Patch.
Basically what you are quoting is all in the public domain and has been for some time now. Nothing is really new. The risks are well documented. In your initial comment about the risks I thought that you had come across something new ? Really, it is just telling me what I already knew and had researched some 17 months ago before I started to take Byetta.
As far as I am concerned I have read all the information out there about both Byetta and also the newer Victoza. Yes there is a well documented risk, however it needs to be put in perspective. There are millions of users of the drugs who have not had a single problem. It is something that prospective and current users should be aware of, not something to be frightened of.
There is a certain website who recently have rubbished Victoza, without anybody there really knowing anything at all about it. Just posting links to the 'scare stories', frightening people. The same people who might benefit from either of the drugs we are talking about here.........but then apparently all drugs are 'poisons'.......things no sane person should take.......it needs to be remembered that not all of us can do things by diet and exercise alone, however much we would like to. However hard we try. It just doesn't work that way.
I use Byetta and when I first was asked if I wanted to go on it I read everything I could get my hands on. I saw all if the stuff about side effects and checked out each and every one. I had a couple of minor ones, the serious ones I believe do not warrant me stopping Byetta. I was warned fully about the 'supposed' risks of Pancreatitis.......I calculated it was an extremely low risk and that the symptoms had been well explained to me personally by my endo, and are also in the PIL (patient information leaflet). The same with the other risks that things had shown up in rats and mice. I know about them.
Now there are some sites on the net whose resident 'guru's' have picked up on the info that you, are I suppose, concerned about. Some of the sites rubbish the drugs because of that......their choice, but many of them haven't actually checked out how many people actually have benefited from Byetta, how many are actually doing well on Byetta, how many who have had no problems in respect of the reported side effects, some which COULD be serious. They seem to just want to rubbish the drug.......why ? It is effective. I am one who has had great benefit from it. So I am biased in that respect.
I look at things, I hope rationally, and I don't believe some of the comments made about Byetta in particular by people who really only see a 'scare story' rather than the positive side of the drug.
Another website, has several comments from the 'well respected' 'guru' which I have found to be factually and medically incorrect. I even pointed this out to the 'lady' who owns the site........she has yet to correct the mistakes on the blog, even after twelve months it still remains on view. I am sure she thinks she is right and will not back down.......even though it is totally wrong. Still she must know what she is talking about, mustn't she.......she is well respected ???
There are many drugs on the market which have reported side effects which if you read the list are scary ! If you think you are going to get every one, well that is what some people tend to do. Me, I just note them in case I ever do. Doesn't usually happen that way though. There are some who suffer with certain everyday drugs, drugs that millions of people never have any problem with at all. There will always be some who do get the side effects, that doesn't mean we should be scared to take something. It just means be aware of the risk, make your mind up if you are a positive thinker.....or one who always sees the 'dark side' and thinks, "That is going to happen to me !" I am a positive person, always have been.
I recently had to take a course of treatment for Cancer. Some of the drugs I was given could have killed me if I believed everything I had read about the possible side effects. I knew what the risks were and I didn't really have much choice........damned if I did.....damned if I didn't. Now that treatment was successful, so I was one of the lucky ones. If I had believed all the 'horror' stories I could probably be dead by now because I would have thought that there is no way I would take a 'risky' drug. The drugs helped cure me, they were effective......despite the scare stories.
All of what I have said here also relates to the Victoza I think. I only know what I have read and researched about it. I have read the thread on here where actual users of the drug post. In the main most are getting good results from it, are happy to continue using it. Most know and are aware of any risks. They, like me evaluated that risk and made a decision to use the drug. A wise move I think.
All I know is that if I had to go through treatment options again.......I would take either drug if it was offered. I personally believe they are effective, they do more than just lower your Bg levels, suppress appetite etc........Byetta gave me my life back. So, look at the positives Patch.......there are far more than the 'supposed' risks. It really does all depend on your choice........and your outlook on life......
If you think about it life is full of risks, crossing the road, driving a car, flying, you name it there are associated risks which could if taken to extremes .....kill you. Now I cross the road, I drive.....
It doesn't stop me doing those things......it shouldn't stop us doing those things. Personally, I am sure that you are far more likely to be killed crossing the road or driving than die from using either of these drugs.
Ken