Skip to Navigation

Byetta Lawsuits

  • Email this page


Byetta, or exenatide, is an injectable diabetes medication that has been linked to acute pancreatitis. Diabetic patients who have suffered harm after taking Byetta are often entitled to recover compensation for medical expenses, emotional burdens and other factors. In the event the patient dies because of Byetta use, family members or heirs of the victim sometimes can receive compensation for negligent cause of death.

Personal injury lawyers can help you determine if you are eligible to file a personal injury or wrongful death claim related to Byetta. Be sure to contact a personal injury attorney immediately, before the statutes of limitations expire.

Compensation for Byetta Side Effects

Victims of Byetta defects may be able to receive compensatory damages, which are meant to compensate victims for medical bills, lost income, lost opportunities, and pain and suffering. In some cases, they may also receive punitive damages.

Byetta has been linked to acute pancreatitis, which includes the following symptoms:

  • Abdominal pain
  • Vomiting
  • Fever
  • Nausea
  • Rapid heartbeat
  • Swollen, tender abdomen
  • Changes in bowel movements

Byetta, a.k.a. "Lizard Spit"

Byetta has been nicknamed "Lizard Spit" because the protein used in the medication is a synthetic version of a protein derived from the saliva of the Gila monster — the only venomous lizard native to the United States.

Researchers have found the Gila monster hormone is about 50 percent identical to a hormone found in the human digestive tract, which is why it can help patients prevent spikes in their blood sugar levels. The hormone also delays stomach emptying, leading to a decrease in appetite.







Family members of a Byetta victim who dies as a result of Byetta-related pancreatitis may be eligible to file a survivor claim as a continuation of the victim's personal injury claim. In addition, family members or heirs can file wrongful death claims to receive compensation for medical and funeral expenses, lost future income and emotional suffering.


 

Filing a Byetta Lawsuit

Byetta is a type 2 diabetes drug that controls blood glucose levels. It has been linked to life-threatening pancreatic problems, including hemorrhagic and necrotizing pancreatitis. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has received more than 30 reports of acute pancreatitis in Byetta users, as well as two deaths and four hospitalizations for pancreatic problems.

Many claim the manufacturers of Byetta, Amylin Pharmaceuticals and Eli Lilly and Company, inadequately highlighted the risks associated with usage of the drug. Drug manufacturers who fail to properly warn victims of side effects may be held accountable under strict liability for product defects laws, which do not require negligence to be proven.

A Better Byetta

Several pharmaceutical companies are working on developing a longer-acting-release (LAR) formula of Byetta that would forgo the need for twice-daily injections. Trials have shown the LAR version is twice as effective at controlling blood sugar levels, and promotes less nausea and higher amounts of weight loss.

In addition, researchers at the National Institutes of Health are experimenting with a gene therapy-based administration of exenatide (the generic name for Byetta), which would eliminate the need for injections. Many researchers believe the LAR version of Byetta would also severely decrease the risk of acute pancreatitis and several other adverse side effects.

When You Might Need An Attorney

Patients suffering from Byetta's side effects should contact a doctor, as well as a personal injury attorney, as soon as possible. Family members who have lost a loved one due to the deadly side effects of Byetta should speak with an attorney to advise on fatal injury claims. Lawyers who have experience filing defective drug claims are able to identify components that build strong claims against drug manufacturers, including expert testimony. Many defective drug lawyers recommend victims join a class action lawsuit, which has the potential to award millions of dollars to victims. For more information, contact an attorney.