The FDA has received reports of hemorrhagic or necrotizing pancreatitis in 6 more patients taking Byetta (exenatide injection, from Amylin and Lilly). These reported cases follow an FDA alert issued in October 2007 notifying clinicians of 30 reports of acute pancreatitis associated with Byetta.

There are no signs or symptoms to distinguish hemorrhagic or necrotizing pancreatitis from less severe forms. If pancreatitis is confirmed, Byetta should be discontinued and alternative treatment considered.

Byetta is an incretin mimetic used to treat type 2 diabetes.

For more information visit www.fda.gov/medwatch/safety/2007/safety07.htm#Byetta.

Click here to see the Byetta monograph.