FDA: Amylin's Byetta Killed 2 Aug 19, 2008
This was the news that Amylin Pharmaceuticals (nasdaq: - - ) shareholder received Monday when the U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued a warning to doctors and patients via its web site stating that six patients taking the company's diabetes treatment, Byetta, have been affected by hemorrhagic or necrotizing pancreatitis since the agency last reviewed the post-marketing material in October ... The FDA said it is working with the company to add stronger warnings to the labels and encourages... (Forbes -- Markets)
FDA Reports New Deaths With Diabetes Drug Byetta Aug 19, 2008
The Food and Drug Administration said Monday it has received six additional reports of patients developing a dangerous form of pancreatitis while taking Byetta ... Regulators stressed 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 warned that it is very difficult to distinguish acute pancreatitis from less dangerous forms of the condition. (ABC News -- Wire)
FDA Notes 2 More Byetta Deaths Aug 19, 2008
Those patients had hemorrhagic (inflammation of the pancreas with bleeding) or necrotizing pancreatitis (in which the inflamed pancreas destroys itself) ... Byetta and other potentially suspect should be promptly discontinued if pancreatitis is suspected and not restarted if pancreatitis is confirmed, notes the FDA. Byetta, given by injection, was approved by the FDA in ... Last , the FDA noted 30 reports of acute pancreatitis, which is sudden inflammation of the pancreas, in Byetta users. (WebMD)
Hanging victim afraid in hospital Aug 19, 2008
She had suffered chronic fatigue syndrome since she was 13, and had been admitted to hospital nine times with pancreatitis, her father, John Chapman, told Glebe Coroner's Court yesterday. She had told staff she was afraid of the fixtures in the bathroom, felt unsafe and had a desire to hang or strangle herself. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Australia)
6 people on diabetes drug fall ill; 2 die Aug 19, 2008
FDA doesn't link Byetta, pancreatitis; Amylin hit ... Although the regulatory agency did not make a link between the drug and pancreatitis, investors sent shares of San Diego-based Amylin down more than 13 percent, or $4 ... Amylin, which markets Byetta in partnership with Eli Lilly & Co., pointed out that people with type 2 diabetes are at higher risk for pancreatitis than the general population. (San Diego Union-Tribune -- Business)
Deaths with Diabetes Drug Byetta Aug 19, 2008
The Food and Drug Administration said Monday it has received six new reports of patients developing a dangerous form of pancreatitis while taking Byetta ... The drugmakers said in a statement that patients taking Byetta have shown "very rare case reports of pancreatitis with complications or with a fatal outcome." The companies added that diabetes patients are already at increased risk of pancreatitis compared with healthy patients ... Regulators stressed that patients should stop taking Byetta... (Time.com)
Cancer jab linked to pancreas disease Aug 17, 2008
THE cervical cancer vaccine is under fresh scrutiny after three women were struck down with pancreatitis soon after receiving the injection ... Writing in the Medical Journal Of Australia, surgery fellow Amitabha Das said the woman developed a fever, rash, severe pain and vomiting and was diagnosed with pancreatitis ... Dr Das and his colleagues said an extensive investigation could find no other cause for the pancreatitis and while a coincidental illness could not be ruled out, "neither can HPV... (Sydney Morning Herald -- Australia)
TCF7L2 gene polymorphisms do not predict susceptibility to diabetes in tropical calcific pancreatitis but may interact with SPINK1 and CTSB mutations in predicting diabetes Aug 17, 2008
Tropical calcific pancreatitis (TCP) is a type of chronic pancreatitis unique to developing countries in tropical regions and one of its important features is invariable progression to diabetes, a condition called fibro-calculous pancreatic diabetes (FCPD), but the nature of diabetes in TCP is controversial. We analysed the recently reported type 2 diabetes (T2D) associated polymorphisms in the TCF7L2 gene using a case-control approach, under the hypothesis that TCF7L2 variants should show... (BioMed Central)
Health Risks of Obesity in Dogs Aug 16, 2008
Pancreatitis, a life threatening illness, is associated with obesity and a high fat diet. Some cancers are linked to obesity. (Suite101.com)
Abbott Study Shows Investigational Heat-Stable Norvir(R) Tablet Provides Similar Drug Levels to Current Norvir Capsule Aug 8, 2008
Pancreatitis and liver problems, which can be fatal, have been reported in patients receiving NORVIR. Patients should tell their doctor if they have nausea, vomiting, or abdominal pain, which may be signs of pancreatitis, or if they have or have had liver disease such as Hepatitis B or C. Some patients have had large increases in triglycerides and cholesterol ... Pancreatitis and liver problems, which can be fatal, have been reported in patients receiving KALETRA. Patients should tell their... (PR Newswire)
A tentative sign that Lilly diabetes drug may extend lives Aug 5, 2008
Concerns about pancreatitis, an inflammation of the pancreas that can be fatal in rare cases, have also hurt the drug, although Byetta has not been proven to cause pancreatitis. Dr. Joel Zonszein, an endocrinologist at Montefiore Medical Center in New York, said some primary care doctors do not like prescribing Byetta because they must teach patients how to give injections, a time-consuming process. (International Herald Tribune -- Health)
Gilead to Test AIDS Drugs on Healthy People to See if HIV Infections Stop Aug 4, 2008
Other antiviral drugs are associated with side effects such as anemia, pancreatitis, and liver damage, she said. Only a drug with an excellent safety record could be used for prevention in healthy people, she said. (Bloomberg -- US)
Bakersfield Teen Loses Battle With Valley Fever Aug 3, 2008
She also contracted pancreatitis and meningitis. Valley fever is found in the and other Western states. (NBC4.tv, CA)
Hanford's top cop back at work Jul 26, 2008
Four years ago, Mestas suffered from an attack of pancreatitis, which is an inflammation of the pancreas that causes persistent abdominal pain ... In September 2007, the pancreatitis came back with a vengeance. (Hanford Sentinal, CA)
Prescription for disaster Jul 21, 2008
Todd Havelka s addiction to opiate painkillers began with a crippling flare-up of pancreatitis and the decision one day, after reading a magazine article, to crush a few pills under the butt of a spoon and try a snort hillbilly heroin is how the story characterized the euphoric effects of smoking, shooting or inhaling the narcotic powder ... He stayed at the hospital 10 days, sedated by a morphine pump, and was eventually diagnosed with idiopathic pancreatitis, a rare, painful stomach... (Helena Independent Record, MT)
Prescription for Addiction: Painkillers for stomach condition spiraled out of control, almost ending man's life Jul 21, 2008
Todd Havelka's addiction to opiate painkillers began with a crippling flare-up of pancreatitis and the decision one day, after reading a magazine article, to crush a few pills under the butt of a spoon and try a snort hillbilly heroin is how the story characterized the euphoric effects of smoking, shooting or inhaling the narcotic powder ... He stayed at the hospital for 10 days, sedated by a morphine pump, and was eventually diagnosed with idiopathic pancreatitis, a rare but painful stomach... (Missoulian, MT)
Fat stomach raises pancreatic cancer risk Jul 17, 2008
Stronger link for obese men, tooUntil now, smoking and chronic pancreatitis were the most well-established risk factors for the disease in men and women, with much of the evidence also pointing to a stronger obesity link for men. As part of a large study known as the Women's Health Initiative, Luo and colleagues followed more than 138,000 menopausal women in the United States for more than seven years to investigate the links between obesity and pancreatic cancer. (MSNBC -- Health)
Fat stomachs 'raise risk of pancreatic cancer in women' Jul 17, 2008
" Pancreatic cancer is the tenth most common cancer in the UK, with around 7,400 cases diagnosed each year. Difficulty in diagnosing the disease means few cases are spotted early and only two or three per cent of sufferers are still alive after five years. Previous research has found smoking, a diet rich in fat and sugar and hereditary pancreatitis, or inflammation of the pancreas, all raise the risk of the cancer. Dr Lesley Walker, director of cancer information at Cancer Research UK, said:... (Telegraph.co.uk)
Obesity Increases a Woman's Pancreatic Cancer Risk Jul 17, 2008
Until now, smoking and chronic pancreatitis were the most. well established risk factors for the disease in men and women, with much of the evidence also pointing to a stronger obesity link for men. (Newsmax)
Popular Vaccine Under Attack (8:24pm) Jul 8, 2008
Her mother, Laura Parsons, said Jesalee spent weeks in the hospital and underwent two surgeries after developing pancreatitis. She says the federal government should have studied the drug more before approving its use. (WTVR.com, VA)
Tips for Weight Gain in Pets Jul 6, 2008
In fact, fatty foods can have the opposite effect, as you can see vomiting, diarrhea and even life-threatening conditions, like pancreatitis, so it s important to feed healthy foods, rich in nutrients not fatty foods, Dr. Levine concluded. The copyright of the article Tips for Weight Gain in Pets in is owned by. (Suite101.com)
Relay raises $146,000 to fight cancer Jun 24, 2008
She got pancreatitis from the chemo. She had chemo for two years. (Weymouth News, MA)
Promising Chinese Herbal Targets Identified For Acute Pancreatitis Jun 22, 2008
ScienceDaily (June 21, 2008) A team led by Professor Qing Xia at the West China Hospital of Sichuan University has determined the genetic treatment mechanism of Chaiqinchengqi decoction, which is a basic Chinese herbal compound commonly used in the treatment of acute pancreatitis. It can upregulate sarco/endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+-ATPase (SERCA) mRNA expression of pancreatic tissue as well as inhibit the elevation of calcium concentration in pancreatic acinar cells while relieving pancreatic... (Science Daily)
Long-term safety data on Lialda published in leading GI journal Jun 18, 2008
Pancreatitis occurred in less than 1 percent of patients during clinical trials and resulted in discontinuation of therapy with Lialda. For more information about Lialda and for Full Prescribing Information, please visit. (EurekAlert!)
Pancreatic Cancer Biomarkers Found Jun 17, 2008
9 test may greatly improve detection of early-stage pancreatic cancer before the onset of symptoms and may also help distinguish between cancer and pancreatitis, a noncancerous, inflammatory condition. Pancreatic cancer is the fourth leading cause of cancer death in the United States. (MEDLINEplus)
Not until 'Suzy says so' (2) Jun 15, 2008
It could repair beta cells in the pancreas, great if you have pancreatitis, or diabetes. It appears to remove crud from your arteries, thus reducing the risk of atherosclerosis, heart disease, blood clots and stroke. (Lodi News Sentinel, CA)
AMT Prepares for Submission of Marketing Authorization Dossier for AMT-011 (Glybera(R)) Jun 13, 2008
These patients have extremely high fat levels in their blood resulting in recurrent and potentially lethal pancreatitis as well as an increased risk of cardiovascular complications and diabetes. Because of a defective gene HPL-patients do not produce an enzyme that normally breaks down fats in the blood. (PR Newswire)
Biomarkers Of Early-stage Pancreatic Cancer In Mice And Man Identified Jun 13, 2008
9 may significantly improve the detection of early-stage disease prior to the onset of symptoms and may also help better distinguish between cancer and pancreatitis, a noncancerous, inflammatory condition ... For comparison purposes, the researchers analyzed blood from 20 healthy subjects and 15 people diagnosed with chronic pancreatitis ... Next steps in the research will include validating additional candidate biomarkers and further testing of the biomarker panel they have assembled to see how... (Science Daily)
Combo HIV Drug Therapy Safe, Effective In Children Jun 11, 2008
Only one hospitalization (pancreatitis during the first 180 days of ritonavir use) was considered related to protease inhibitor treatment, the investigators say, and other side effects were similar for the three treatment combinations. This is our first experience with protease-based anti-HIV drug regimens in Switzerland, Rudin said. (MEDLINEplus)
New Abbott Aluvia Tablet for Treatment of HIV Available in South Africa Jun 10, 2008
Cases of pancreatitis have been reported in patients taking lopinavir/ritonavir ... In addition, large amounts of triglycerides have been considered a risk factor for pancreatitis. (allAfrica.com)
Why Alcohol Is Bad For Your Pancreas Jun 10, 2008
Rodents who have been fed alcohol in their diet and then exposed to a drug known as carbachol develop an inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis) that resembles the pancreatitis seen in individuals who consume an excessive amount of alcohol. It has been suggested previously that the rodents develop pancreatitis because the alcohol and carbachol exposure cause cells in the pancreas to release vesicles containing degradative proteins known as enzymes at inappropriate places ... As such, mice... (Science Daily)
Oil-rich diet cuts back trauma of seizures Jun 7, 2008
But the side effects, which include constipation, lack of energy, pancreatitis, kidney stones and cardiac, renal and liver complications, can be debilitating and dangerous. "It's not for everyone," Dr Lawson said. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Australia)
Mary Lee Brookshire, 87, mental health advocate Jun 6, 2008
The memorial service for Mrs. Brookshire, 87, of Decatur is 4 p.m. Saturday at A.S. Turner She died from complications of pancreatitis Tuesday at DeKalb Medical. The body was cremated. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution)
Sweet Xylitol Fatal to Canines Jun 5, 2008
Fat trimmings (can cause pancreatitis). Yeast dough (can lead to rupture of the stomach and intestines). (Suite101.com)
Gene Signature Profile For Metastasis Discovered Jun 4, 2008
(May 2, 2007) A pharmacologist says that new findings suggesting a genetic marker can help distinguish between chronic pancreatitis and pancreatic cancer and gauge who will do well with cancer treatment have. (Jun. (Science Daily)
AMT Announces Positive Interim Clinical Data on its Lead Product AMT-011 May 30, 2008
As a result, LPL-deficient patients have very high fat (triglyceride) levels in their blood which may lead to recurrent episodes of pancreatitis, insulin resistance, and fat accumulations in skin as well as liver and retina ... All patients showed very high fat levels in the observation study and had experienced (recurrent) pancreatitis episodes prior to treatment ... One patient experienced a pancreatitis episode immediately after injection, when fat levels in the blood were still high. (PR Newswire)
M.E. Testifies About Inmate's Death May 30, 2008
After his death, his underweight body showed classic signs of alcohol abuse -- chronic liver disease, pancreatitis, and brittle bones. But that's not what killed him, according to asst. (Click2Houston, TX)
Morbid thoughtWhy people are picking up the new right-to-die card May 21, 2008
Last year she was rushed to hospital with pancreatitis - acute attacks of which are fatal in about a quarter of cases - and it could happen again. Living with the chronic disease has impaired her life, although she insists she would have made an advance statement whether or not she had developed an illness. (BBC News -- UK)
Could Common Pain Killers Have A Role In Cancer Prevention? May 21, 2008
ScienceDaily (May 21, 2008) Recently, researchers have begun looking to NSAIDs as having a potential role in the prevention of colorectal cancer, esophageal cancer and pancreatitis ... A Meta-Analysis of Rectal NSAIDs in the Prevention of Post-ERCP Pancreatitis ... This common procedure, however, may injure or cause inflammation to the pancreas causing pancreatitis, in which the patient may suffer from abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, further hospitalization and, in extreme cases, death. (Science Daily)
People foods that can kill your pet May 13, 2008
Ingestion may lead to gastrointestinal upset or even pancreatitis. This can be a very painful condition for dogs. (MSNBC -- Health)
Detention In America May 12, 2008
The medical examiner said it was pancreatitis. Asked what she was thinking in that moment, Danticat says, "Just a series of things. Crying, she continues, "Of course, you know, a great deal of sadness because he died so alone. (CBS News)
New Surgery for Pancreatitis May 8, 2008
Eventually, he went to Dr. Syed Ahmad, a surgeon, who discovered the pain was due to severe damage and inflammation of the pancreas or pancreatitis. However, Stocker also learned that he was a candidate for a newer procedure which could be the closest thing yet to a cure for some people to ease this painful problem. (WOKR13 Rochester)
Plagued by Illness, Man, 19, Has Body of 11-Year-Old May 7, 2008
Marc suffers from numerous illnesses including pancreatitis, kidney failure, low blood count, a susceptible immune system, intestinal ulcers, gout, high blood pressure and cholesterol. He takes 12 daily medications, according to the Iowan. (Fox News)
A too beautiful mourning May 4, 2008
Eighteen months after Dunne's death, the couple's 39-year-old daughter, who had survived a series of medical emergencies, died of pancreatitis. This stage version of The Year of Magical Thinking, adapted by Didion herself and already seen on Broadway, is the story of these two deaths and their survivor. (Guardian Unlimited -- Arts)
Calorie Restricted Diet Prevents Pancreatic Inflammation And Cancer, Study Suggests Apr 18, 2008
The strain of mice, developed by Susan Fischer, professor in M. D. Anderson's Department of Carcinogenesis, spontaneously develops lesions associated with pancreatitis - inflammation of the pancreas. These lesions develop into pancreatic cancer and virtually all of these mice die within six to eight months. (Science Daily)
Eurand in Licenses Corticosteroid GI Product From Chiesi Farmaceutici SpA Apr 15, 2008
Subject to approval, we intend to offer EUR-1008 (Zentase), our lead product candidate, to specialist GI physicians for the treatment of chronic pancreatitis and we believe Clipper(tm) would be an ideal product to provide to the same physicians. We look forward to working with the FDA to establish a clinical development and regulatory pathway for this product in the United States. (Primezone Releases)
Cosco Busan pilot convicted of DUI in 1999 Apr 11, 2008
His most recent medical report indicated that he suffered from pancreatitis, a condition often linked to alcoholism. According to a medical report prepared by his doctor, Cota was taking Wellbutrin, a drug to combat depression, as well as medication for migraines and glaucoma. (San Francisco Chronicle)
Jonestown survivor wins House seat Apr 10, 2008
Captain John Cota had regularly received waivers allowing him to keep his license, despite a long list of illnesses, including glaucoma, depression, kidney stones, migraines, pancreatitis, and sleep apnea, according to testimony at a National Transportation Safety Board hearing. (AP). (Boston Globe)
Pilot in bay spill had past incidents Apr 10, 2008
Capt. John Cota was apparently diagnosed with alcoholism and developed pancreatitis as a result of his drinking, according to testimony at a National Transportation Safety Board hearing ... The alcohol use was likely the cause of his pancreatitis, Bourgeois said. (MSNBC -- Environment)
Lis on Law: Bottomless Drinking Ban Apr 3, 2008
The long term risks of alcohol include everything from liver damage, to pancreatitis, to certain cancers, and even literal shrinkage of the brain. Not to mention the short term effects, alcohol poisoning and immediate death. (Fox News)
Q&A: The MMR debate Mar 27, 2008
Complications of mumps 1 in 25: Deafness - usually with partial or complete recovery 1 in 30: Pancreatitis Hospital admission Mumps during pregnancy can cause miscarriage. Dr Wakefield insists he has done nothing wrong and that the science behind his study is still valid. (BBC News -- Health)
Drink campaign targets women Mar 23, 2008
" Official guidelines say women should drink no more than 14 units of alcohol a week, and men no more than 21. Half a pint of beer or lager of 3.5 per cent strength is one unit but many beers are stronger than this. Similarly, one small glass (125ml) of wine of eight per cent alcohol is one unit but most wines are now between 11 and 13 per cent. Alcohol-related deaths have doubled in 10 years and doctors are becoming increasingly concerned at the growing number of women with liver damage,... (Times Online)
Alcohol and Health Problems Mar 22, 2008
Pancreatitis: Those who consume alcohol have an increased risk for developing chronic pancreatitis. Performance deficits: Alcohol adversely affects attention span, vigilance, coordination, cognitive function and reaction time. (Suite101.com)
Gene Therapy Could Save Kids From A Lifetime Of Eating Cornstarch Mar 15, 2008
Other problems associated with the disease include growth restriction, high blood pressure, pancreatitis and persistent hypoglycemia. "There are definite well-documented limitations to the dietary therapy. People can't just follow a diet and count on living full, healthy lives," Koeberl said. (Science Daily)
Shire Launches Patient Education Forums on Better Managing the Challenges of Ulcerative Colitis Mar 10, 2008
Pancreatitis occurred in less than 1 percent of patients during clinical trials and resulted in discontinuation of therapy with LIALDA. For more information about LIALDA and for Full Prescribing Information, please visit. Important Safety Information for PENTASA PENTASA is indicated for the induction of remission and for the treatment of patients with mildly to moderately active ulcerative colitis. (PR Newswire)
Swayze Diagnosis Sheds Light on Pancreatic Cancer Mar 6, 2008
Some sufferers of chronic pancreatitis may also be at risk ... Other risk factors include chronic pancreatitis and diabetes. (Fox News)
FDA Ponders Stricter Rules For Diabetes Drugs Mar 5, 2008
The main putative side effect for that drug is pancreatitis, and the concern is based mainly on case reports. But Matthew Osborne, an analyst at Lazard Capital Markets, downgraded Amylin to "hold" from "buy" because of the draft guidance. (Forbes -- Business)
Eurand CEO Gearoid Faherty Recognized by the Boomer Esiason Foundation Mar 3, 2008
Eurand's lead product candidate, Zentase(tm) (EUR-1080), is a porcine-derived pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy which is being developed to treat EPI, a condition associated with cystic fibrosis, chronic pancreatitis and other diseases. The product was developed in response to the 2004 Food and Drug Administration (FDA) guidance on pancreatic enzyme products, which outlined the need to reduce the unpredictable character of currently marketed enzyme therapies. (Primezone Releases)
Felled hoops star slowly climbs back Feb 25, 2008
Last week, she developed pancreatitis and has slowly been recovering. Unable to eat or drink anything, she has gradually been making strides. (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, PA)
America's 50 best hospitals 2008 released by HealthGrades Feb 25, 2008
Public release date: 25-Feb-2008. Contact: Scott Shapiro. (EurekAlert!)
Glad You Asked: Why do we get the hiccups? Feb 23, 2008
In rare cases, pleurisy inflammation of the membrane lining of the lungs and chest cavity pneumonia, certain stomach or esophagus disorders, pancreatitis, alcoholism or hepatitis might also cause hiccups. Hiccups, though, are likely the least of your worries if you suffer great pain and discomfort as a result of any those maladies. (Racine Journal Times, WI)
In some cases, probiotics can be deadly Feb 21, 2008
Researchers studied 296 patients at risk for severe pancreatitis, a potentially lethal inflammation of the pancreas. Each was randomly assigned to receive either a commercially available probiotic or an identical-looking placebo. (International Herald Tribune)
Ussery, Wilson undergo treatment at FirstHealth Moore Regional Hospital Feb 20, 2008
Commission Chairman Kenneth Robinette said Ussery was undergoing treatment of conditions following gall bladder surgery and acute pancreatitis. Treatment included catheterization for fluid around his heart. (Rockingham Daily Journal, NC)
Probiotic may be the rage, but it isnt always safe Feb 19, 2008
Probiotic curd has seen a rise in popularity as a health food, but a research paper published in The Lancet, a British medical journal, says that the good bacteria commonly found in probiotic yogurt (commonly known as curd in India) and drinks can be fatal for people suffering from severe pancreatitis. Pancreatitis is an inflammation of the pancreas ... Acute pancreatitis can lead to diabetes and cause kidney failure, too. (Daily News & Analysis)
Probiotics May Be Fatal in Acute Pancreatitis Feb 16, 2008
LONDON (Reuters) - "Good" bacteria commonly found in probiotic yoghurts and drinks may be fatal for people with severe cases of pancreatitis, Dutch researchers said on Thursday ... "Several studies have associated probiotics with a reduction in infectious pancreatitis." ... They have been used as a treatment for pancreatitis, an inflammation of the pancreas that can precede pancreatic cancer. (MEDLINEplus)
