What is Bydureon?

Approved in January 2012, Bydureon (exenatide injection) is a longer-lasting version of the Byetta pen. Exenatide belongs to a class of drugs called glucagonlike peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists that work by mimicking the effects of the body’s natural GLP-1, a hormone that reacts to high blood sugar by increasing insulin production. Bydureon was denied approval from the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) twice in 2010 over reports that the drug may cause heart rhythm abnormalities (arrythmias).

How Does it Work?

Bydureon controls blood sugar levels by:

  • Increasing the responsiveness of beta cells and allowing more insulin production. This causes sugar levels to stabilize and insulin production to stop.
  • Increasing the first-phase insulin response, which typically occurs within 10 minutes of raised blood glucose levels. In type 2 diabetics, defects in the beta cells prevent the insulin response.
  • Stopping excess glucagon secretion during times of hyperglycemia. Glucagon increases blood sugar and is the opposite of insulin.
  • Slowing gastric emptying after meals, which decreases the rate at which glucose enters the blood.

Pancreatitis and Pancreatic Cancer Risks

There are reports of severe side effects related to the use of Bydureon, some of which may lead to hospitalization and even death. The most serious complications involve damage of the pancreas, kidneys and thyroid. A 2015 review of FDA adverse events reports determined that patients treated with GLP-1 agonists had increased incidences of pancreatic and thyroid cancer.

Pancreatic Cancer Symptoms

Pancreatic cancer is a disease in which malignant (cancerous) cells form in the tissues of the pancreas, an organ in the abdomen that lies behind the lower part of the stomach. The disease typically has a poor prognosis because it spreads rapidly and is seldom detected in its early stages. Signs and symptoms of pancreatic cancer include:

  • Upper abdominal pain that may radiate to the back
  • Yellowing of the skin and/or whites of the eyes (jaundice)
  • Loss of appetite
  • Weight loss
  • Depression
  • Blood clots

Bydureon Side Effects

  • Pancreatitis
  • Pancreatic inflammation
  • Pancreatic cancer
  • Thyroid cancer
  • Kidney damage
  • Low blood-sugar (hypoglycemia)
  • Nausea, vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Decreased appetite

Bydureon Lawsuit Settlement Information

Pancreatic cancer is one of the most lethal forms of cancer. Sadly, many deaths have been reported among diabetes patients who got the disease. While a lawsuit settlement can never bring a loved one back, many family members have filed wrongful death claims on behalf of their loved one as a way to hold drug manufacturers accountable for their negligence.

Do I Have a Bydureon Class Action?

The Pharmaceutical Litigation Group at our law firm is an experienced team of trial lawyers that focus on the representation of plaintiffs in Bydureon lawsuits. We are handling individual litigation nationwide and currently accepting new pancreatic cancer cases in all 50 states.

Free Confidential Case Evaluation: Again, if you were injured by Bydureon, you should contact our law firm immediately. You may be entitled to compensation by filing a lawsuit and we can help.

FREE Confidential Case Evaluation

To contact us for a free review of your potential case, please fill out the form below or call us toll free 24 hrs/day by dialing: (866) 223-3784.

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