Januvia, Byetta and Victoza are drugs that help adults with type 2 diabetes manage the insulin levels in their blood. All three rely on a hormone called “incretin.” Last spring, however, a group of academic researchers suggested a link between these incretin-based diabetes drugs and pancreatic cancer.
Nearly 100 federal lawsuits were soon filed across the country against the various manufacturers of these drugs.
Meanwhile, the Food and Drug Administration has been investigating the issue. For the time being, the FDA has recommended that patients continue to take the medications as directed by their health care provider, because it considers the link between the drugs and pancreatic cancer to be unsettled.
However, if you suffer from type 2 diabetes, it’s probably a good idea to speak with your own physician about the continued use of incretin-based treatments, given the research findings and the number of users who claim to have been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer after using the drugs.
If you suspect you may have an issue related to medications you are taking, contact us for a free telephone consultation at 864.233.7200 or 1.800.903.8101.
