FDA reports new deaths with diabetes drug Byetta

Associated Press
Published: August 19, 2008

WASHINGTON (AP) - If you are taking a widely-used diabetes drug named Byetta, the government wants you to know about some risks.
Federal regulators are working on a stronger label for the medication.
Byetta is marketed by Amylin Pharmaceuticals and Eli Lilly & Co. Deaths continue to be reported despite earlier government warnings.
The Food and Drug Administration says it has received six additional reports of patients developing a dangerous form of pancreatitis while taking Byetta. Two patients died and four are recovering.
Regulators warn that patients should stop taking Byetta immediately if they develop signs of acute pancreatitis, a swelling of the pancreas that can cause nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain. The FDA warns that it’s very difficult to distinguish acute pancreatitis from less dangerous forms of the condition.
The FDA says it’s seeking a stronger, more prominent warning about the risks.