Merck to Stop Distributing Diabetes and Cholesterol Combination Medication
Merck, manufacturer of the controversial diabetes drug Januvia, has made the decision to stop manufacturing a combination of Januvia (sitagliptin) and the high cholesterol treatment simvastatin. The drug was called Juvisync, and the theory behind it was that the company could increase profits by capitalizing on the large population of individuals that suffer from high cholesterol and diabetes.
This theory has not panned out, and claiming disappointing sales as its sole reason, Merck has decided to stop manufacturing it.
Januvia and its sister drug Janumet are DPP-4 inhibitors, and are the best-selling drugs in their class. In 2011, over 2 million prescriptions were written for the drugs. They work by increasing insulin and decreasing sugars made by the liver. However, Januvia has been linked to serious side effects such as pancreatitis and pancreatic cancer.
Symptoms of pancreatitis include:
- Abdominal pain that may radiate to the back
- Rapid heartbeat
- Pain after eating
- Nausea, Vomiting, and Fever
If you have suffered bouts of acute pancreatitis, or you have developed pancreatic cancer after taking the type 2 diabetes medication Januvia, you may be eligible for compensation for your injuries. Thousands of individuals have suffered as a result of inadequate warnings, and are filing suit to hold the pharmaceutical companies responsible. An attorney at Kirkendall Dwyer LLP can provide you immediate answers to your questions. Do not delay; contact us today to begin the process of recovery.