Januvia linked to serious side effects

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The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has released a statement indicating that there may be a connection between the diabetes treatment Januvia and cases of acute pancreatitis. The FDA said that there were 88 cases of pancreatitis reported in Januvia patients between October of 2006 and February of 2009. The FDA is working with Merck & Co., Januvia’s manufacturers, to produce a new warning label for the drug.

The agency stresses that healthcare professionals should monitor patients carefully for the development of pancreatitis after initiation of treatment. Pancreatitis is linked to considerable morbidity and mortality so early recognition is essential. It is difficult to establish pancreatitis as a definite side effect of the drug because it is used mainly in type 2 diabetes patients, a class of patients who are already at an increased risk of pancreatitis.

Symptoms of pancreatitis to be aware of are:

• Pain, usually centered in the upper middle or upper left abdomen
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Fever
• Swollen abdomen that is sensitive to the touch

If you begin noticing the presence of these side effects shortly after beginning treatment or dosage increases with Januvia, please contact your healthcare professional.

PLEASE SPEAK WITH YOUR DOCTOR BEFORE DISCONTINUING THE USE OF JANUVIA OR ANY OTHER PRESCRIPTION DRUGS.

Contact the Law Offices of d'Oliveria & Associates, P.C.

If you believe that you or a loved one has suffered as a result of using Januvia, you may want to speak with an injury attorney regarding your potential drug lawsuit. A personal injury lawyer familiar with new developments in the investigation of Januvia may be able to help you make important personal and legal decisions.

Please contact the law offices of d'Oliveira & Associates at 1-800-992-6878 or fill out a contact form for a free legal consultation.