Byetta (exenatide) is an injectable drug used to treat type 2 diabetes, and is intended to improve glucose (blood sugar) control in adults. The drug is made by Amylin Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
Byetta Associated with Severe Pancreatitis
On August 18, 2008, the FDA announced that warnings it was working with Amylin Pharmaceuticals to add stronger and more prominent warnings in its product label about the risk of hemorrhagic or necrotizing pancreatitis. The FDA's announcement came after 6 cases of hemorrhagic or necrotizing pancreatitis in patients taking Byetta were reported.
The FDA noted that if patients taking Byetta experience unexplained persistent severe abdominal pain which may or may not be accompanied by vomiting, they should seek prompt medical care. If pancreatitis is suspected, the FDA recommends discontinuing Byetta and taking alternative medications to control glucose levels. The FDA announced that Amylin Pharmaceuticals had agreed to include information about acute pancreatitis in the Precautions section of the Byetta label.
Skikos, Crawford, Skikos, Joseph & Millican LLP is currently investigating this drug and the reports of pancreatitis.
