Januvia is a prescription drug used to treat type 2 diabetes. It is part of a class of drugs called dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitors. Januvia works by increasing the levels of incretin hormones in the blood. These hormones help the body to produce more insulin and less glucagon, which can lower blood sugar levels.
In 2013, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a safety warning about Januvia and other DPP-4 inhibitors. The warning stated that these drugs may be linked to an increased risk of pancreatitis and pancreatic cancer.
Since then, there have been hundreds of lawsuits filed against Merck & Co., the manufacturer of Januvia. These lawsuits allege that Merck failed to warn consumers about the risks of the drug and that the drug is defective.
Lawsuit Update
In 2021, a federal judge dismissed most of the Januvia lawsuits. The judge ruled that the plaintiffs had not shown enough evidence to prove that Januvia caused their injuries.
However, some of the lawsuits are still ongoing. In August 2022, a new concern was raised when Merck’s Januvia was found to be contaminated with a potential carcinogen called nitrosamine or NDMA. The FDA is allowing the drug to remain on the market, at least for now, fearing shortages.
It is still too early to say how the nitrosamine contamination will affect the Januvia lawsuits. However, it is possible that the lawsuits could be revived or that new lawsuits could be filed.
Conclusion
The Januvia lawsuits are a complex and developing situation. It is important to stay informed about the latest developments if you are considering filing a lawsuit or if you are currently taking Januvia.
FAQs
Q: What is the latest status of the Januvia lawsuits?
A: Most of the Januvia lawsuits were dismissed in 2021. However, some of the lawsuits are still ongoing, and new lawsuits could be filed in the future.
Q: What is the nitrosamine contamination in Januvia?
A: Nitrosamine is a potential carcinogen that was found in samples of Januvia in August 2022. The FDA is allowing the drug to remain on the market, at least for now, fearing shortages.
Q: What should I do if I am considering filing a Januvia lawsuit?
A: If you are considering filing a Januvia lawsuit, you should consult with an experienced personal injury attorney. An attorney can help you to evaluate your case and to determine whether you are eligible to file a lawsuit.
Q: What should I do if I am currently taking Januvia?
A: If you are currently taking Januvia, you should talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of the drug. Your doctor can help you to decide whether Januvia is still the right medication for you.
Q: What is the prognosis for the Januvia lawsuits?
A: It is still too early to say what the prognosis is for the Januvia lawsuits. The outcome of the lawsuits will likely depend on a number of factors, including the results of further scientific research and the rulings of the courts.
Q: Where can I find more information about the Januvia lawsuits?
A: You can find more information about the Januvia lawsuits on the websites of the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK). You can also find information on the websites of law firms that are representing plaintiffs in the lawsuits.
References
- US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Safety Communication: Incretin Mimetics (e.g., Januvia, Byetta, Victoza) May Increase the Risk of Acute Pancreatitis: https://www.recallguide.org/drug/januvia/
- National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) Information on Januvia: https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/nda/2010/021995Orig1s014.pdf
- Miller & Zois Januvia Lawsuit Update: https://www.millerandzois.com/products-liability/drugs/other-drug-cases/januvia/
- Drugwatch Januvia Lawsuit Information: https://www.drugnews.net/januvia/
Sources
- www.millerandzois.com/products-liability/drugs/other-drug-cases/januvia/#:~:text=New%20Januvia%20Concern%20in%202023,seen%20with%20Zantac%20and%20Valsartan.
- super.ai/blog/ai-automated-redaction-global-privacy-law-
