Diabetes Drug prescribed to control blood sugar in patients with Type 2 diabetes.
History – Merck and Co, Inc’s Januvia received FDA approval in 2006. In 2009 the FDA released a safety alert that linked acute pancreatitis to Sitagliptin, the active ingredient in Januvia. An updated alert was released in 2013 by the FDA about a pending investigation into Januvia and other drugs for evidence these drugs cause pancreatitis and pancreatic cancer.
Because of the investigation, there are around 900 lawsuits in multi-district litigation in the Southern District of California. The claim is that the manufacturer failed to warn about the risk of pancreatic cancer. There is also a claim that doctors were not adequately warned about the serious and potentially life-threatening health risks associated with the use of Januvia.
Related Drugs: Victoza, Nesina, Onglyza, Byetta
Mild Side Effects: Back pain, Constipation, Diarrhea, Elevated liver enzymes, Headache, Nausea, Sore throat, Runny and stuffy nose, Swelling of hands and legs, Upper respiratory infection
Serious Side Effects: Hypoglycemia, Shortness of breath, Fatal and non-fatal necrotizing pancreatitis, Decreased or lack of urination, Severe skin reactions including blistering or peeling of skin, burning in eyes, rash, and swelling of face; Allergic reactions including difficulty breathing; swelling of lips, face, tongue, and throat; Rash, Weight gain
Manufacturer: Merck
