In 2013, the FDA released an assessment that said they did not see a link between the incretin class of drugs (Byetta, Byudreon, Victoza, Januvia, Janumet, and Tanzeum) and pancreatic cancer. However, the BMJ recently published a study that incretin drugs do in fact increase a person’s risk of pancreatic cancer.

About Incretin Medications

There are many Type 2 Diabetes incretin medications. Some of the most common ones are Byetta, Byudreon, Victoza, Januvia, Janumet, and Tanzeum.  All are an injectable medication, which works with diet and exercise to control blood sugar.

All these medications are part of a class of drugs called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists. These drugs mimic the effects of the body’s natural GLP-1. This hormone reacts to high blood sugar by increasing insulin production. Scientists used a hormone from the saliva of the venomous Gila monster to make this medication.

Pancreatic Cancer Link to Type 2 Diabetes Medications

Researchers have found a causal link between Byetta, Byudreon, Victoza, Januvia, Janumet, and Tanzeum and pancreatic cancer. The GLP-1 hormone can cause chronic inflammation of the pancreas, also known as pancreatitis. Pancreatitis is a risk factor for cancer since the inflammation causes rapid cell growth. This rapid growth brings the risk of the body multiplying abnormal cells instead of healthy ones. Therefore, a lesion on a pancreas that normally could take over 40 years to turn into cancer now has been accelerated.

The FDA still won’t admit to the link and change the warnings on the label. However, the UK and Canada have both updated incretin medications to warn of pancreatic cancer.

 After a Pancreatic Cancer Diagnosis

If you took Byetta, Byudreon, Victoza, Januvia, Janumet, or Tanzeum and a doctor diagnosed you with pancreatic cancer, The Michael Brady Lynch Firm will bring you the justice you deserve. We believe that patients should be fully aware of the side effects of their medications. The FDA nor the manufacturer warned you of the pancreatic cancer risk. Filing a lawsuit may help you recover compensation for medical bills, funeral expenses and pain, and suffering. We have a proven record holding pharmaceutical companies accountable for their actions. Get your free consultation today.