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Byetta Lawsuit

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Austin Kirk

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The use of the diabetes drug Byetta may increase the risk of developing chronic, asymptomatic pancreatitis, which could ultimately lead to a diagnosis of pancreatic cancer from Byetta.

BYETTA LAWSUIT STATUS: As a result of the drug maker’s failure to properly research the side effects of Byetta or provide adequate warnings about the impact of the medication on the pancreas, product liability lawyers are reviewing potential Byetta pancreatic cancer lawsuits on behalf of individuals nationwide.

>>REVIEW A CASE WITH A BYETTA LAWYER<<

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Byetta Lawsuit

Side effects of Byetta, Victoza, Januvia and other diabetes drugs may increase risk of pancreatic cancer.

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Learn More About

Byetta Lawsuit

Side effects of Byetta, Victoza, Januvia and other diabetes drugs may increase risk of pancreatic cancer.

Learn More
SEE IF YOU QUALIFY FOR COMPENSATION

MANUFACTURERS: Amylin Pharmaceuticals, Inc. and Bristol-Myers Squibb

OVERVIEW: Byetta (exenatide) is a type 2 diabetes drug which was approved by the FDA in April 2005 to help reduce blood sugar levels. Amid aggressive marketing and promotion, millions of prescriptions for the Byetta pen have been written.

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.

Shortly after the Byetta pen was introduced, reports of pancreatitis among users began to emerge. Although pancreatitis is a substantial risk factor for the subsequent development of pancreatic cancer, due to the chronic inflammation and increased cell turn over, Amylin Pharmaceuticals failed to warn users or the medical community about the importance of monitoring for the first signs of changes to the pancrease.

BYETTA PANCREATITIS SIDE EFFECTS:  In October 2007, the FDA issued an alert about reports of at least 30 users of Byetta diagnosed with acute pancreatitis. That warning was updated by the FDA in August 2008, after at least six additional cases of necrotizing pancreatitis or hemorrhagic pancreatitis were identified among Byetta users, including at least two deaths

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

If a user of the Byetta pen develops pancreatitis, it is important that the medication be stopped to avoid further risk of more serious injury. However, as a result of Amylin Pharmaceutical’s failure to warn about the risk of pancreatitis, many individuals continued to use the diabetes injection.

BYETTA PANCREATIC CANCER LAWSUITS:  A number of recent studies have suggested that there may be a link between Byetta and pancreatic cancer.

According to a study published in the medical journal Gastroenterology in February 2011, the development of pancreatic cancer among Byetta users was three times greater than among other diabetics.

In the February 2013 edition of JAMA Internal Medicine, researchers raised serious concerns about the Byetta pancreatic cancer risk, after a study found that individuals treated with Byetta were twice as likely to be hospitalized with pancreatitis, which could ultimately lead to pancreatic cancer.

Amylin Pharmaceutical’s failure to warn about the Byetta pancreas cancer risk has had devastating consequences for individuals throughout the United States, as it is the fourth most common cause of cancer related deaths in the United States.

Pancreatic cancer symptoms may include:

  • Upper abdomen pain
  • Loss of appetite
  • Weight loss
  • Jaundice
  • Fatigue and weariness
  • Nausea and Vomiting

Contact a Byetta Lawyer About Pancreatic Cancer

Byetta pancreatic cancer lawyers are reviewing potential lawsuits for individuals throughout the United States as a result of Amylin Pharmaceutical’s failure to provide adequate warnings for users or the medical community. To review a potential claim for yourself, a friend or family member, request a free consultation and claim evaluation.

Tags: Byetta, Pancreatitis
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121 Comments

Casey
Byetta helped me loose 100 lbs My insurance didn’t get renewed and I couldn’t afford $900.00 month. When I got my insurance back the next year, they no longer had byetta Broke my heart. I had no problem with it. Thank you.
perry
I was diagnosed with Type II diabetes in 1988. After 7 years of treatment with oral meds and limited success I was prescribed Byetta in 2006. I was also being treated for serious pulminary problems and had been repeatedly CT scanned as well as MRIs with no evidence of cancer or tumors. In July of 2007, less than 9 months from my previous CT scan, a mass of 14.2 centimeters was discovered on my Thyroid gland. Subsequently, my Thyroid and parathyroid were surgically removed and 3 seperate radiation treatments over a 3 year period were conducted. I was forced to go on disability at age 55 and have suffered chronic fatigue and congestive heart failure as ongoing consequences of the use of this dangerous drug. I am currently insulin dependent. I have filed suit with another law firm and hoping that I will receive some sort of justice for the suffering I have endured.
Cindi
I took 5 shots of Byetta and had to stop. The abdomen pain and blotting were awful. I told my dr and she told me to stop taking immediately. It has been two days since the last shot and I have just as much pain as I did when I took the shots. I have been reading all of the posts here and am very worried that I may have damaged my pancreas or caused some other problem and will suffer with these issues forever. I pray that the pain stops soon. My thoughts and prayers go out to all the people that have suffered from this horrible drug. I wish I had never taken it.
Tammie
in about june of 2010 my husband was diagnoised with diabetes 2 he was not really that overwheight maybe 15 20 pds they showed me the diabetic way of eating carbs we followed the diet his meds consisit of lantus100/ml an byetta 10mcg injections everyday he would complain of pain an often stated win he took the byetta {that he thought sometimes it was making him sicker instead of better} he seemed to loose his weight little faster then we thought was normal an 8mo later exactly febr 13 2011 he noticed his eyes an skin lookin yellowish and felt weak an pain our home dr had us go to lincoln and be tested they said something was blocking the opening of pancreates we were told a stent was to be put in to open up panrease cause it was all backing up is why jaundas was present and they could look into more tests .On valentines day Febr 14 2011 we were told he had a 2 to 3inch dia tumor on pancrease that if main veins havent connect into it we would beable to remove it following aweek more of tests and waiting another week for test results we were then told it was to late the veins were feeding off tumor that he had pancreatic cancer in stage 4 that he had 6months to live he died aug202011 at age 49 this is the worst thing in the world to go through he got sicker weaker the last night with him i will never be able to erase the fear an pain an hurt we went throught together and sometimes the feeling of they just put him aside to die came over us on ways he was treated at times like he was just a person they know is going to die theres no cure so just do what ever to get him by i strongly feel the byetta was the reason an he asked me to try and find out what caused his cancer and possibley to let others know what to look for dont do the chemo if u are stage 4 pancreatic cancer the day u start that is the last day of your life it all goes down hill from that time on i want people to know this so they can live what time they may have enjoying life aliittle compared to living no life only in bed sick
Mike
I have been sick ever since taking Byetta 5-6 years ago. I stopped the drug but the damage is done. In 5 years I have lost 110 pounds and I cannot stop it. Upper and lower GI on Monday. God I hope they fix this. Thanks Byetta makers.
kathy
It is beyond my comprehension why anyone would stay on a drug they know is making them nauseous with vomiting, even if their dr. said to stay on it. I would only put up with this for maybe 4 or 5 days at the most.
Brittney
My stepfather took Byett for about a week. He had heartburn really bad. Well that is how he described it. He also had the nausea but he died of heart attack shortly after it was prescribed. Do you think the Byetta caused his death?
marie
I took byetta and had kidney problems.I had to have one of my kidneys removed due to cancer.My other kidney is only working at 48 to 5o%.
dale
I THOUGHT I WAS A DEID MAN PLEASE HELP TAKE IT OFF THE MARKET.
Gwendolyn
My mom participated in a study with Byetta. She began having stomach problems in which she began regurgitating fluids, foods. Initially, her doctor thought she had gall stones. Gall stone surgery was performed. She continued having problems. Her gall bladder was, then, removed. She continued experiencing the same problems. Her doctor performed a CAT scan and found cancer which was thought to be in her pancreas, according to the reading. Surgery was immediately scheduled. After the surgeon opened her, he found it to be duodenal cancer. After 1 1/2 years of fighting, she lost her battle to cancer. I’m trying to see of anyone else taking this medicine has experienced the same. She had no signs prior to taking this medicine.
Barry
I started taking Byetta around September 2005. By December 2005 I was hospitalized with my first acute pancreatitis attack, but it went undiagnosed and I was tested for heart problems. I had another severe attack in early August 2006, which this time was properly diagnosed and treated, After three days in the hospital, I was discharged, but I was hospitalized with an even more severe attack five days later. My doctor told me a normal high for pancreatic enzymes is 60; my count was 4,500–my pancreas was being consumed by the enzymes. My doctor suspected some kind of connection to the Byetta and took me off of the drug immediately–this was in August 2006 before any FDA warning. My doctor reported my case as one of the original 30 incidents reported to the FDA. The bad news is it didn’t stop there. I continued to suffer from chronic pancreatitis (I was not a drinker and had no history in my family). In September 2008 my gallbladder was removed due to complications related to the Byetta and subsequent pancreatitis. During scanning for the gallbladder surgery a tumor was found on my pancreas–caused by the scarring on my pancreas that resulted from the pancreatitis attacks. I had the Whipple surgery in November 2008 to remove the top half of my pancreas to eliminate the tumor that was not benign–but the cancer cells had not spread beyond. There was another surgery a year later, and I face yet another, All of this along with never-ending visits to doctors and CT scans and blood tests to keep vigil over the possibility that tumors will return. From the very beginning in 2005/06 when I had my first series of pancreatitis attacks, I have never doubted that everything was likned to the Byetta. To this day I suffer from pain, fatigue, and weakness. Byetta ruined my life and it makes me sick to think that Ely-Lillly gets away with justifying my pain and suffering as merely a risk-benefit factor–a factor that I wasn’t even warned about in 2005-06. If you take this drug–STOP.
NikkiD
My mother started taking byetta in 2007 and in 2008 she was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. The cancer had already spread to her liver and lungs and it was too late to save her. She died in 2010 because of this horrible shot.
Sherrym
I was prescribed Byetta back in 2009 to help lose weight each time I took the injection my stomach would swell really bad and severe stomach pains I would have to lay down for 3 hours each time after the injection. I stopped taking the Byetta after 4 months. I developed a hyatial hernia after taking the Byetta shots, not sure if Byetta is related to the hernia but the doctor that prescribed the Byetta advised me you cannot take the shots if you have a hernia so apparently if not related it must make the condition worsen. My stomach has not been right since and I still have stomach swelling and pain to this day after I eat meals. I would advise anyone to not take this drug. After all the hela monster is a venomous lizard and only eats one time a year so imagine what the injections can do to your body.
edwin r
I HAVE BEEN TAKING BYETTA NOW FOR FIVE MONTHS IT HAS HELP ME LOSE 48 POUNDS IN TOTAL ONLY BECAUSE I ALSO KEPT IT WITH A DIET PROGRAM TO WATCH MY SUGAR AND CARB INTAKE, I MONITOR IT CAREFULLY AND TOOK THE SHOT AS PRESCIBE D 30-40 MINTUES BEFORE MEALS. I DID HAVE NAUSEA AT THE BEIGINIG OF THE PROGRAM FOR THE FIRST 10- DAYS AT 5- MG, BUT AFTER THAT IT WORKED LIKE A MIRACLE IN KEEPING MY WAIT AND HUNGER DOWN. I FOLLOWED IT WITH A STEADY COURSE OF SMOTHEES , VEG AND FRUIT FOR THE FIRST MONTH THAT HELP A LOT. THEN I WACTHED MY INTAKE ON CARB, SUGAR AND ADDED FIBER TO HELP ME WITH A LITTLE OF CONSTIPATION WHICH I KNEW WAS A SIDE AFFECT. SO FAR I AM KEEPING MY DOWN AND THE ONLY OTHER SIDE AFFECT IS BLOATING WHEN I OVER EAT OR EAT TO SOON AFTER THE SHOT. HOPING THAT I DO NOT THE PROPLEMS SOME OF YOU HAVE GOTTEN BUT I WILL KEEP A CLOSE WATCH FOR YOUR SIGNS, THANKS AND GOOD LUCK.
Nickie
My dad had been on regular insulin for many years and kept his diabetes well controlled. His doctor switched him to Byetta last week, and he is now lying in ICU and has been declared brain dead. I don’t really think I need to say anything else about this drug. Please, if you are already well controlled, don’t switch medications.
Gene
Back in 2007 & 2008 I had three doctors that wanted to put me on Byetta. In 2008, I finally agreed to. After just the 4th shot, it create severe aabdominal pain for 7 hours. I casused me to have to urinate about every 15 minutes the entire night. For two days afterwards, I could not urinate. The third day, I went t the Mayo Clinic where it swas dicovered that my kidneys had shut down. I was hospitalized for two weeks and on dialisis. Finially my kidneys started to function again.
Robert
Correction not 4 years of my life, but 40 years of driving truck.
Robert
I was prescribed Byetta in 2006, and did very well with my blood sugars, however, I had to take immodium 2 to 3 times per day for the diaherra. In March of 2009, I started to see things that were not there. I was a professional truck driver, and my wife was my co-driver. In February of 2009 I became very ill while driving, in Indiana, my wife had to take the wheel. By the time she got to Kentucky, I was so sick, vomiting, nausea, dizziness, disorientation, I was so sick, I could not even put my shoes on, On March 24th 2009, I had taken my shot of Byetta, layed on the couch in my den, and when my wife found me, I was having a diabetic seizure; my blood sugar had gone up to almost 900 and I had to be hospitalized for 11 days. The first 4 days of my hospitaliztion, I was on life support and did not know whether I was dead or alive. The stopped giving me the Byetta in the ICU, bot my kidney, liver and other vital organs are totally out of whack. I also had a stroke while on Byetta, fell and broke 3 ribs/ suffered 2 compression fractures in my spinal cord. Needless to say, I am not able, and will never be able to work again. This has been a nightmare from hell. I know that Byetta was the culprit, and I hope they will take it off of the market before it kills anyone else. This Byetta scenario is about to cause me to lose my home and everything else that I worked so hard for for 4 years of my life. I am depressed, still sick to my stomach and the list goes on. STOP TAKING IT NOW!!!
nancy
I started Byetta 5 on Dec 13, 2010..that is almost 2 months now..I have severe pain in my upper abdomen and I am sick at my stomach all the time, can’t sleep because of nausea, took Tums and they seemed to help for a couple of weeks but not now..I have a call in to my Dr. I want off this stuff, I had never had stomach problems in my life before this..but I have lost 15 lbs..who wouldn’t???
kathy
I started byetta 5 mg in july 2006. i was extremely nauseated with vomiting all the time, especially after the injections. my blood sugar would sometimes drop dangerously low. i had to stop taking the byetta due to these constant side effects. 6 weeks later, i had my first pancreatitis attack. these attacks continued over the years and became worse. on november 15, 2010 i had to have a whipple because of the damage to my pancreas. i was also diagnosed with nash at that time. i am not a person who sues. but i did inquire about the class action lawsuit against byetta because of what happened to me. i was told i wasn’t eligible because i wasn’t on byetta when i had my first pancreatitis attack. please don’t take this drug!
kathy
I had a whipple operation in 2005. They removed 2/3 of my pancreas. A copule of months later I developed Diabetes. I had been on Januvia and actos. In July, my doctor switched me to Byetta. I questioned the fact of the side effects damaging the pancreas. He felt that because most had been removed there would not be a problem. After 3 months of taking Byetta, I started to get pains like that of a pancreas attack coming on. along with vomiting. The doctor had me stop the Byetta and switched me to Metformin. I just had blood work done and my Liver levels are 3 times what they were before. I have to have more bllood work tomorrow to hopefully rule out Autoimmune Hepititis.I do believe I should have never been put on Byetta. Depending on my results, I will be contacting an attorney.
Laura
i have taken Byetta for 2 months now. since ive been bumped up to 10 ive been experiencing terrible gas and gas pains after i eat. i feel there may be a bowel obstruction since i can only “go” in the mornings now. about an hour after dinner i get terrible gas bubbles and they last around 8-9 hours.
Victoria
I also have liver disease Nash. My blood pressure has gone very high and somedays it’s so faint they can’t get a reading. I have also started losing my hair and have frequent skin infections. They now are stating thyroid problems. Every week seems like another condition. I feel as if Its never ending. Recent gastricemptying, gallbladder screening, an was hospitalized last week. I just hope that if anyone is thinking of taking this drug they think again. My most recent appt with the Dr the representative for byetta was there and I didn’t think anything of it. Till now. God bless all who are suffering I hope we can all get through this.
Victoria
Thank you to everyone who has shared their stories. I think now I know why I have been so sick. I have also been taking byetta since 2/2010 until a month ago. I was given this option as a “wonder drug”. I was sold on how you would lose weight while repairing your pancreas. The first week I took this drug it made me very ill. Missed the full week of work due to nausea and vomitting. The DR explained. That the drug would take time to get use to. They even had me injecting it in my leg instead of my stomach which did help a little. I was doing real well apr-July. Losing about 25 lbs. I was working out and trying to do everything right. From one day to the next I started with chest pain and burning in feet and arms. Peripheal neuropathy was what I was told. EKG was fine. I then started vomitting at least 10x a week. Not sleeping from nausea, stomach pain and constant burning. Went to dr so many times and just got dismissed. P
Tommy
I started taking the drug Byetta 10 mg in October of 2008. I stayed sick the entire time with stomach ache and nausea. Dr. said to take the 5 mg instead. Complained to the doctor that I had to wait until the meal was ready to be serviced to take the shot of Byetta or I would be nausea to the extreme that I couldn’t eat at all. At restaurants I would have to take the shot in the car or bathroom of the restaurant if there was a wait or this would happen again. Kept telling the doctor but he said the bad will in the long run outweigh the good side effects. September 1, 2010 I was rushed to the hospital for acute pancreatitis and kidney failure. The first 5 days I didn’t know anything or where I even was. After 19 days in the hospital and pumped with numerous doses of antibotics and pain killers I am at home with a J tube 24 hours a day 7 days a week. I now need surgery for a cyst that is blocking the pancreas from doing its job. Seven more long days in the hospital and a week or two for recovering at home. My whole life has been turned around by this drug. I am at the point of losing my job because of no more sick time, vacation time, etc…. Yes I can get FMLA but that doesn’t supply my family with the income and no job means Cobra insurance payments. L:ooking in the local paper today I see my doctor’s name stating he received the fifth-highest amount in payments from drug company Lilly for speaking engagements and professional education programs representing and promoting Byetta. I am writing in hopes to spare someone else all the pain and mental fustration and financial burden this drug has done to me. 3 doctors have all said that the Byetta is the cause of this illness, Mentally I hope to overcome this and hope and pray that my body will, too.
Gail
I urge everyone with liver disease(or Cirrhosis) related to byetta use to file a adverse reaction with the FDA you can do this on-line. They need all the complaints they can get in order to add liver damage to the warnings on Byetta. Byetta now includes warnings for pancreatic and Kidney damage
Richard
I started Byetta a week ago and so far no side effects other than very mild diarrhea. My guess is that at least 3/4 of the complaints here are unrelated to Byetta. Nevertheless, there are a lot of genuine serious side effects. If you have serious side effects stop taking the drug immediately. That goes for any drug.
Randy
I have been on byetta now for about 2-3 mons. My endocrinologist put me on it, actually it was his nurse practionioner. I started to have severe stomach pain, I told my doctor’s nurse at my next visit how sick I was and my stomach was on fire and how sick I was, she did not seem to care, she didn’t tell me to stop taking it and didn’t seem to care or listen. I am now in the hospital and they have done a endoscopy and a heart stress test and haven’t mentioned anything about the pancreas which is exactly where my pain is. Should I contact a lawyer about this and sue? I am so sick! NEVER TAKE THIS MEDICATION!
DONNA
Was taking Byetta 2 shots a day, pain/tenderness in my stomach, diarearra and or constipation,brusing at injection site, constant feeling of nausea. Swelling in legs and feet.
Cathy
Update on Jim since April 18th, 2010. I’ve posted many comments on this website. Since November 1, 2009 until July 14, 2010, Jim has been hospitalized 143 days total. In and out of hospital and Long Term Health Care. As of today (7/14/10) he has two draining tubes. He barely has a pancreas due to Byetta! Byetta made his pancreas explode literally. We are 9 1/2 months in to Necrotized Pancreatitis. He must use enzymes each time he puts any food into his mouth. He is insulin dependent from now on. He took byetta from February 2009 until November 1, 2009. We have joined the Class Action Lawsuit. Question to everyone out there….does anyone else have “Necrotizing Pancreatitis?” We are looking for a local support group or even a support group online for my husband.
Arlie
I was diagnosed with Type II Diabetes approximately 2 years ago as a result of elevated A1c, and other risk factors. Metformin was prescribed but my blood sugars continued to climb into the mid 200 range with A1c topping 10.6. My endocrinologist recommended participation in the newly formed clinical trial of Long Acting Release (LAR) Byetta (Exenatide),once weekly injections instead of twice daily is being evaluated. I began the trial in late May 2010 and have terminated my participation beginning with the fifth week. I did so because of what I characterize as several significant adverse reactions. The first week trial resulted in significant GI manifestations, along with headache and general fatigue/malaise. The attending physician noted the symptoms and suggested they should improve with time, they didn’t. The signs of more aggressive reactions began in week 3 when low back ache and greater fatigue set in. The cycle of diarrhea and constipation began to worsen. I began week 4 with significant swings in blood sugar readings. My appetite never changed while maintaining a regular diet. The intended benefit from LAR Byetta never became evident, nor did any lessening of negative reactions. I’ve terminated my participation in the clinical trial of LAR Byetta after the fifth injection. I might add that the injection site was normally very sore and swollen for 48 to 72 hours after administering. There isn’t a method in place to determine whether or not I was in the placebo controlled group. However, given the reactions after beginning the trial it can be concluded mine was within the actually grug recipients. Given Byetta was previously FDA approved, I believed participation in the LAR clinical trial was a relatively low risk event with the potential for overall benefit. It appears my good intentions may have been wrong and I genuinely hope for no lasting impact because of my participation in this trial.
clara
why hasn’t the FDA removed this drug from the market until more testing is done?? It’s all about $$$$. My husband’s dr. mentioned putting him on this drug but after reading this NO WAY. Thanks for all of your input.
Maree
I have been taking Byetta for almost 4 years and thank God I have not had any serious side effects. I started with 5 mcg then moved to 10 mcg after a couple of months. Occasionally I have a little diarrhea and a little nausea, but neither last long. I also take metformin. I think Byetta along with diet and exercise has contributed to me maintaining my weight, which is what I wanted to do. My endocrinologist does my blood work every 4 months and he works with my primary care physician to monitor my progress. I feel extremely lucky (and blessed) after reading some of these comments.
trina
the one time i see this doctor he wants me on this shot it will help me lose weight and here i lost some now had cancer b 4 and unstable heart beat my suger goes from 26 to 400 so now that i read this I am not going to do that just take my pills its not good to take something u think is good when it does more harm to the body soon after … thanks for putting this out trina
Lisa
I have been on Byetta for 3 1/2 years, when i first started taking it there was nausia if i ate too much, i lost 30 pounds. Some diareha, however i was also taking metformin 2000 mg a day. I have had no problems my dr. keeps me up to date on all the new side affects and warnings. I get my blood work done every 3 months and my aic is 5.5. I take 10 mcg twice a day. Every now and then if i eat to much I get nausiaed and even throw up. I will continue taking byetta. Good Luck to everyone thinking about taking this drug.
Tarah
I have experienced all these similar symptoms, rapid weight loss, headaches, nausea , acid reflux, depression, everything. All the doctors and lawyers could tell me is to prescribe me a different type of medication or more medication and the lawyers told me I could not be involved in the lawsuit unless I had kidney failure. Well , recently I found out that Byetta also causes female patients to develop ovarian cysts which I had not even 6 months after I quit taking this medication. I had to be operated on and have them removed. Now they have returned and I have them again. Apparantly I am not the only one. If anyone has more info on this subject I would appreciate it as I am worried I will not be able to have children now.
Stacey
I was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes approx. 4 years ago. At the time of diagnosis I was not overwieght and very active. After the doctor put me many different oral medications I was still having a very difficult time. My sugar was uncontrolled, I ALWAYS felt like I had the flu and had severe pain in the top of my stomach all of the time. My doctor decided after I gained nearly 40lbs that I could not tolerate the metformin. I have been taking Actos for nearly two years and my doctor suggested I try Byetta. He thought it may help with weight gain and help keep my sugar levels stable. I have been taking 5mcg of Byetta for almost a year and a half. My blood work has been “normal” thus far and I haven’t had the pains in my stomach. It was suggested that I bump up to 10mcg since I haven’t lost much weight but I am thinking I will leave good enough alone. I am not too unhappy with the extra weight (I’m still pretty active). I have had less health “issues” in the last year and a half than I did prior to taking this drug. I notice a BIG difference if I miss a dose. My stomach pain immediately comes back. This may change, I hope it doesn’t. I really feel for the individuals and families that experience more health issues that may be connected to taking any medication.
Terri
I’ve been on Byetta for about 2 years and so far, it’s all good! I get a little nausia, but that helps me with over eating. I have found no other side effects and it does wonders in lowering my blood sugars. I stopped using it for a few months due to a change in my insurance coverage and the high cost and my AC1 shot up to 11 when my normal range is between 5.6 and 6.6. So I’m back on it and happy to be a little nausious again!
Vicky
I am a type 2 Diabetic and was not on Byetta for very long (3 mo.) My doctor started me out on 5mg. once a day. And I did experience a little nausea but, my AC1 count was still high. So, my doctor upped my dosage to 10mg once a day. Immediately I experiened severe nausea, vomitting. I was not hungry due to the nausea and vomitting but I so despertly wanted to lose weight and so I hung in for another month. Upon my visit to the doctor I told him that I just couldn’t handle taking the 10mg and I would continue to take the 5mg shot daily. Then I started developing a twitch in one eye. Okay, stress, I thought. Then came the eye twitch and then it was “getting stuck”. I know this sound weird but, it was almost like a “Charlie Horse” in my eye lid. Then the chest pains started which was right around the time that my brother passed away. I attributed this also to stress. Upon my last visit to the doctor, he took me off of Byetta as it was not “helping me” and put me on Insulin. Funny, it has been 3 weeks since I stopped taking Byetta and I no longer have eye seziures or chest “pressure” OR thank God, the vomitting! After reading all of the other comments, I can only express my sympathy/concern for the horreable medical conditions that this drug may have caused all of you. I will pray for you.
Cathy
I’ve posted three pervious comments (2/27/10- Jim). This is the latest on Jim. As of April 2, 2010, Jim had major surgery. He has a 7inch incision where the doctors had to go in and scoop out part of the dead pancreas. The head and tail end of the pancreas is still functioning. He has five drain tubes. We are day 89 out of 176 (since 11/1/09) of being in a hospital and/or Long Term Health Facility. He is currently in Long Term care since 4/13/10 while his open wound heals. I will say since his surgery on 4/2, he is now able to eat solid food and is holding it down. He has gone months without eating only taking in “clear liquids.” He has had a feeding tube inserted three times that bypasses the stomach and part of intestines so the pancreas doesn’t have to work. That didn’t help. Hopefully, we are on the upswing of recovery. He has endured over six months of constant pain and hospitalizaton. The doctors keep telling us..Jim shouldn’t be alive. Truely a miracle that he has made it this far! Don’t use Byetta…
Michelle
Byetta seemed to be doing great,now last night and this morning I have had some serious stomach pain,burping and then feeling like I have to burp and can’t.My heart feeling different and my husband had told some guys at work how well we were doing and one of the guys came in just this morning with news about the Byetta shot.So I looked it up because all of a sudden I’m having problems.My doctor told me several times the only side effect was loosing weight and I thought well, thats the best side effect I ever heard of.I stopped the shot! I’ts not worth the rest of my health.
Fran
I was prescribed Byetta several years ago not for diabetes but for insulin resistance. I felt well at first and lost about twenty pounds. Then I started to develop eye problems including double vision and eye spasms with generalized weakening of muscles. Does that ring a bell with anyone out there. I had no vision problems before I used Byetta..
Stephen
I started on the Byetta back in November 09 and I have never been sick but as of today I have been in the Hosp. 5 times the last time I was in was in March. Each and every time it was foir the same reason they said it was my kidney so now I have kidney damage and this last time the doctors told me to stop taking the Byetta Pen. I am more pissed off that these doctors do not read up before they tell someone to take it.,
Mavis
Hello, My mom dies suddenly after having only two injections. She complained of dizziness, nausea and of feeling really bad from the injections. She had just found out that she was diabetic and had only received two days of the shots. She had been on Lasix for over 3 decades and was swollen. I will always believe that this drug lead to her sudden death. Although this medication maybe helpful in the treatment of Type LL Diabetes I believe that I would consider another opinion. I miss my moom and blame the doctor and myself for reassuring her that she would have to adjust to the medication and that what she was feeling would soon go away. Instead, she went away.
Margie
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!
Steve
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.
Tamara
‘@Steve who posted FEB 20, 2010: These excessive diarrhea, and G.I. conditions and are not side effects from diabetes!
Monty
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.
Cathy
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.
steve
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
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