Diabetes Drug Warning Strengthened »
The US Food and Drug Administration is putting out the warning again on Byetta, a drug prescribed for type 2 diabetes. Despite prior warnings in October, 2007 there are 6 new cases of a type of severe pancreatitis that can occur in patients taking Byetta. Although the FDA is not advising doctors to stop prescribing Byetta, those who develop severe and unexplained abdominal pain while taking this drug should seek medical attention immediately. More than 700,000 patients with type 2 diabetes have used Byetta since it was launched in 2005. It is jointly developed and manufactured by San Diego-based Amylin and Eli Lilly. Full story.