Byetta®, Insulin and Diabetes
(800) 889-3898
Byetta® (exenatide) is an injectable medication that can help those with type-2 diabetes better control their blood glucose levels. Produced by Amylin Pharmaceuticals and Eli Lily, Byetta® for diabetes control has been on the market since April 2005.
Despite the effectiveness of the Byetta® diabetes medication, it has been linked to some severe health problems, including:
- acute pancreatitis and/or chronic pancreatitis (While acute pancreatitis is marked by an immediate onset of back pain and abdominal swelling, chronic pancreatitis is a recurring inflammation of the pancreas that causes nausea and abdominal pain.)
- hemorrhagic pancreatitis and/or necrotizing pancreatitis (As more serious forms of pancreatitis, these conditions cause internal bleeding and, eventually, tissue death.)
- severe hypoglycemia (dangerously low blood sugar levels).
Is Byetta® Insulin?
Byetta® is not a form of insulin. Instead, it is a protein derived from the saliva of a gila monster. By slowing digestion and stimulating the production of insulin, Byetta® helps individuals better control their blood sugar levels.
The severity of a patient's type-2 diabetes, as well as a patient's medical history, will determine whether an individual needs to take a Byetta®/insulin injection on a regular basis. However, for most Byetta® patients, the Byetta® insulin combination is not advised, as it increases the risk of developing severe hypoglycemia.
Risk Factors for Serious Byetta® Side Effects
Those most likely to develop serious Byetta® side effects include patients with a history of:
- digestive problems
- kidney disorders
- stomach conditions (such as gastroparesis)
Similarly, drinking alcohol and taking insulin (when not prescribed) will also increase the chances of Byetta® drug complications.
To minimize the chances of developing severe Byetta® side effects, patients should:
- Discuss their complete medical history with their doctor before starting a course of the Byetta® drug.
- Be aware of the types and symptoms of serious Byetta® side effects.
Byetta® Lawsuits and Byetta® Lawyers
Injured Byetta® patients will need to:
- Get immediate medical attention to prevent further complications and, in the worst cases, Byetta® death.
- In some cases, pursue long-term care if permanent damage has been sustained.
- Meet with a Byetta® attorney to find out if they have a case and are entitled to a settlement for their injuries.
Depending on the extent of their Byetta® side effects, plaintiffs can recover compensation for their:
- funeral and burial costs (should families be seeking compensation for a Byetta® death)
- hospital bills
- lost wages
- necessary long-term treatment costs
- physical pain
- permanent disability
- emotional pain and suffering
If You Believe You Have Been Injured by Byetta®
If you believe you’ve been harmed by using Byetta®, contact us today to talk to an experienced Byetta® attorney. During a free, private consultation an experienced Byetta® lawyer will be able to determine whether you qualify to file a Byetta® lawsuit and will fight aggressively to ensure you receive full compensation for your losses.
