Pancreatic Disease Risk Increased by Type 2 Diabetes Drug Byetta

Byetta, a drug commonly prescribed for the treatment of type 2 (adult onset) diabetes, has been linked to an increased risk of deadly pancreatic disease. Dozens of Byetta patients have suffered a painful injury called hemorrhagic pancreatitis, or inflammation of the pancreas, that resulted in death or serious injuries. The Food and Drug Administration has issued several public advisories about Byetta’s connection to pancreatic disease and warned users about the risk.

FDA Issues Warnings About Byetta

The FDA in 2008 ordered stronger warnings to be added to Byetta’s packaging to address the risks of hemorrhagic pancreatitis. The warnings came after two Byetta users died and four others had to be hospitalized after suffering injuries. Previously, in October 2007, the FDA had announced that there had been 30 reported cases of acute pancreatitis in Byetta users and ordered that the risk of developing the condition be added to the “Precautions” section of the drug’s packaging.

Since October 2007, the FDA has said there have been six more reports of hemorrhagic or necrotizing pancreatitis in Byetta patients, two of whom died.

Symptoms of Pancreatitis

Hemorrhagic pancreatitis is a life-threatening and painful condition that is a form of pancreatic disease that is more common in people taking the type 2 diabetes drug Byetta. If you experience any or all of the following symptoms, you may have the disease:

• Sudden, severe pain in the upper abdomen
• Abdomen pain that radiates to the back or chest
• Nausea and vomiting
• Fever
• Swollen abdomen, with tenderness
• Rapid pulse

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