Possible links to 6 deaths won't stop all from taking Byetta
Saturday, August 30, 2008
At least six patient deaths have been linked to Byetta, a version of a diabetes drug Amylin Pharmaceuticals plans to manufacture in West Chester Twp. Dave Knodel said he initially was concerned, but after learning more information says he plans to continue taking Byetta.Dave Knodel's diabetes was out of control until he began taking Byetta nine months ago.
The new drug not only controls his blood sugar, he said, but also strengthens his heart. But after learning recently of six deaths linked to the medicine, Knodel became concerned.
"I didn't want to take it any more. I wanted to know why people were dying," said Knodel, 52, of Hamilton.
In the past two weeks, the Food and Drug Administration, Amylin Pharmaceuticals and Eli Lilly have reported that six patients have died of forms of pancreatitis, a condition that can cause nausea, vomiting and stomach pain.
Amylin spokeswoman Alice Izzo said all six patients were taking other medications and had other medical conditions, such as gallstones, which likely caused the deaths.
Izzo said more than 1 million patients nationwide have been prescribed Byetta since 2005, but there has been only one report of pancreatitis in every 3,000 patients.
Dr. Thomas Sargero, a Hamilton-based physician who ranks in the top 5 percent of doctors nationwide who prescribe Byetta, said reports have been overblown and that the medication's reward far outweighs the risks.
"I understand that they are afraid. But why would a doctor prescribe something that could potentially cause them die. How does that benefit us?" Sargero said.
"This is the first disease-altering therapy that has the potential to cure type 2 diabetes. (Byetta) focuses its effort on target therapy and treating the diabetic condition as opposed to forcing the blood sugar down."
Sargero, who promotes Byetta for pharmaceutical companies, said one of his patients has suffered pancreatitis. But he's adamant that the drug is safe and plans to continue prescribing the drug.
Knodel said he plans to continue taking Byetta.
But Eliza Netzley, 35, of Middletown, who has been taking the drug intermittently for two years, isn't so sure.
Netzley said the side effects, which include nausea and stomach pain, already were bad enough. The reports of the deaths may cause her to stop taking the drug completely.
"My husband doesn't want me to take it any more. But I'll look to see what come out of it before I decide."
Facts about Byetta
Byetta is an injectable medicine used to regulate blood sugar in adults with type 2 diabetes.
The FDA announced it's seeking to put a stronger, more prominent warning about associated risks.
Patients experiencing severe and persistent nausea, vomiting and diarrhea should contact their doctor.
For more information, visit www.byetta.com.
