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California Study Uncovers Risk of Cancer in Diabetics Taking Byetta
Should I Be Tested for Pancreatic Cancer if I am Taking Byetta in KY?
If you have been prescribed Byetta for type 2 diabetes, you are probably aware that it can cause dangerous side effects. However, what you may not know is that numerous studies have linked Byetta to pancreatic cancer and severe cases of pancreatitis. One study even noted that long-term use of Byetta could potentially promote the growth of cancerous cells, particularly in the thyroid and pancreas.
The reason Byetta poses a danger to diabetics is because of the active ingredient: exenatide. This injectable drug stimulates the pancreas and forces the secretion of insulin when blood sugar levels have risen too high. However, this process puts a strain on the pancreas, and may even cause cancerous cells to develop as a side effect.
The most worrisome thing about this discovery is that successful treatment of pancreatic cancer depends on early detection. Although a pancreatic tumor may be removed surgically, it is rare that the cancer is caught before it has spread to other bodily systems.
If pancreatic cancer has metastasized, patients will often have to undergo chemotherapy as the sole course of treatment. In most cases of Byetta pancreatic cancer where the tumor has spread, the survival rate drops dramatically, giving some patients an estimated life expectancy of five years or less.
For these reasons, it is important to be able to recognize the first symptoms of Byetta pancreatic cancer in Kentucky. These may include:
- Abdominal pain, cramps, or bloating
- Chills, sweating, or clammy skin
- Dark urine or fatty stools
- Jaundice (yellowing of the skin)
- Fever
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea and vomiting
- Fatigue or muscle weakness
- Unexplained weight loss
If someone you love has died as a result of Byetta pancreatic cancer, our Louisville diabetes drug attorneys can help you get justice for your loss. Call us today at 888.450.4456 or fill out the contact form on the top of this page to discuss your case in your FREE consultation.