Diabetes Drug (Byetta) May Harm Kidneys

The FDA recently approved Byetta to be used alone in the treatment of type 2 diabetes. Previously, it was approved only for use in conjunction with other drugs. Byetta was developed to resemble a compound found in Gila monster saliva. When injected under the skin, it stimulates the pancreas to produce more insulin. FDA officials want patients and doctors to be aware of a very rare but potentially serious side effect, though. The agency has received 78 reports of problems with kidney function in patients using Byetta. That is a tiny proportion of the 7 million prescriptions filled for the drug during that time, but the drug’s label is being changed to reflect this possible hazard. Although the manufacturers have agreed to change the label, they disagree that the drug was responsible for the kidney problems.