Byetta Lawsuit
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<<
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.
120 comments
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.
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.
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
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
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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!!!!
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…
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
@Steve who posted FEB 20, 2010: These excessive diarrhea, and G.I. conditions and are not side effects from diabetes!
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.
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!
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.
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.,
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..
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.
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…
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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
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.
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
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.
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.