Byetta

Byetta (exenatide) is a type 2 diabetes drug manufactured by Amylin Pharmaceuticals, Inc. and Eli Lilly & Co., which was approved by the FDA on April 28, 2005 to help reduce blood sugar levels. Byetta is administered by subcutaneous (SC) injection, initially as a 5 microgram (mcg) dose before the morning and evening meals, which can be increased to 10 mcg twice daily injections after 1 month of therapy.

Byetta is a synthetic version of a compound found in the saliva of the Gila monster, a type of lizard. It is the first in a new class of drug known as “incretin mimetics,” which mimic the natural hormones in your body that lower blood sugar. These hormones are called incretins and are found in the gastrointestinal tract.

The use of Byetta has been linked to the development of serious and potentially fatal pancreatitis. 

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 include information about acute pancreatitis in the Precautions section of the product label. To see a copy of this alert, click here.

On August 18, 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. To see a copy of this alert, click here.

Pancreatitis is a term used to describe inflammation in the pancreas. (The pancreas is a long, flat gland that sits tucked behind the stomach in the upper abdomen that produces enzymes that help digestion and hormones that help regulate the way your body processes sugar.) Pancreatitis can cause symptoms like:

• Upper abdominal pain 

• Abdominal pain that radiates to your back 

• Abdominal pain that feels worse after eating 

• Abdominal pain that's somewhat relieved by leaning forward or curling into a ball 

• Nausea 

• Vomiting 

• Tenderness when touching the abdomen 

• 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.

If you or a loved one has or may have suffered serious or fatal pancreatitis while taking Byetta, please call us immediately for a consultation. There is no charge to discuss this matter and the call is toll free: (888) 841-9623.