SILVER SPRING, Md., Nov. 2 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The U.S. Food and Drug Administration today acted on new safety information about possible kidney function problems, including kidney failure, in patients taking Byetta (exenatide), a drug used to treat Type 2 diabetes.
From April 2005 through October 2008, the FDA received 78 reports of problems with kidney function in patients using Byetta. Some cases occurred in patients with pre-existing kidney disease or in patients with one or more risk factors for developing kidney problems.
The most common side effects associated with Byetta include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. These side effects may have contributed to the development of altered kidney function. Kidney malfunction can result in a build-up of waste products in the blood, leading to serious illness or life-threatening conditions.
Patients who experience any of these symptoms should immediately discuss them with their health care professional.
Byetta is manufactured by San Diego-based Amylin Pharmaceuticals Inc.
CONTACT: Media Inquiries: Sandy Walsh, +1-301-796-4669,
sandy.walsh@fda.hhs.gov
Web site: http://www.fda.gov//