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Hemorrhagic pancreatitis is a life-threatening condition in which severe swelling of the pancreas damages the surrounding blood vessels and causes internal bleeding.
While hemorrhagic pancreatitis can be considered a complication of acute pancreatitis, it may also be classified as a more severe type of acute pancreatitis (acute pancreatitis is pancreatic swelling marked by intense pain and an immediate onset of symptoms).
The pancreas is a vital gland that produces various enzymes and hormones, including insulin. When functioning properly, the pancreas is responsible for facilitating digestion and regulating the body's energy levels.
While alcohol abuse and certain medications can impair healthy pancreatic function, so too can genetic disorders and certain medical conditions, such as pancreatic cancer.
As a complication of another health problem, hemorrhagic pancreatitis has the same causes of its root condition, acute pancreatitis. Among the causes of both acute and hemorrhagic pancreatitis are:
Of these, using Byetta has most recently been identified as a new cause of hemorrhagic pancreatitis. While the FDA has already received 30 patient reports regarding the development of pancreatitis following use of Byetta, two patients have died from Byetta-related pancreatitis.
If you have type 2 Byetta diabetes and are thinking of using Byetta to control your condition, be sure to discuss your complete medical history with your doctor before using this medication. Those with a history of gallstones, kidney problems or pancreatic cancer are advised not to take Byetta, as they are at a significantly greater risk of developing pancreatitis and other Byetta side effects.
If you do start taking Byetta, visit your doctor regularly and take time to familiarize yourself with all possible Byetta side effects (as well as with their associated symptoms). While your doctor can monitor your health, your knowledge of potential Byetta complications can help you identify the warning sides of Byetta-related health problems, should they arise.
Along with severe abdominal pain, symptoms of hemorrhagic pancreatitis can include:
Because these symptoms are fairly general, doctors will need to perform a series of tests to confirm or rule out a proper hemorrhagic pancreatitis diagnosis. Blood tests, CT scans and, in some cases, x-rays of the abdomen are needed to diagnose hemorrhagic pancreatitis.
Patients will need immediate surgery to stop the internal bleeding, remove any abnormalities (particularly if gallstones are present) and implant a feeding tube. The feeding tube allows food to bypass the pancreas, allowing the pancreas to rest and continue recovering when patients start eating again.
Along with surgery, treatment for hemorrhagic pancreatitis may also include:
For patients who used Byetta prior to developing hemorrhagic pancreatitis, it's also a good idea to talk to a personal injury lawyer, as affected individuals will likely be entitled to settlement for their suffering and medical bills.
Contact a Byetta attorney today to talk to an experienced defective drug lawyer who can help you pursue your legal claim and recover compensation for your losses.
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