approved. I have never had any problems with nausia and my blood sugar has been well controled. I have had some heart problems over the past three years I have had to have stints put in on two occassions as well as triple by-pass surgery. I had never had any heart problems in my life, also my chlostriol levels have always been excellent. I am not a Dr. but, I feel that all of tthese problems were brought on by the use of Byetta/
Comment by Stu on 30 December 2008:
I’m afraid to eat anything because the Byetta shot starts a radiating burning feeling in my stomach within 1 hour followed my throwing up shortly there after.
From 5:15pm last night when I took the shot until around 3:30am I had this constant burning feeling throughout my body just like when I was taking the Chemo treatments.
Bye Bye BYETTA Before this stuff frys my insides out!!!
Comment by Jarrod on 5 January 2009:
i’ve been taken byetta for about 1 year my liver levels are out of control it has gone up by three times higher since taken byetta. my kidneys levels are bad also i have not checked my pancreas levels. i also suffer from lower back pain below my ribs when i lay down throuhout the night. i shake, have bad heartburn and nausia. if i stop taken Byetta will this get any better?
Comment by S Smart on 9 January 2009:
I took for 3 months everyday vomiting and pain. My doctor believed in the drug and did not want to take me off of it. I finally told him there was no way I was continuing to take this medicine. I still have problems with my GI tract.
Comment by angela on 17 January 2009:
I never lost a pound on the byettam, as I was promised. It did control my appetite. I was naseus when I first started but then that subsided. I am afraid to go back to the dr. I did stop taking my byetta about 3 mnths ago because I hated giving myself shots.
Comment by Sharon on 19 January 2009:
In July of 2007 I was prescribed Byetta and began to use it. It worked extremely well at controlling my blood sugars, however I was constantly sick to my stomach with diarrhea constantly. I used this drug until November of the same year. I could no longer take the bad side effects and called my doctor. He told me to immediately stop using the Byetta and he prescribed Januvia. Until about three weeks ago I had this feeling of being extremely full all the time. I’m just wondering if this could have been some lasting side effects from the drug. Has anyone else experienced this?
Comment by Doris on 21 January 2009:
I started taking Byetta in March 27th of 2008 and stopped taking it soon after. While I was on it and even after I stopped taking it I experience severe abdominal pain, nausea, heart palpatations, and now my stomach does not empty properly. It may have even caused a bacterial infection I had soon after taking it. I stopped taking it because I couldn’t handle the side effects anymore and I’m still having problems with my stomach and GI tract.
Comment by Shari on 26 January 2009:
I began taking Byetta in September 2005. I began with the .5mcg dosage with some nausea for a few months and occassional vomitting but eventually my body got used to it and my sugar was controlled and I began to lose weight as well.. Then in April of 2008, my blood pressure began to go up despite my BP meds as did my weight with a lot of waterweight gains so my doctor increased my BP med and increased my Byetta dosage to 10mcg. That dosage made me deathly sick…mostly in the evenings. I rarely kept anything down so I made the mistake of eating very little at night and eating my bigger meal at noon which defeated the purpose of the Byetta. I lost the weight and my sugar was kept within acceptable range but the vomitting was wrecking my body and I was losing weight the wrong way.
My doctor took me off of Byetta last October and put me on 2 tabs of Janumet/day. It took my body a couple of months to get used to being off the Byetta and on the Janumet, but my sugar is stable and I have not gained back the weight I lost plus my BP has remained controlled. I do not miss the Byetta. It was definitely not for me…I had enough of that nausea with 3 pregnancies…I didn’t not want to have to put up with it for the rest of my life.
Pingback by Byetta Pancreatitis Problems Cause Sales and Amylin Stock to Fall : AboutLawsuits.com on 29 January 2009:
[...] Byetta (exenatide), which is marketed jointly by Amylin and Eli Lilly & Co., was approved in 2005 for treatment of type 2 diabetes. It has been prescribed to about 1 million people in the United States, and Amylin has been attempting to gain expanded approval to market a long-acting version of the drug. [...]
Comment by Donald on 1 February 2009:
I took 5 shots of Byetta 5mcg – on the third day the heartburn and abdominal pain and fatigue were so severe for that I broke out in a full body sweat. I was never informed of this side effect before being prescribed. So I continued for 2 more days and thank God my wife is an RN – I went to the hospital and my LFT’s (liver Function tests) were extremely abnormal – That was only one day ago – I have to have the blood tests rechecked in 6 days to see if they are going back to normal…ALT normal 50 – mine 1068…..Please do NOT take this drug
Comment by patricia on 6 February 2009:
wellwere do i start chronic stomache pains my stomache is massive cant bear it to be touchrd on byetta 9 months the last 2 months severly ill vomiting after ever bit food sweating now after 9 months and taken off it chronic stomache pain back on metformin (glucoghage 4 a day gligklazide one a day constant antibiotics for water infections lasaparazole and other stomache meds now suffer acid reflux never had befor byettanever been so ill under stomache specialist and diabetus specialist constantly constant pain please dont anyone go on this i also now have enlarged liver and showing pancreitus were does it end was fine till i went on this
Comment by PATRICIA on 7 February 2009:
well thought i might add bit more after mt previous message i now have very exstended stomache cant get in my clothes pain is horrific under ribs through to my back never felt like this in my life after 9 months of byetta PLEASE DONT ANYONE TAKE IT apart from bit high sugars i was ok previos to byetta now i hav e put one stone on cannot loose weight nothing takes mt stomache pain off feel sick when i do eat i blow up like a balloon in constant pain enlarged liver and possibly going towards pancretitus which i am seeing my gp and specialist this month i have had camera in stomache and scan with dye i am damaged by this rubbish and will be taking up a lawsuit very soon
Comment by Faye on 10 February 2009:
I took byetta for two years and recently rushed to hospital with Renal failure.
Comment by Lynn on 5 March 2009:
I took Byette for a year and was nauseated the entire year. I would get so sick I would have to go to bed after taking it. But my sugars and A1C were under control and I lost almost 30 pounds. Then my sugars started to plunge to hypoglycemic numbers and I felt like I have never felt before, so scary, like you are dying or on fire inside. The doctor said the nausea was from acid reflux not Byetta? Horrible pain aroiund my chest and in my stomach and chronic diahrea. So why didn’t he tell me that when I asked him over and over about it? Now I have acid reflux so bad that he has me on acidphex and I am drinking organic vinegar with apple juice to try and stand it. I never had these porblems until the Byetta and now he wnat o prescribe a new thing called Symlin Pen? Because I may gain weight?
Comment by Gail on 19 March 2009:
I started Byetta in 2006. I loved it . My sugar was finally under control and I lost a few pounds. By early 2007 I started getting sick and had elevated liver enzymes.. By October of 2007 I was extremely ill , had severe abdominal pain and nausea and vomiting.A liver biopsy showed that I already had cirrhosis of the liver. I have only been diabetic for about 4 years. No where near long enough for the Diabetes to have caused this on its on.
My Nurse Practitioner feels that the byetta is the cause also.I have already notified the FDA of my story and I hope they pay attention.
Someone has to stop this madness . I belong to a diabetic support group and there are a lot of people still using this product.
My heart goes out to the families of the patients that have died. But There are many of us that are facing a death sentence because of this.
Comment by Gail on 21 March 2009:
I took Byetta and ended up with Liver damage. I urge every one that has liver damage from Byetta to e-mail the FDA so they will watch for more than pancreatic damage.All GI problems concerning Byetta should be reported to the FDA. This drug IS causing multiple problems for many people and I don’t think its going to stop any time soon.The damage doesn’t seem to improve after you stop using Byetta
Pingback by Amylin Says Byetta Side Effects Not Linked to Risk of Heart Problems - AboutLawsuits.com on 27 March 2009:
[...] Byetta has been used by over 700,000 people in the United States and generates annual sales of around $650 million, which is expected to increase dramatically if a new longer-acting version of the drug is approved. However, sales growth has stalled over the past year after reports linked side effects of Byetta to a risk of pancreatitis. [...]
Comment by Andrea on 2 April 2009:
My husband was on byetta over a year ago. He quit taking it due to our insurance changed and it was going to be to expensive for us. For the past 6-8 months, he has been having pain in his upper stomach and diarreah. The Dr ran tests, showed elevated liver. Ran other tests. Said he has IBS. After reading all of this, I think it has something to do with the byetta.
Pingback by Byetta Thyroid Cancer Risk Not Seen According to Amylin - AboutLawsuits.com on 8 April 2009:
[...] to Amylin Pharmaceuticals, Inc., the new long-acting version of their diabetes drug Byetta does not have the same link to thyroid cancer recently associated with Novo Nordisk’s [...]
Comment by Dolores on 21 April 2009:
I was prescribed Byetta the summer of 2005, first 5mg and than increased to 10mg each meal (3). I had lost 25 lbs by the end of 2006, but I was feeling nauseous during that period of time, but later on 2007 I started to feel sick to my stomach and was starting to throw-up, and felt like I had heartburn. Sometimes at night I would wake up with a burning acide rushing up my throat. Byetta is not for me.
Comment by boblynn on 26 April 2009:
I began taking byetta in 2006. I had great results, weight loss and great blood A1Cs. I did have just a short time of upset stomach at the beginning, nothing I was really bothered by. In the fall of 2007, I went on a business trip to Salt Lake City, UT. As I was leaving the city I began to be ill, within a week I was in the hospital. severe projectile vomiting, low blood sugars and diarrhea (which resulted in dehydration). After several trips to emergency room for treatment for the dehydration I was finally admitted. During my hospitalization they took me off the Byetta, with little explanation. I was never really diagnosed with any illness — a few weeks later we learned that there was some water born virus in Eli UT when I was there — it was assumed this was the problem. I was run through a large number of tests including a colonoscopy and one from the other end.. I eventually got better. When in the hospital they also discovered I had extremely low blood counts which was treated with Procrit. Later, I was diagnosed as Aplastic Anemia. I also began having problems with my sodium levels (too low) a little while after I began taking byeatta. I still am on restricted liquids for this. In April of last year I suffered Acute Kidney failure and was in a coma for three days. I still have some memory loss from the coma. My kidneys operate at around 70% with a few dips to the 50% since the kidney failure. I have gained all the weight back that I lost on byeatta, and even weight loss medicine will not make my weight go down. I have constant constipation. Sometimes close to two weeks between movements and that is with taking 2 Alli 3 times a day (Dr. prescribed Olliostat which is the same thing as Alli but lots cheaper), + other meds for constipation with minimal results. I don’t know if it is related, but I have had this problem since the diarrhea stopped from illness in fall of 2008. We have practically gone broke with my medical between Fall of 2007 and Now. We have insurance, but I capped out my prescription in June of 2008 (procrit shots were costing us out of pocket $2600 a month) The prescriptions have been the biggest problem. But the lost work for both me and my husband is the worst, we are self employed so we have no sick leave or family leave. The two hospitalizations totaled 18 days alone, that doesn’t count all the times running to emergency room and Drs. (both 60 miles round trip from home.) Most of last year I was too ill to drive the distance, so husband would have to close the shop to take me to the Dr.s. I sometimes wonder if we will ever recover and rebuild the business we’ve lost as a result!
Comment by kari on 3 June 2009:
I was put on byetta last year. IT was HORRIBLE i would cry before my injections because i knew i would be violently ill. I was told by my doctor that the side effects were normal and would pass over time..but they didnt they got worse. so bad infact that i was in the emegency room weekly for massive abdominal pain wich they could not explain they tried everything right down to removing my gallbladder (wich was perfectly health) I truly belive it was due to teh byetta . still to this day i suffer from unexplained massive abdominal pain that cripples me. I would break out in massive sweats and vomit so hard that i really thought my insides were going to come out. i ultimately stopped taking it and found a new doctor. it was not normal to feel that way and my doctor pushed so hard for me to stay on it. my husband called her in a panic one night and she told him to tell me to buck up and deal with a little nausea. as i was sweating from head to toe and violently shaking as i couldnt even sip water. i truly felt as though i were dying. and to this day i still get the pain. it is an evil drug please dont take it. you will suffer.
Comment by Chris on 16 June 2009:
I took my first dose of Byetta this morning… I’m trying to get my health on track. Thank you for the information. I will discontinue the Byetta if any extreme side affect take place or the pen is exhausted (which ever comes first).
Comment by Eileen on 22 June 2009:
When my dr put me on this – i took it for about 3 months in 2006, I looked forward to it because of the hype that it would help me lose weight too- but within the 3rd month I began to feel sick to my stomach alot and my blood pressure would bottom out, after I woke up in the middle of the night freezing in the middle of the summer I went to the dr and stopped taking byetta – I still have problems with my g. i. and believe this is related to my use of byetta for the short period of time I did use it.
Comment by Betty on 6 July 2009:
I started Byetta for blood sugar controll and weight loss. I had abdomina pain to the point my doctor had me tested for stomach cancer. The pain continues even after I have stoped the byetta. My blood count dropped to 6 and now I have to have blood tranfusion and iron transfusion. My kidneys also failed. I recomended no-one take this drug.
Comment by KATHY M on 7 July 2009:
I HAVE BEEN TAKING BYETTA FOR ABOUT TWO MONTHS NOW, THIS SEEMS TO BE THE ONLY THING THAT MAKES ME FEEL HALF WAY NORMAL, iM HOPING THAT I DONT RUNINTO THE COMPLICATION THAT EEVRYBODY ELSE HAS, ARE THESE ALL THE WARNING SIGNS THAT ARE KNOWN? i HAVE LOST A GOOD AMOUNT OF WEIGHT WHICH i AM HAPPY WITH, BUT iM WILLING TO SACRFICE MY LIFE ! FOR WEIGHT CONTROL!
Comment by Terri on 15 July 2009:
We almost lost my best friend due to this. She was in ICU for about a week. It scared me and her husband. This a crazy that the doctor did not tell her about the bulletins.
Comment by Evan on 27 July 2009:
Wife started Byetta in oct 2007 and stopped it in March 2009 because of abnormal lfts. Alk phos 387, ggtp200 ,sgpt 130 and sgot 65. These abnormal lfts have persisted despite stopping Byetta for 4 months. While taking byetta wife always had epigastric discomfort. Pancreas and Kidneys have been normal. All serological tests for autoimmune hepatitis and viral hepatitis were normal as were sonograms, MRCP , ct scan with contrast, and EUS. My wife and I are convinced that byetta caused the abnormal lfts. Soon the hepatologist will do liver bx . When I stopped the Byetta in March the lfts were only marginally elevated but peaked at 3 times the normal values 3 months later . Thank god we stopped the Byettta hopefully before permanent damage was done!
Comment by JOSEPh on 3 August 2009:
I TOOK BYETTA FOR A wHILE ABOUT FOUR TO FIVE MONTHS AND I NOW HAVE A DEFIBULATOR INSTALL ABOUT (3) YEARS NOW.
Comment by linda on 12 August 2009:
i also have just been released from the hospital after being on byetta for about a year. the 5mg dose was ok at first, so i moved to the 10mg. the side effects were awful but the weight loss was great so i stuck it out…after a few months the 10mg became unbearable, so the doctor put me back on 5mg.. this worked for a couple of months, then yuch… sick again… but i hung on… 60 pounds weight loss was fantastic.. in july i stopped urinating and on the 3rd day was told i was in kidney failure. rushed to hospital and spent 5 days while they got them going again and then 5 more for a blood clot from the IV they had in my arm. i am lucky to have normal function again and am very grateful for that. my potassium was 12 and my kreatin (sp) was dangerously high as well. they said my heart could have stopped at any time… needless to say i am no longer taking byetta and i feel great. i have energy, and feel better that i have in a long time. please be careful if you are taking byetta … it does not warn about kidneys !!!!
Comment by Richard on 2 October 2009:
My wife began taking Byetta about 2 years ago because her blood glucose level was not stable with insulin alone. It helped with the glucose levels for a while but her levels started to drop dramatically after a while. On August 30, 2009 she was admitted to ICU with severe abdominal pain, all of her LFTs, creatinine, BUN etc were off the charts. She was diagnosed with acute hemorrhagic pancreatitis. All of her organ systems began to fail. They tried dialysis. IV hydration, and eventually a ventilator since her lungs were failing as well. She died on September 6th, 2009. The COD was Acute Respiratory Distress caused by Acute Hemmorhagic Pacreatitis. All the Drs felt it was due to her use of Byetta. Anyone who is currently using this drug should be made aware of the extremely dangerous side effects this drug can cause and weigh the risk of taking it VERY cautiously.
Comment by Rainey on 14 October 2009:
My husband took byetta for almost a year. He had the stomach pains and didn’t eat well. He was on it for about a year. He had sever back and stomach pains for months and when he finally went to the Dr he had pancreatic cancer. He lived in pain for more then a year afterward. After all I’ve read about the byetta in the following months it would not surprise me one bit to know that that was the cause of it. He passed away Nov 18, 2008.
Comment by Beth on 20 October 2009:
I used Byetta for about two months. Initially it worked well and I ate less and lost weight. Soon, I had a terrible burning pain in my stomach and was always feeling sick and in pain so I was forced to stop this medictaion. As a result I have had an endoscopy, colonoscopy and upper GI. I have now been diagnosed with gastroparisis (paralysis of the stomach) which means my stomach does not empty properly. This is a direct resultof using this medication and now I have to add a medictation for that condition. Don’t use this drug. It will harm you.
Comment by John on 29 October 2009:
I have been on Byetta for about 2 1/2 years now. I have lost 90 pounds while on Byetta. However, it takes me about 2 hours in the morning, after taking my Byetta, to start feeling OK.
In addition, since taking Byetta I have developed a gluten intolerance (celiac).
Comment by sharon on 29 October 2009:
I started byetta in 2006 and never had any problems with it and lost around 30 pounds. in the spring 2009 I told my dr that my stomach are hurt a lot and asked if I should go off the byette. she said to stick with it longer. said I would know when It was too bad, when I started throwing up. so I trusted her and stayed on it. over the summer I had other issues and didn’t get my blood tested when I should have. last month I had a flue shot and 4 days later got a bad cold. was throwing up a couple days a wk. finally got my blood work done and my liver enzymes are up. saw my dr last night and she took me right off the byetta. what upsets me is why she didn’t do this last spring. I had the signs of problems. the red flag was there but she didn’t see it. I trusted her opinion. so now I pray that I don’t have any long term problems from this like a lot of these people have had. I have to get my blood tested again in 2 weeks and I pray things are normal. I lost both parents on dialysis. I thought I was doing the right thing using byetta. its hard to work or function with the feeling that you want to throw up all the time. I hope this goes away. I don’t want to eat.
Comment by Ken on 2 November 2009:
I was given Byetta to take about three years ago for my type two sugar problems. My sugar levels were ok for a time and I never lost weight. To make a long story short, Since taking this junk, I have Neuroendocrine Cancer, three very bad cases of Pancreatitius. My serotonin levels are throught the roof. They had to remove 60% of my pacreaus, all of my spleen, and a chuck off my liver. Laid up for months. My sugar is out of control and have all sorts of “fun” eating. You can bet I stopped taking Byetta.
Comment by R. Cunningham on 11 November 2009:
I started using Byetta in 1995. Loved and tolerated very well for type 2 Diabetes. 3yrs. ago I was scheduled for LapBand surgery. My liver enzymes were very abnormal so they took me off Lipitor, I had the surgery and they did a liver biopsy. They sent the biopsy to the local lab and it came back “fatty liver”. My enzymes were still elevated so my Gastro Dr. sent it to UCSF liver clinic. My biopsy showed stage 1 Primary Bililary Chirosis. I am now on Actigol and my liver functions are normal. I will however need to be on the medication for the rest of my life. I am now 69ys old and hope and prayt the disease out lives me as I am not a candidate for a liver transplant if my disease were to progress.
Comment by Elaine on 15 November 2009:
My mother has been on Byetta for quite some time. When recently linked her illness to the medication without even researching the drug. Her habits changed drastically. She was and still remains tired all the time. She continues to experience diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, kidney problems, acid reflux, extremely heavy breathing, internal bleeding (her blood counts are extremely low), abdominal pain, hypoglycemic (faints regularly). The killer part is that her doctor kept her on the medication for at least a year all the while knowing good and well what was happening to this elderly lady.
Comment by eugene on 17 November 2009:
I started on byetta in june/09.at first my blood glycose went down,and i lost about 6 lbs.i was thrilled,i talked to the drug co.about expiration dates on the pen,was told to throw away any pens over 30 days old.on the next refill there appeared dates of expiration into 2010.with new refills my blood reading went higher and higher.stayed with byetta till nov./09 and told my dr.i was getting off byetta,he put me on lantus,and even that does not seem to work,iplan on going to a kidney spec.to find out whats happening.hope its not too late
Comment by Cassandra on 1 December 2009:
started taking byetta lost 5 pounds a month and lower blood sugar but noticed mild to severe stomach pain then in 2 month gladder failed had to have pancitis ducts cleaned and check then glad bladder removed never had a problem in my life with my glad bladder, spend 30 days in hospitals has been a horror show for last 30 days now i need oxygen around the clock and sleep machine because my breathing is so bad, constant urine flow little or no control over it just been a night mare for last 30 days
Comment by Leslie on 3 December 2009:
i have type 2 diabetes for about 10 years. i started byetta 3 years ago. i have lost 40 pounds since last christmas. i do not believe i lost the weight from just using byetta. i walked 1 to 1,5 hours a day and changed my diet. i eat less starches. my blood sugars are ok. i have not noticed any stomach pains or any other side effects from using the byetta.
Comment by cheryl on 6 December 2009:
i started byetta about 3 years ago great drug controlled craving andI lost 30 pounds in november 2008 I was diagnosed with anemia took iron for a year and no change I have just had to receive 6 pints of blood in thelast two weeks has anyone else had an anemia problem I am scared to take it now
Comment by Chris on 7 December 2009:
Please, if there are ANY positive stories out there about Byetta, let us know. I just started it at 5mcg. Am supposed to switch over to 10mcg after this first vial of 5mcg. I am extremely overweight and a type II Diabetic on Metformin. I suffer from extreme bouts of hunger and the Byetta has helped me so much…taken away the awful hunger pangs, reduced my appetite,. I’ve lost a few pounds, and I have much much more energy and pep than I’ve had in years. Some mild headache occasionally, and some mild nausea that goes away after a few hours, nothing really bad. I am utterly terrified by the stories I see here. However, I do feel that a good number of the complaints could possibly be medical problems unrelated to the Byetta, and some clearly caused by such things as “drinking vinegar for the heartburn.” That alone would give me heartburn. However, the stories about hospitalization I DO believe, and am very concerned about. I certainly cannot afford to miss a bunch of work due to side effects. So, anyone with a positive story, please post it.
Comment by Diane on 12 December 2009:
I started using Byetta prescribed by my doctor. She said it had helped her other patients loss weight. My insulin level she said was high. I began taking it on Dec. 2, 2009. I am a healthy person who has food sensitivities and a sensitivity to gluten. I have stopped using Byetta as a result of reading about these other cases. I was told by my doctor that Byetta would “heal my pancrease and liver” It burns when I inject it. The first time my left side hurt for hours. I did have diarrea the third day during the night for eight hours. My blood sugar seems to drop suddenly. I now realize that these and worse problems can come from using this drug. Interesting that it is still being used and the doctor did not mention the possible dangers like death.
Comment by Maria on 15 December 2009:
I was given Levaquin samples for an upper respiratory infection and took it for two days, I developed what appeared to be a kidney infection with severe vomiting immediately and weird neurological problems (left facial twitching and drooling) that the doctor could not diagnose which lasted for almost a year. The second time I was given Levaquin for an upper respiratory infection II began experiencing severe bladder pain within hours. The prescribing doctor acted surprised, my new doctor was not and told me that it can cause kidney problems especially in diabetics.
I’m and insuling dependant diabetic and my endocrinologist gave me Byetta. One shot and 24 hours later of the worst nasea and vomiting l ever had my doctor had the nerve to ask me to take another dose. It is contraindicated to use Byetta if you are taking insulin and I had asked about that. He wanted me to try it for weight loss. I changed that doctor too.
Comment by Vivian on 17 December 2009:
I was given Byetta in 2006 and stopped taking it in early 2008. In the beginning I had mild nausea, burning a the injection site and lost 50 pounds within that time. I was taken off of Byetta due to severe low blood sugar levels (31) luckily I was not hopitalized. It has been over an since I was taken of the Byetta and have had No problems with my kidneys, blood pressure, heart, heart burn, and any other condition or diagnosis I have read about.
Oh, I was taken off the insulin completely when taking Byetta. So I was taking Byetta and Metformin. It would be interesting to find out how many people on this site were on both insulin and Byetta, Byetta and any type of glucose lowering pills or just Byetta?
I can only hope the creator keeps me healthy and safe from these severe side effects!!!!
Comment by Cathy on 29 December 2009:
My husband was taking Byetta for about a year (Aug.08-Nov.09) On November 1, 2009 he went in to the hospital. On November 3, 2009 he was in ICU up until November 19, 2009. Nineteen days in hospital! Acute Pancreatitis! He had to have dialysis twice, needed four units of blood, liver issues, lung issues. We didn’t know if he was going to live! He has had Diabetes II for about 6 years. Dr. wanted him to try Byetta! I will say that all the hospital doctors contribute alcohol as one of the culprits. But, my husband has been drinking alcohol for about forty years in moderation. He is 56 now. By the way, he is still recovering from Acute Pancreatitis! He has missed eight weeks of work!! Now we are dealing with Ulcerative Colitis…
Comment by jim on 31 December 2009:
I have been using Byetta for the past three + years and have had NO adverse effects. My glucose levels were high, my A1C was above 7.5 and I weighed 313 lbs. I am 6′5″ tall and ‘carried the wieght well.’
I have lost more than 30 pounds and aside from the occassional loose bowel movement in the middle of the night have no problems. My doc monitors my kdiney function etc thru quarterly +/- blood checks.
I also take Actos and Metformin.
Comment by Cathy on 1 January 2010:
I posted a comment on 12/29/09. It’s now 1/1/10. We were informed by our new Primary Doctor on 12/31/09 to get to the emergency room asap. After reading my husbands CT scan on 12/31, Jim now has Necrotizing Pancreatitis….we are back in the hospital under going more tests!
Comment by Anna on 1 January 2010:
I have taken Byetta for several months, got a refill recently, but I wILL NOT be using it. I have severe headaches, weird appetite changes, higher blood pressure levels and nausea. The headaches and nausea are so bad, I cannot function and have to go to bed. my doctor finally prescribed medication for the nausea, but it puts me to SLEEP, so I cannot take it and work daily. I did not know this drug was so harmful and did not know of the lawsuit. I am so sorry for all the people that have become so ill. I knew my appetite fluctuates very often, but had not clue it was the Byetta. I have never felt so sick. Thanks to everyone that posted a remark here, I will NOT be using my new pen. It is not worth the risk of waiting for more side effects.
Comment by Sherry on 7 January 2010:
I started taking Byetta about 9 months ago…Lost 20 pounds and had no side effects the first three months. Then out of nowhere, I started throwing up. What was weird was that I had no nausea or indication that I was going to be sick. I never felt bad before or after vomiting. I continued taking the Byetta because I just didn’t realize it was the culprit. About 2 months ago, it finally occurred to me that the Byetta might be the cause, so I stopped taking it, and sure enough, I haven’t had any more vomiting. I also haven’t had any of these other symptoms people are talking about but now I’m terrified about delayed side effects. Will be going to the dr. really soon to get my levels checked. I am praying for all those going thru such a hard time.
Comment by Jessica on 7 January 2010:
I was put on Lantus in June 2009, and started taking Byetta in July 2009. Right away I lost a few pounds and felt okay on the medicine. I was soon switched from the 5mcg to 10mcg and that is when I started feeling sick all the time. I stopped taking the Lantus and Byetta in September which I stopped myself do to constant low blood sugars–ended up in the ER because I couldn’t even get my sugars above 56. In October my doctor decided to take me off Lantus but keep me on Byetta…which made me sick so again I stopped taking it and then in November he asked me agan to take it, this time in the beginning of December I began to have severe upper abdominal pain that would go into my back. I stopped taking the Byetta again and will not go back on it after hearing all the stories that are so similar to mine. Also during the entire time since I first began Byetta I have had heart palpatations—my heart will skip a beat and it takes me a few minutes to deal with it…it takes my breath away and freaks me out. I advise anyone to discuss what you have read with your doctor before beginning Byetta.
Comment by Stella on 14 January 2010:
I started taking the Byetta shots in early 2007. It was controlling my blood sugar levels very well. I did experience severe abdominal pain and nausea but felt it was something I had to put up with. 0n October 31of 2007 I was giving myself and shot and felt and severe pain in my lower abdominal at the injection sight. I remove the needle, changed to a new needle and gave myself another injection. That was on a Monday. By Tuesday I was not feeling so good and the injection sight looked a little red. I went to My doctor on Wednesday and showed him the sight. By Thursday I was in the hospital fighting for my life. My kidneys were shutting down. I was diagnosis with systemic. I wonder??? I am now on Januvia. I received my blood work back last week and have protein in my urine. The Doctor said it is from the diabetes. I still have pain in my left side and lower back.
Comment by Mark on 18 January 2010:
I took 5 mg for 1 month and then went to 10 mg. I began having upper rt quadrant pain and extreme acid reflux. I toughed it out for three months and then told my dr about my problems. He took me off the Byetta immediately. Since then, I have had recurrent loose stools, and pain. Have had colonoscopy, endoscopy and other tests. Had my gall bladder removed on 12/24/09. I still have pain and loose stools. I would not recommend this drug to anyone.
Comment by claudia on 21 January 2010:
I have been on Byetta since Sept of 09. I had increased nasal congestion and severe cough. I began having welts on my stomach that itched and were hard. I discontinued the injections last week and my nose and severe cough are about gone. Welts have not returned. My endo is out on permenent sick leave. They are looking to replace him. The air base does not prescribe this drug. Byetta’s needles many times hurt when injecting and are crooked. I also have pain between my shoulder blades now and wonder if this is a result of the Byetta or something else.
Comment by Becky on 22 January 2010:
My mother took Byetta for about 2 or 3 yrs. She started having the stomach problems, etc. tired all the time. Pain in her abdomin going through to her back. she would get nausiated and throw up sometimes. She went to several doctors they ran colonoscopy, endoscopy, blood work etc. “found nothing” she was constipated, dark stools, doctors though it was her gall bladder and on Febuary 16th of 2009 she was dx with Pancreatic Cancer. She passed away on August 27th, 2009. STAY AWAY FROM THIS DRUG!!! My mother never had any problems until she started taking Byetta.
Comment by mdebernardi on 4 February 2010:
My father started taking BYETTA about 2 years ago. He has not lost any wieght, in fact he gained about 25 lbs since taking this drug.
He has also developed anemia, AFTER having an endoscopy and colonoscopy; we still have no answers. NOW, the doctor is questioning BYETTA…….lets hope its not too late.
Comment by steve on 20 February 2010:
sounds like a bunch of people trying to get free money most of the problems that people have listed seem to be related more to what diabetes and high blood sugar leaves and being obsessed can cause
law suit are the reason this country is falling apart
Comment by Cathy on 27 February 2010:
Last posting for us (January 1, 2010) Jim has been in out of hospital since November 1, 2009. We are up to 60 days out of 109 days of being in hospital. Jim has a very large cyst that has formed around his pancreas. Doctors drained five 1 liter bottles of fluid from his abdominal cavity due to the cyst leaking. Now he has a tube connected to the cyst to the outside of his body so the cyst can drain. He will have an Endoscopic Procedure in a few days. Maybe a stent will be put in. Surgery will happen soon. His pancreas has necrotized. Byetta has fried his pancreas. Please do NOT take this drug… This is the sole culprit of my husbands illness. He is now depended on insulin. It’s been a long grueling four months and we aren’t out of the woods yet. I’ll keep updating.
Comment by Monty on 8 March 2010:
I started using Byetta March 2009. My dr said it would help me loose some weight that would assist with my diabetes. Upon taking it I noticed I began going to the bathroom excessively which was told to me by the dr. I started with the 5mg pen and by the second pen refill I was unable to keep food in due to the diarrhea. I told my dr. in June , but unlike many of your stories my dr. didn’t stop it he upped the dosage to 10mcg. I began having severe rectum pain from excessive diarrhea and went to walk-in end result I had severe stomach pain, several test. colonoscopy, endoscopy, and now they say I have Chron’s disease. Just spent 4 days in the hopital due to severe inflammation of my colon. The pain was unbearable. All this began when I started taking Byetta which does cause damage to the G.I. tract. Bottm Line…This is not just a coincidence. It can’t be look at all of these stories from different people across the country this drug is bad for the G.I. Tract System and causes irreversible damage.
Comment by Tamara on 8 March 2010:
@Steve who posted FEB 20, 2010: These excessive diarrhea, and G.I. conditions and are not side effects from diabetes!
Comment by Steve on 11 March 2010:
Comment by Tamara on 8 March 2010: These excessive diarrhea, and G.I. conditions and are not side effects from diabetes!
No – I got them from Metformin! Still do occasionally. The first three months on Metformin were terrible. Metformin + excersize + diet could not get my A1C below 7.
I have been on Byetta 10mcg since Feb 2007 – no real problems except occasional nausia – but my A1C is consistantly in the high 5’s! For me its no contest – Byetta is great.
Comment by Margie on 11 March 2010:
I too took Byetta for a while as a Type II Diabetic. That is untill I found out it might be the cause of my stomach aches. The Dr. did some blood work and called me on a Sunday and told me to get off the Byetta right away and meet her at the Emerg. Room at the local hospital. She said my pancreatic enzymes were out of control and I should be hospitalized! I stopped the byetta and later tests said pancreas was ok.
This past week I had a surgery to repair hernia and tear in my stomach muscles, incidental finding by my surgeon that my liver looked horrible so he took two biopsies. Pathology results was non alcoholic Cirrhosis of the Liver! Isn’t that great, age 52, not a drinker and Cirrhosis of the Liver to deal with. Heading to the Gastroentolgy Dept to see a HEPATOLOGIST in SF in the next few weeks…could this be connected? I am betting on it! By the way, the every 6 month complete blood work i take never showed any problems with my liver! Would not of know this if I had not needed the surgery for the hernia…we consider ourselves very lucky to have found this!