Amylin Pharmaceuticals filed a lawsuit recently in the state of California against Eli Lilly. They are claiming a marketing agreement for their joint diabetes drug, Byetta, was violated. Per the complaint, Eli Lilly allegedly violated federal laws by engaging in anti-competitive practices with the marketing of Tradjenta, which would be directly competing against Byetta. A large number of product liability lawsuits are facing both Amylin and Eli Lilly by individuals contracting Pancreatitis after consuming the drugs.

The FDA has gone over at least 30 post-marketing reports of these patients suffering from acute pancreatitis who have also taken Byetta. Hospitalization was required in six cases involving hemorrhagic or necrotizing pancreatitis. At the time of the report, four patients were recovering while two had died.

Healthcare Alerts have been issued (10/2007 and 8/2008 by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA). These Alerts linked the taking of Byetta to acute pancreatitis in around 30 cases.

Healthcare professionals were told by the FDA to alert those taking Byetta who were also beginning to experience unexplained and continual severe abdominal pain to seek emergency medical assistance. Vomiting could also be a symptom of acute pancreatitis. At the request of the FDA, stronger and more prominent warnings will be added to the product warning of these potential health risks.

Adults with Type 2 Diabetes may also receive injections of Byetta. They may experience nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, indigestion and upper abdominal discomfort as potential side effects. If these symptoms persist without vomiting, it may point to acute pancreatitis. At this point, medical attention may need to be sought.

There have been a number of reports linking Byetta to several serious and life-threatening injuries since 2007. Kidney problems, pancreatitis and other injuries have also been linked as side effects from taking Byetta. If you are experiencing Acute Pancreatitis, Hemorrhagic Pancreatitis, Necrotizing Pancreatitis, Impaired Kidney Function, Renal Failure, or Kidney Failure, then the Byetta lawsuits are currently being investigated.

If anyone you know, a loved one or friend has experienced or is currently showing any signs of negative Byetta side effects, significant compensation may be available. To find out if damages caused by this dangerous drug are available to you or a loved one, please seek the counsel of a professional personal injury attorney as soon as possible, certain statute of limitations may apply.