FBI — Medicare Fraud Strike Force Charges 107 Individuals for Approximately $452 Million in False Billing

FBI — Medicare Fraud Strike Force Charges 107 Individuals for Approximately $452 Million in False Billing

WASHINGTON—Attorney General Eric Holder and Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Kathleen Sebelius announced today that a nationwide takedown by Medicare Fraud Strike Force operations in seven cities has resulted in charges against 107 individuals, including doctors, nurses, and other licensed medical professionals, for their alleged participation in Medicare fraud schemes involving approximately $452 million in false billing.

“Today’s arrests send a strong message to criminals that the consequences of committing Medicare fraud are serious,” said HHS Secretary Sebelius. “In addition to these arrests, we used new authority from the health care law to stop all future payments to 52 health care providers suspected of fraud before they are ever made. Today’s actions are another example of how the Affordable Care Act is helping the Obama Administration fight fraud and strengthen the Medicare program.”

The defendants charged are accused of various health care fraud-related crimes, including conspiracy to commit health care fraud, health care fraud, violations of the anti-kickback statutes and money laundering. The charges are based on a variety of alleged fraud schemes involving various medical treatments and services such as home health care, mental health services, psychotherapy, physical and occupational therapy, durable medical equipment (DME), and ambulance services.

According to court documents, the defendants allegedly participated in schemes to submit claims to Medicare for treatments that were medically unnecessary and oftentimes never provided. In many cases, court documents allege that patient recruiters, Medicare beneficiaries and other co-conspirators were paid cash kickbacks in return for supplying beneficiary information to providers, so that the providers could submit fraudulent billing to Medicare for services that were medically unnecessary or never provided. Collectively, the doctors, nurses, licensed medical professionals, health care company owners, and others charged are accused of conspiring to submit a total of approximately $452 million in fraudulent billing.

Medical Professionals Including Physicians and Hospital Administrators Are Blowing the Whistle on Medicare Fraud, Medicaid Fraud, TRICARE Fraud and other Health Care Fraud That is Costing Taxpayers over $100 Billion Each Year by Texas Medicare Fraud Physician Whistleblower Lawyer, Texas Medical Doctor Whistleblower Lawyer & Texas Medical Professional Whistleblower Lawyer Jason Coomer

Medicare fraud, Medicaid fraud, and health care fraud are becoming the fastest growing and most lucrative crimes in the United States.  It is estimated that Medicare fraud, Medicaid fraud, and other forms of health care fraud cost tax payers between $100 Billion and $200 Billion each year.  As such, the United States Department of Justice is cracking down on criminals committing health care fraud.

107 charged in health care fraud bust

The United States Department of Justice is also encouraging medical professionals, physicians, and hospital administrators to become Medicare fraud whistleblowers and Medicaid fraud whistleblowers to help expose these health care fraud schemes.  These Medicare fraud whistleblowers and Medicaid fraud whistleblowers can protect themselves from potential criminal liability from knowing about health care fraud and not reporting it, help expose corruption and fraud in the health care system, and potentially recover a large financial reward for being the first to file on significant health care fraud schemes.

Health Care Professionals That Hire a Medicare Fraud Physician Whistleblower Lawyer, Hospital Administrator Medicare Fraud Whistleblower Lawyer & Medical Professional Whistleblower Lawyer Can Help Protect their Career and Have Assistance in Developing and Evaluating a Potential Health Care Fraud Whistleblower Qui Tam Lawsuit

Medical professionals that have the knowledge and evidence of systematic Medicare fraud or systematic Medicaid fraud usually are well educated, well trained, and have a substantial investment in their career that needs to be protected.  For these health care professionals, it is usually a good idea to consult with or hire a Medicare Fraud Physician Whistleblower Lawyer, Hospital Administrator Medicare Fraud Whistleblower Lawyer & Medical Professional Whistleblower Lawyer that can help protect their career and provide advice as to how to prevent retaliation that can damage a professional's career.  The medical professional whistleblower lawyer can also provide confidential and privileged assistance in investigating, reviewing, developing, and evaluating a potential health care fraud whistleblower qui tam lawsuit prior to the medical professional whistleblower being exposed to any potential retaliation or damage to the professional's career.

Death With Dignity: How Doctors Die - Mind & Body - Utne Reader

Death With Dignity: How Doctors Die - Mind & Body - Utne Reader

"Almost all medical professionals have seen what we call “futile care” being performed on people near the end of life. The patient will get cut open, perforated with tubes, hooked up to machines, and assaulted with drugs. All of this occurs in the intensive care unit at a cost of tens of thousands of dollars a day. What it buys is misery we would not inflict on a terrorist. I cannot count the number of times fellow physicians have told me, “Promise me if you find me like this that you’ll kill me.”

Read more: http://www.utne.com/mind-body/death-with-dignity-zm0z12mjzros.aspx#ixzz1u1AKaCH8

The Blood Thinner Pradaxa May Cause Fatal Blood Loss, Internal Bleeding, Hemorrhaging, And Death: Persons Taking Pradaxa Should Be Aware of These Potential Health Risks by Texas Pradaxa Lawyer, Texas Pradaxa Fatal Blood Loss Lawyer, Texas Pradaxa Hemorrhaging Death Lawyer, and Texas Pradaxa Death Lawyer Jason S. Coomer

On December 7, 2011, the Federal Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a FDA Drug Safety Communication: Safety review of post-market reports of serious bleeding events with the anticoagulant Pradaxa (dabigatran etexilate mesylate).  The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is evaluating post-marketing reports of serious bleeding events in patients taking Pradaxa (dabigatran etexilate mesylate). Pradaxa is a blood thinning (anticoagulant) medication used to reduce the risk of stroke in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation (AF), the most common type of heart rhythm abnormality.

Pradaxa Fatal Blood Loss Lawsuit, Defective Blood Thinner Medication Lawsuit, Pradaxa Internal Bleeding Lawsuit, Pradaxa Hemorrhaging Death Lawsuit, Pradaxa Internal Bleeding Death Lawsuit, and Pradaxa Lawsuit Information by Texas Pradaxa Fatal Blood Loss Lawyer, Pradaxa Hemorrhaging Death Lawyer, and Pradaxa Death Lawyer Jason S. Coomer

 

Scientific evidence has recently confirmed that the the blood thinner, Pradaxa, may cause serious health problems including internal bleeding and hemorrhaging in certain populations of patients that may cause death.  Further, there are allegations that the drug manufacturer may have been aware of certain dangers of the drug's use, but did not warn the public in a timely manner of these health dangers.  Several Pradaxa lawsuits have already been filed and many more are expected in the future.   

The Blood Thinner Pradaxa May Cause Risk of Fatal Blood Loss, Internal Bleeding, Hemorrhaging, And Death: Persons Taking Pradaxa Should Be Aware of These Potential Health Risks by Texas Pradaxa Lawyer, Texas Pradaxa Fatal Blood Loss Lawyer, Texas Pradaxa Hemorrhaging Death Lawyer, and Texas Pradaxa Death Lawyer Jason S. Coomer

Hedge Fund Managers, Money Managers, Hedge Fund Advisers, and Financial Analysts Are A Select Group of Financial Services Professionals That May Have Original Information Of Financial Fraud and Investment Fraud From Their Own Independent Analysis That Can Be The Basis Of A SEC Whistleblower Reward Lawsuit by Hedge Fund Manager Whistleblower Lawyer, Financial Analyst Whistleblower Reward Lawyer, and Financial Services Professional Whistleblower Reward Lawyer Jason S. Coomer

Hedge Fund Managers, Money Managers, and Financial Analysts are a select group of professionals that often have "original information" of securities violations that can be the basis of a SEC Bounty Action from their own independent analysis.  Because of the financial and investment expertise of these professionals, the SEC has decided to offer large financial rewards to hedge fund managers, financial analysts, and other financial services professionals that properly identify and expose financial fraud, investment fraud, and securities fraud. 

Under the SEC Whistleblower Reward Program new rules have expanded the definition of original information to encourage hedge fund managers, financial analysts, and money managers to become whistleblowers.  The new law and SEC rules include increased economic incentives and protections that are meant to encourage hedge fund managers, financial analysts, and money managers to blow the whistle on significant fraud schemes.

Included in these new laws are confidentiality protections that will protect financial professionals that expose fraud through a bounty action whistleblower lawyer.  For more information on these protections or to have a potential bounty action reviewed, please feel free to read below or contact feel free to contact Confidential SEC Hedge Fund Manager Whistleblower, Financial Analyst Whistleblower and Money Manager Whistleblower Lawyer Jason Coomer.  

Hedge Fund Manager Whistleblower Lawyers, Financial Analyst Whistleblower Lawyers, and Money Manager Whistleblower Lawyers Can Often Protect Hedge Fund Manager Whistleblowers, Financial Analyst Whistleblowers, and Money Manager Whistleblowers as Well as Help Obtain a Financial Reward Through Properly Filed Disclosures

It is extremely important that Hedge Fund Manager Whistleblowers, Financial Analyst Whistleblowers, Money Manager Whistleblowers, and High-end Investment Whistleblowers are protected while they expose investment fraud, insider trading, Ponzi schemes, retirement fund fraud, securities fraud, and other unlawful and illegal practices.  By working through Hedge Fund Manager Whistleblower Lawyers, Financial Analyst Whistleblower Lawyers, and Money Manager Whistleblower Lawyers, confidentiality and other protections can often be invoked to protect the identity and career of the hedge fund manager whistleblower, financial analyst whistleblower, money manager whistleblower, or high-end investment whistleblower.

Further, the financial services professional whistleblower lawyer can also help prepare and review the disclosure to help ensure that the financial services professional whistleblower's disclosure is filed correctly.  The financial services professional services lawyer can also provide advice as to any potential dangers or liability that the financial services professional may face by making the filing and provide counsel to the financial services professional prior to making the filing. 

Hedge Fund Managers, Money Managers, Hedge Fund Advisers, and Financial Analysts Are A Select Group of Financial Services Professionals That May Have Original Information Of Financial Fraud and Investment Fraud From Their Own Independent Analysis That Can Be The Basis Of A SEC Whistleblower Reward Lawsuit by Hedge Fund Manager Whistleblower Lawyer, Financial Analyst Whistleblower Reward Lawyer, and Financial Services Professional Whistleblower Reward Lawyer Jason S. Coomer 

Mexican Government Official Bribes Can Be the Basis of SEC Foreign Corrupt Practices Whistleblower Reward Lawsuits by Mexico Gvoernment Official Bribe Whistleblower Reward Lawyer, Mexican Official Illegal Bribe Bounty Action Lawyer, & Mexico Foreign Corrupt Practices Act Violation Bounty Action Lawyer Jason S. Coomer

Mexican watchdog group says Mexico’s federal government should probe alleged Wal-Mart bribes - The Washington Post

Mexican watchdog group says Mexico’s federal government should probe alleged Wal-Mart bribes - The Washington Post
"MEXICO CITY — Mexico’s federal government should investigate allegations of a vast bribery campaign by top executives of Wal-Mart’s Mexican subsidiary to build stores across the country, the head of a watchdog group said Sunday. Eduardo Bohorquez, director of Transparencia Mexicana, said international conventions obligate Mexico’s government to get involved even though only local officials have been accused in the scandal."

"Last month, Mexican authorities announced that they were investigating allegations that a U.S. aviation company paid bribes to secure contracts to maintain government aircraft.  Mexico’s Attorney General’s Office said the probe involved six officials at two federal agencies and two state governments who allegedly took bribes from Oklahoma-based BizJet International Sales and Support Inc. in exchange of work contracts. Prosecutors said the case involved about $2 million in bribes for contracts worth at least $24 million.  The office gave no other details about the case, but the U.S. Department of Justice said BizJet had agreed to pay an $11.8 million fine to settle a corruption case that alleges its employees bribed government officials in Mexico and Panama to secure maintenance contracts."

Mexico Contract Bribe Bounty Actions, Mexican Official Illegal Kickback Bounty Actions, Mexico Illegal Bribe Bounty Actions, Mexico Contract Illegal Kickback Lawsuits, Foreign Corrupt Practices Lawsuits, and other Mexico Multinational Corporation Bribe Whistleblower Reward Lawsuits by Mexico Contract Bribe Whistleblower Reward Lawyer, Mexican Official Contract Bribe Bounty Action Lawyer, & Mexico Foreign Corrupt Practices Act Violation Bounty Action Lawyer Jason S. Coomer

Multinational corporations that offer illegal bribes and kickbacks to obtain business and large international contracts are the target of several new anti-bribery and whistleblower reward bounty action laws that have been passed around the World.  In the United States new whistleblower reward bounty actions have been enacted to encourage professionals and other people with specialized knowledge of illegal international contract bribes, illegal kickbacks to foreign government officials, false accounting statements to investors, and other Foreign Corrupt Practices Act violations to report illegal activity.  The bounty actions offer large financial rewards as well as protection to Mexican whistleblowers, multinational corporation employee whistleblower, and other whistleblowers that expose government corruption.  For more information on SEC Foreign Corrupt Practices Act Bounty Actions regarding Mexican official illegal bribes, kickbacks, and/or other illegal acts, please feel to go to the following webpage: Mexican Official Illegal Kickback Bounty Actions, Mexico Illegal Bribe Bounty Actions, Mexico Contract Illegal Kickback Lawsuit, Foreign Corrupt Practices Lawsuit, and other Mexico Multinational Corporation Bribe Whistleblower Reward Lawsuits.

Probe launched into pill makers' practices|Prime|chinadaily.com.cn

Probe launched into pill makers' practices|Prime|chinadaily.com.cn

Authorities are suspending sales of 13 types of capsules with reported chromium contamination and are checking the factories accused of producing them.The State Food and Drug Administration issued an urgent notice on Sunday to suspend sales until safety is tested.

Corporate Espionage and Fierce Competition Can Lead to Texas Patent Infringement Lawsuits, Texas Theft of Trade Secret Lawsuits, Texas Intellectual Property Infringement Lawsuits, & Texas Business Litigation Lawsuits by Texas Patent Infringement Lawyer, Texas Business Litigation Lawyer, Texas Trade Secret Theft Lawyer, and Texas Intellectual Property Infringement Lawyer Jason S. Coomer

Corporate Espionage and Fierce Competition Can Lead to Texas Patent Infringement Lawsuits, Texas Theft of Trade Secret Lawsuits, Texas Intellectual Property Infringement Lawsuits, & Texas Business Litigation Lawsuits by Texas Patent Infringement Lawyer, Texas Business Litigation Lawyer, Texas Trade Secret Theft Lawyer, and Texas Intellectual Property Infringement Lawyer Jason S. Coomer 

Industrial espionage including theft of trade secrets, patent infringement, and illegal use of other intellectual property is accelerating.   As patents, trade secrets, and other intellectual property are key to competing in the competitive business environment and are often developed through expensive research, more and more businesses are becoming targets for corporate espionage from domestic and international competition.  

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US Technologies and Trade Secrets at Risk in Cyberspace
Foreign Spies Stealing US Economic Secrets in Cyberspace

The pace of foreign economic collection and industrial espionage activities against major US corporations and US Government agencies is accelerating. FIS, corporations, and private individuals increased their efforts in 2009-2011 to steal proprietary technologies, which cost millions of dollars to develop and represented tens or hundreds of millions of dollars in potential profits. The computer networks of a broad array of US Government agencies, private companies, universities, and other institutions—all holding large volumes of sensitive economic information—were targeted by cyber espionage; much of this activity appears to have originated in China.

Foreign collectors commonly take advantage of the cyber environment because it is difficult to detect and to attribute responsibility for these operations. 

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Traditionally, most patent infringement and corporate espionage has been limited to domestic lawsuits and enforcement.  However as many countries including China, India, Mexico, Russia, Brazil, and other emerging countries are importing more products back into the United States, new potential causes of actions and increased government enforcement are becoming available. China is the number one source of infringing products seized at the U S border and multinational corporations that use infringing products that are imported into the United States are a major focus of increased lawsuits and enforcement actions.  

Texas Patent Infringement Lawsuits, Texas Theft of Trade Secret Lawsuits, Texas Intellectual Property Infringement Lawsuits, & Texas Business Litigation Lawsuits

After a valuable patent or other valuable intellectual property is infringed upon or a trade secret is stolen, it is difficult to determine the next step.  Many questions arise and need to be answered including: 1) Who is infringing on our patent? 2) Is the infringement actionable? 3) Where is the infringement occurring? 4) When did the infringement begin? 5) How do we stop the infringement? 6) What damages did we suffer?  7) What potential causes of action do we have? 8) Who are the defendants? and 9) Can we collect a judgment against this defendant or defendants?   

The answers to most of these questions can be complicated and very different depending on your business and the unique fact scenario surrounding the theft or infringement on your intellectual property.  By understanding what laws may apply to a particular patent infringement or theft of trade secret case, a business can determine how to respond including seeking compensation and protecting itself from future losses.

International Patent Infringement Lawyers, International Trade Secret Theft Lawyers, International Business Litigation Lawyers, International Intellectual Property Theft Lawyers, International Fake Product Lawyers, International Corporate Espionage Lawyers, International Business Fraud Whistleblower Lawyers, International Intellectual Property Lawyers, and International Business Litigation Teams

Large international patent infringement lawsuits and international corporate espionage lawsuits usually require large litigation teams with business litigation lawyers throughout the United States and the World.  These cases can be extremely complicated and require vast resources to fully litigated.   For more information on this topic as well as some of the legal issues and potential causes of action regarding international patent infringement, international corporate espionage, and international theft of trade secrets, please go to the following web page: International Patent Infringement Lawsuits, International Trade Secret Theft Lawsuits, International Supply Chain Procurement Fraud Whistleblower Lawsuits, International Patent Infringement Qui Tam Lawsuits, and International Business Litigation Lawsuits. 

Patents & Texas Patent Infringement Lawsuits

A patent is the right to exclude others from making, using, selling, or offering for sale a patented invention.  The owner of a patent has several exclusive rights to the patent. A violation of the patent owner's exclusive rights constitutes an infringement entitling the owner to injunctive relief to stop the infringement and to monetary damages. Damages for patent infringement can be based on lost profits or reasonable royalties.  Lost profits are calculated on what the plaintiff would have sold the device itself if the infringement had not occurred.  While reasonable royalties is determined by the amount the defendant would have paid plaintiff as a royalty for the right to use the patents.

Texas Theft of Trade Secrets Lawsuits and Texas Breach of Fiduciary Duty Lawsuits

Officers and employees that wrongfully steal intellectual property including theft of trade secrets, customer lists, patents, and copyrights can be held liable by Texas courts for breach of fiduciary duty, conversion, fraud, and other business torts.  As the intellectual property owned by a business becomes more valuable and easier to steal through technology, it is increasingly important for businesses to protect their intellectual property as well as to make an example of officers, business partners, independent contractors, and employees that steal intellectual property.  

Texas Patent Infringement Lawsuits, Texas Theft of Trade Secret Lawsuits, Texas Intellectual Property Infringement Lawsuits, & Texas Business Litigation Lawsuits

 For more information on Texas Patent Infringement Lawsuits, Texas Theft of Trade Secret Lawsuits, Texas Intellectual Property Infringement Lawsuits, & Texas Business Litigation Lawsuits, please feel free to go to the following webpage: Texas Patent Infringement Lawsuits, Texas Theft of Trade Secret Lawsuits, Texas Intellectual Property Infringement Lawsuits, & Texas Business Litigation Lawsuits.

 

Fake Military Electronic Components, Low Quality Electronic Parts, and Defective Electronic Components Used by Military Defense Contractors in Building War Planes, Missile Defense Systems, Military Equipment, and other Military Supplies Can Cause Failure of Military Weapons and Military Equipment as well as be the Basis for Military Procurement Fraud Whistleblower Reward Lawsuits and FCPA Whistleblower Lawsuits by Military Contractor Fake Electronic Component Procurement Fraud Lawyer, False Certification Fraud Whistleblower Reward Lawyer, and Military Electronic Part Supply Chain Fraud Lawyer Jason Coomer

Fake Military Electronic Components, Low Quality Electronic Parts, and Defective Electronic Components Used by Military Defense Contractors in Building War Planes, Missile Defense Systems, Military Equipment, and other Military Supplies Can Cause Failure of Military Weapons and Military Equipment as well as be the Basis for Military Procurement Fraud Whistleblower Reward Lawsuits and FCPA Whistleblower Lawsuits by Military Contractor Fake Electronic Component Procurement Fraud Lawyer, False Certification Fraud Whistleblower Reward Lawyer, and Military Electronic Part Supply Chain Fraud Lawyer Jason Coomer

Fake electronic parts and other manufactured components and ingredients from China, Mexico, India, and other emerging countries are becoming a problem for the United States military, military contractors, health care providers, and government contractors that sell and certify products to the United States or other government entities.  By using cheaper electronic parts from China, India, Mexico, and other countries to fulfill government contracts, the military contractors are able to make larger profits, but can often be given fake electronic components or substandard electronic components.  As a result these military contractors use defective military electronic components, defective military electronic parts, and defective military equipment parts in war planes, missile systems, and other military equipment.  Failure of these electronic components can cause catastrophic damages and result in failure of essential military weapons and military equipment.

Whistleblowers that have independent knowledge of military electronic component supply chain procurement fraud and false certification of electronic components that is being committed against the government by government contractors and subcontractors can blow the whistle on the military procurement fraud and if they are the first to provide notice of the fraud can recover a large financial reward for helping the government identify and stop procurement fraud.

Over a Million Fake Components Have Been Used by Government Contractors In United States War Planes Many of these Fake Part Came from China

"The US Senate Armed Services Committee said its researchers had uncovered 1,800 cases in which the Pentagon had been sold electronics that may be counterfeit.  In total, the committee said it had found more than a million fake parts had made their way into warplanes such as the Boeing C-17 transport jet and the Lockheed Martin C-130J 'Super Hercules'.  It also found fake components in Boeing's CH-46 Sea Knight helicopter and the Theatre High-Altitude Area Defence (THAAD) missile defence system. 'A million parts is surely a huge number. But I want to repeat this: we have only looked at a portion of the defence supply chain. So those 1,800 cases are just the tip of the iceberg,' said Senator Carl Levin. In around seven in 10 cases, the fake parts originated in China, while investigators traced another 20 per cent of cases to the United Kingdom and Canada, known resale points for Chinese counterfeits." US weapons 'full of fake Chinese parts' Thousands of United States' warplanes, ships and missiles contain fake electronic components from China, leaving them open to malfunction, according to a US Senate committee.

Military Contractor Fake Electronic Component Whistleblower Lawyer, Mexico Electronic Component Manufacturer Fraud Whistleblower Lawyer, Military Contractor Defective Military Electronic Part Mexico Manufacturer Whistleblower Lawyer, Military Contractor Military Electronic Part China Manufacturer Fraud Lawyer, Military Contractor Procurement Fraud Whistleblower Lawyer, Defense Contractor False Certification of Electronic Components Whistleblower Reward Lawyer, and International Defense Contractor Procurement Fraud Qui Tam Lawyer

Whistleblowers that have independent knowledge of military electronic component supply chain procurement fraud committed against the government by government contractors and subcontractors should blow the whistle on the defense contractor military procurement fraud including fake electronic component being used in war planes, military weapons, and other military equipment.  If the whistleblower is the first to provide proper notice and evidence of the fraud, the whistleblower can recover a large financial reward for helping the government identify and stop procurement fraud.

Please feel free to follow the below links for more information on exposing defense contractor supply chain procurement fraud, defective military equipment fraud, military electronic component fraud, military procurement fraud, and other government contractor procurement fraud: Defense Contractor False Certification of Electronic Components Whistleblower Reward Lawyer and International Electronic Component Manufacturer Fraud Defense Contractor Procurement Whistleblower Reward Qui Tam Lawyer.

Pancreatic Cancer Risk: Persons Taking Januvia and Janumet Should Be Aware of Pancreatic Cancer Danger and Consult Their Physician Regarding Potential Pancreas Cancer Risks by Texas Januvia Pancreatic Cancer Lawyer, Januvia Pancreatitis Lawyer, Janumet Pancreatic Cancer Lawyer and Januvia Pancreas Cancer Lawyer Jason S. Coomer

Pancreatic Cancer: Persons Taking Januvia and Janumet Should Be Aware of Pancreatic Cancer Danger and Consult Their Physician Regarding Potential Pancreas Cancer Risks by Texas Januvia Pancreatic Cancer Lawyer, Januvia Pancreatitis Lawyer, Janumet Pancreatic Cancer Lawyer and Januvia Pancreas Cancer Lawyer Jason S. Coomer

Pancreatic cancer is the fourth leading cause of cancer death for both men and women and is one of the most deadly of all types of cancer. The diabetes drugs, Januvia and Janumet, may cause an increased risk of pancreatic cancer in patients using Januvia. If you have lost a loved one from Pancreatic Cancer or have suffered acute pancreatitis, hemorrhagic pancreatitis, accute necrotizing pancreatitis, or pancreatic cancer; and have been using Januvia, please report the adverse action to the prescribing medical doctor as soon as possible.  For more information on this topic, please feel free to contact Januvia Pancreatic Cancer Lawyer, Januvia Cancer Lawyer, and Janumet Pancreatic Cancer Lawyer Jason Coomer, or use our online submission form. 

The Diabetes Drug Market is Over $40 Billion Each Year and Growing Rapidly Januvia and Janumet had Annual Sales of $4.7 Billion in 2011

More than 300 million people worldwide suffer from diabetes, including about 30 million Americans.  In 2010, the global prevalence of diabetes was estimated to have reached 285 million and predicted to reach 438 million in 2030. The corresponding figures for North America were 37.4 million in 2010 and 53.2 million by 2030 and in Europe 55.2 million in 2010 and 66.2 million in 2030.  The global market for products in the management of diabetes currently stands at $41 billion and is on pace to grow to over $114 billion by 2018.

In 2011, Januvia annual sales rose 39%, to $3.3 billion, from $2.4 billion the year before and $1.9 in 2009. Januvia along with its sister drug Janumet (a combination of Januvia and metformin) has combined for sales of $4.7 billion for 2011.  Sales of Januvia and Merck’s Januvia (sitagliptin) is approved in all major markets and have outdone initial estimates for the drugs. 

Merck’s Januvia (sitagliptin) is approved in all major markets and is the first in a new class of diabetic drugs called dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitors.  It is approved by the FDA as an adjunct to diet and exercise to improve glycemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

FDA Information on Sitagliptin (marketed as Januvia and Janumet)

[09-25-2009] FDA is revising the prescribing information for Januvia (sitagliptin) and Janumet (sitagliptin/metformin) to include information on reported cases of acute pancreatitis in patients using these products.

Sitagliptin, the first in a new class of diabetic drugs called dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitors, is approved as an adjunct to diet and exercise to improve glycemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Eighty-eight post-marketing cases of acute pancreatitis, including two cases of hemorrhagic or necrotizing pancreatitis in patients using sitagliptin, were reported to the Agency between October 16, 2006 and February 9, 2009. Based on these reports, FDA is working with the manufacturer of sitagliptin and sitagliptin/metformin to revise the prescribing information to include:

Information regarding post-marketing reports of acute pancreatitis, including the severe forms, hemorrhagic or necrotizing pancreatitis. Recommending that healthcare professionals monitor patients carefully for the development of pancreatitis after initiation or dose increases of sitagliptin or sitagliptin/metformin, and to discontinue sitagliptin or sitagliptin/metformin if pancreatitis is suspected while using these products. Information noting that sitagliptin has not been studied in patients with a history of pancreatitis. Therefore, it is not known whether these patients are at an increased risk for developing pancreatitis while using sitagliptin or sitagliptin/metformin. Sitagliptin or sitagliptin/metformin should be used with caution and with appropriate monitoring in patients with a history of pancreatitis.

Januvia Pancreatic Cancer Lawsuit Information, Januvia Pancreatitis Lawsuit Information and Januvia Pancreas Cancer Lawsuit Information

Between October 16, 2006 and February 9, 2009, the FDA received 88 post-marketing cases of acute pancreatitis, of which 66 required hospitalization. The FDA review also found that in over half of these cases, the patient’s pancreatitis resolved once Januvia was discontinued. While diabetics are more vulnerable to developing pancreatitis than those without the disease, it does appear that taking Januvia can potentially increase that risk. And, if pancreatitis becomes chronic, the inflammation of the pancreas will alter its normal structure and functions.

Pancreatic Carinoma, Pancreatic Cancer, and Cancer Pancreas

Pancreatic cancer is the fourth leading cause of cancer death for both men and women and is one of the most deadly of all types of cancer. This year approximately 45,000 Americans will be diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and about 38,000 will die from it.

Unfortunately, pancreatic cancer is difficult to diagnose, and the diagnosis is often made late in the course of the disease.  Early detection of pancreatic cancer is essential and will greatly improve a person's chances of surviving the disease. As such, people that have taken Byetta, especially those with symptoms of weight loss, dark urine and clay-colored stools, back pain, and jaundice, should seek advice from a qualified medical professional as to if they may have pancreatic cancer and what symptoms they should be aware of to detect any early onset of pancreatic cancer.

Pancreatic Cancer, Exocrine Pancreas Cancers (Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma) and Endocrine Pancreatic Cancers

The pancreas is a large organ located behind the stomach and in front of the spine above the level of the belly button. The pancreas performs two main functions:  1) it makes insulin, a hormone that regulates blood sugar levels, and 2) it makes enzymes. The pancreas makes and releases enzymes into the intestines that help the body absorb foods, especially fats.  The pancreas is made of Exocrine cells and Endocrine cells.  Exocrine cells are cells that produce a pancreatic juice that includes enzymes which aid in the digestion of food in the small intestine, breaking up proteins, carbohydrates, and fats. 

The most common kind of pancreatic cancer is pancreatic adenocarcinoma and includes about 90% of the cases of pancreatic cancer.  Pancreatic adenocarcinoma is a cancerous overgrowth of exocrine pancreatic cells and is unfortunately commonly undetected until it is too late for the patient.  Pancreatic adenocarcinoma because of late detection can often result a fatal diagnosis with very limited survival time. Other forms of exocrine pancreas cancer include: intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm (IPMN), adenosquamous carcinomas, acinar cell carcinomas, mucinous cystadenocarcinomas, signet ring cell carcinomas, hepatoid carcinomas, colloid carcinomas, undifferentiated carcinomas, pancreatoblastomas, and undifferentiated carcinomas with osteoclast-like giant cells.

Endocrine cells are clustered in small groups (called the Islets of Langerhans) scattered throughout the pancreas. These endocrine cells produce important hormones such as insulin, glucagon, and somatostatin.  The hormones called insulin and glucagon help your body control blood sugar levels. Tumors can also occur in these cells, but they are called islet cell tumors and are rare.

The exact cause of pancreatic cancer is unknown. However, it is more common in people with diabetes and people with long-term inflammation of the pancreas (chronic pancreatitis).  It is also thought that the use of Byetta can cause pancreatitis resulting in pancreatic cancer.

Symptoms of pancreatic cancer can include: dark urine and clay-colored stools, fatigue and weakness, jaundice (a yellow color in the skin, mucus membranes, or eyes), loss of appetite and weight loss, nausea and vomiting, pain or discomfort in the upper part of the belly or abdomen, back pain, blood clots, diarrhea, and indigestion.

Pancreatic cancer is often not detected early on and is often advanced when it is first found.  As such, ninety-five percent of the people diagnosed with this cancer will not be alive 5 years later.  Some patients have pancreatic cancer that can be surgically removed are cured. However, in more than 80% of patients the tumor has already spread and cannot be completely removed at the time of diagnosis.  In the few cases where pancreatic tumors can be removed by surgery. The standard surgical procedure to remove pancreatic tumors is called a Whipple procedure (pancreatoduodenectomy or pancreaticoduodenectomy). This surgery should be done by an experienced surgeon and at a medical center that performs the procedure often. Some studies suggest that the Whipple procedure is best performed at hospitals that do more than five of these surgeries per year.

When the tumor has not spread out of the pancreas, but cannot be removed, radiation therapy and chemotherapy together may be recommended. When the tumor has spread (metastasized) to other organs such as the liver, chemotherapy alone is usually used. The standard chemotherapy drug is gemcitabine, but other drugs may be used. Gemcitabine can help about 25% of patients.

Patients whose tumor cannot be totally removed, but who have a blockage of the tubes that transport bile (biliary obstruction) must have that blockage relieved. There are two approaches including surgery and placement of a tiny metal tube (biliary stent) during ERCP.

Managing pain and other symptoms is an important part of treating advanced pancreatic cancer. Palliative care tams and hospice can help with pain and symptom management, and provide psychological support for patients and their families during the illness.

Acute Pancreatitis, Hemorrhagic Pancreatitis, Necrotizing Pancreatitis

Acute pancreatitis is a sudden inflammation of the pancreas that occurs over a short period of time. The pancreas is a digestive organ behind the stomach that secretes essential enzymes needed for the digestion of certain foods, including fats, carbohydrates and proteins. During an episode of acute hemorrhagic pancreatitis, several symptoms relating to digestion and abdomen may occur.  In severe cases, the person may experience confusion, difficulty breathing, or respiratory failure.  The person may also fall into a coma.

The severity of acute pancreatitis may range from mild abdominal discomfort to a severe, life-threatening illness. However, the majority of people with acute pancreatitis (more than 80%) recover completely after receiving the appropriate treatment.  In very severe cases, acute pancreatitis can result in bleeding into the gland, serious tissue damage, infection, and cyst formation. Severe pancreatitis can also create conditions which can harm other vital organs such as the heart, lungs, and kidneys.

The warning signs of pancreatitis include: 1) Upper abdominal pain that radiates into the back. Patients may describe this as a "boring sensation" that may be aggravated by eating, especially foods high in fat. 2) Swollen and tender abdomen 3) Nausea and vomiting 4) Fever  and 5) Increased heart rate.

Acute hemorrhagic pancreatitis is the sudden inflammation of the pancreas. This leads to death of pancreatic tissue and the formation of lesions, causing extensive bleeding. Necrotizing pancreatitis is a serious health condition where a person's pancreas is inflamed and bleeding. In Necrotizing Pancreatitis patients, there is inflammation and tissue death, with the pancreas destroying itself.  Whereas in Hemorrhagic Pancreatitis patients, the pancreas is bleeding.  Both are serious conditions and should be treated immediately.

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If you have lost a loved one from Pancreatic Cancer or have suffered acute pancreatitis, hemorrhagic pancreatitis, accute necrotizing pancreatitis, or pancreas cancer; and have been using Januvia, please report the adverse action to the prescribing medical doctor as soon as possible.  For more information on Januvia Pancreatic Cancer Lawsuits, Januvia Cancer Death Lawsuits, or Januvia Pancreas Cancer Lawsuits, please go to the following webpage: Januvia Pancreatic Cancer Lawsuit, Januvia Cancer Death Lawsuit, or Januvia Pancreas Cancer Lawsuit Information.