Diabetes Drug Warning

The FDA has received six new reports of patients developing a dangerous form of pancreatitis while taking Byetta. Two of the patients have died and four are recovering.

By: Jamie Burch | WKRG-TV
Published: August 18, 2008

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WASHINGTON (AP) - Federal regulators are working on a stronger
label for a widely used diabetes drug after deaths continue to be
reported despite earlier warnings.
The Food and Drug Administration says it has received six new
reports of patients developing a dangerous form of pancreatitis
while taking Byetta. Two of the patients have died and
four are recovering
The drug is marketed by Amylin Pharmaceuticals and Eli Lilly.
The two companies say the cases are "very rare." They add that
diabetes patients are already at an increased risk of pancreatitis.
The FDA announcement updates an October alert about 30 reports
of Byetta patients developing the ailment. Regulators stress
patients should stop taking the drug immediately if they develop
signs of pancreatitis, including nausea and abdominal pain.