Over 700,000 patients worldwide have used Byetta since its launch. Diabetics are more vulnerable to developing pancreatitis than those without, and it is becoming evident that Byetta increases a diabetic’s risk. In August 2008, however, the FDA decided to being working with Amylin to add a stronger warning to the product label of Byetta listing the risk of acute hemorrhagic or necrotizing pancreatitis.

Two warnings have been issued regarding Byetta and the various forms of pancreatitis. Pancreatitis is an inflammation of the pancreas that can cause bleeding, tissue damage, and infection. Severe cases of pancreatitis can lead to the release of toxins and enzymes into the blood that can injure heart, lungs, kidneys, and other organs. It can, at times, be fatal. The FDA released a health alert after receiving 30 reports of acute pancreatitis, with 5 of these patients suffering from kidney failure.

Acute pancreatitis comes on suddenly and is often characterized by mild to severe pain in the upper abdomen that may radiate to the back and sometimes to the chest. The pain can be nearly constant for hours or days, and will become worse with the consumption of food or alcohol. Hemorrhagic pancreatitis is an inflammation that involves bleeding and Necrotizing pancreatitis occurs when the inflamed pancreas destroys itself. If pancreatitis of any form is suspected Byetta treatment should be discontinued. 

Patients may also experience hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar, which may exhibit the following symptoms: shakiness, dizziness or lightheadedness, sweating, nervousness or irritability, sudden changes in behavior or mood, headache, numbness, or tingling around the mouth, weakness, pale skin, hunger, clumsy or jerky movements. If not treated hypoglycemia may develop sever symptoms, such as: confusion, seizures, or loss of consciousness.

The following symptoms may occur when a patient’s experiences hyperglycemia (high blood pressure): extreme thirst, frequent urination, extreme hunger, weakness, and blurred vision. Diabetic ketoacidosis can develop as well, this is life threatening and exhibits the following symptoms: dry mouth, upset stomach and vomiting, shortness of breath, breath that smells fruity or decreased consciousness.

Some other side effects of Byetta include the following: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, jittery feeling, dizziness, headache, weakness, acid stomach.

Some serious side effects include the following: severe stomach pain; severe and ongoing nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea; hives; rash; itching; difficulty breathing or swallowing; swelling of the face, throat, tongue, lips, eyes, hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs; hoarseness; or decreased urination.

If you or a loved one have suffered these are any other side effect from the use of Byette, contact the attorneys at the Singleton Law Firm today for your free case evaluation. We will earn your trust!