Janumet Lawsuit

Lawyers for Janumet Pancreatic Cancer Cases

Marc J. Bern & Partners and its professional team are reviewing potential lawsuits for individuals diagnosed with cancer or other injuries that may have been caused by the popular type 2 diabetes drug.

Research has suggested that side effects of Janumet may increase the risk of damage to the pancreas and chronic pancreatitis, which may ultimately lead to the development of pancreatic cancer.

It appears that Merck & Co. withheld important information about the risk of health problems from Janumet. As a result, compensation may be available through a Janumet lawsuit for individuals diagnosed with

• Pancreatic Cancer
• Thyroid Cancer
• Hemorrhagic or Necrotizing Pancreatitis
• Kidney Failure
• Wrongful Death

Potential cases are being reviewed on behalf of individuals throughout the United States, and there are no fees or expenses unless a recovery is obtained.  Request a free consultation and claim evaluation.

Janumet Pancreatic Cancer Problems

Janumet is a combination of Januvia (sitagliptin) and metaformin, two popular diabetes drugs. It was approved in 2007 and generated $1.7 billion in sales during 2012, making it a blockbuster medication. The parent drug, Januvia, is one of Merck’s best selling medications, generating $4 billion in 2012 sales.

Janumet and Januvia are both known as dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitors and belong to a broader class of diabetes medications known as incretin mimetics.

After they were introduced, information began to emerge about a serious risk of pancreatitis from Janumet and Januvia.

In September 2009, the FDA required Merck to add new warnings to the diabetes drugs about the risk of pancreatitis, after more than 88 cases were linked to Januvia or Janumet between October 2006 and February 2009.

The FDA now recommends that doctors monitor patients for signs of pancreatitis after starting or increasing dosage and concerns have emerged that users may also face an increased risk of pancreatic cancer from Janumet and Januvia.

Pancreatitis is a substantial risk factor for pancreatic cancer, and studies have suggested that Janumet may cause pre-cancerous cellular changes in the pancreas, known as pancreatic duct metaplasia.

Although it appears that Merck knew or should have known about the potential risk of pancreatitis and pancreas cancer from Janumet and Januvia, the drug maker has placed their desire for profits before consumer safety by ignoring data and failing to adequately warn consumers or the medical community.

In 2009, the FDA asked Merck to study the effects of Janumet and Januvia on the pancreas, and Merck promised to conduct a 3 month study that was to be completed by March 2011, with a final report submitted to the agency by June 2011. However, in February 2012, the FDA issued a warning letter to Merck over their failure to follow through and complete the required studies.

In 2013, the FDA and European health officials launched an investigation into the potential risk of pancreatitis and pancreatic cancer from Janumet, as well as other incretin mimetics like Januvia, Byetta and Victoza.

Janumet Mass Tort Lawyers

Potential Janumet mass tort lawsuits, as well as individual claims for individuals diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, are being pursued by Marc J. Bern & Partners and its experienced team. Cases are also being evaluated for individuals diagnosed with thyroid cancer and other injuries that may have been caused by Janumet side effects.

All lawsuits are reviewed by our Janumet attorneys on a contingency fee basis, which means there are no fees or expenses unless a recovery is obtained. Request a free consultation and claim evaluation.