Januvia, the Type 2 diabetes drug marketed by Merck & Company, has been associated with an increase in pancreatitis. But how can you tell if you've developed Januvia pancreatitis, what are the consequences of developing Januvia pancreatitis and more importantly, what actions should you take?
Januvia pancreatitis
Januvia injury attorneys say that, generally speaking, the first thing a person with Januvia pancreatitis is going to feel is a very severe abdominal pain. It's almost like a stomach ache, but it's a little higher than where the stomachache would normally be and it often radiates to the back. Any person that feels this onslaught of pain would certainly know that this is different than a stomachache because on a 0 to 10 basis, it would probably be up in the 7s, 8s, and 9s for certain people.
In terms of the initial onset of Januvia pancreatitis symptoms, severe epigastric pain radiating to the back is one symptom, but also typically included are nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and a sudden loss of appetite. In certain cases of Januvia pancreatitis, individuals report a fever or having the chills and if left for long enough, it could lead to shock or hemodynamic instability (unstable or abnormal blood pressure).
Januvia pancreatitis possible after only 30 days of starting Januvia and Janumet
The U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) reviewed 88 cases of acute pancreatitis in patients using Januvia (sitagliptin) or Janumet (sitagliptin and metformin) that were reported through its Adverse Event Reporting System (AERS) between October 2006 and February 2009. It reported that 21% of patients developed pancreatitis within 30 days of starting Januvia and Janumet. It also reported that:
What should someone do if they develop pancreatitis and have taken Januvia or Janumet?
Januvia lawyers say that the first thing people should do is either call a doctor or go to the ER (emergency room) where it's very easily diagnosed. A doctor can diagnose it just from the clinical complaints of an onset of severe pain. A hospital can take your blood test and analyze the amylase and lipase – the two enzymes which will be elevated when a person has pancreatitis. It's not self-treatable unless you take some painkillers. However, that will just relieve the pain and not treat the inflammation.
If you've developed pancreatitis after taking Januvia, contact a Januvia injury lawyer to discuss your situation, evaluate your options and determine what damages you might be entitled to such as lost wages, hospital bills and pain and suffering.