Health Highlights: Nov. 2, 2009

Nov. 3 -- Here are some of the latest health and medical news developments, compiled by editors of HealthDay:

Diabetes Drug Label to Address Safety Concerns: FDA

A drug used to treat type 2 diabetes, Byetta, may contribute to kidney malfunction, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration warned Monday as it moved to revise safety information on the label.

Over a three-year period, the FDA received 78 reports of kidney problems, including kidney failure, among patients using Byetta, it said in a statement. Some of the patients had pre-existing kidney disease, while others were at risk of developing kidney disease.

"Health care professionals and patients taking Byetta should pay close attention to any signs or symptoms of kidney problems," said Dr. Amy Egan, of the Division of Metabolism and Endocrinology Products at the FDA's Center for Drug Evaluation and Research. "Patients also should be aware that problems with kidney function could lead to changes in urine color, frequency of urination or the amount of urine, unexplained swelling of the hands or feet, fatigue, changes in appetite or digestion, or dull ache in mid to lower back."

Patients with any of these symptoms should notify their physician right away.

Because of the safety concerns, the FDA is working with drug make Eli Lilly and Co. to update prescribing information on the label.

Altered kidney function, which causes waste products to build up in the blood, can lead to serious or life-threatening conditions.

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Recalled Ground Beef Possibly Tied to Two Deaths

Fresh ground beef that was recalled because of possible E. coli contamination may be linked with two deaths and 26 illnesses, according to a U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention official.

The recall includes nearly 546,000 pounds of fresh ground beef distributed by Ashville, N.Y.-based Fairbank Farms to stores from Maine to North Carolina. The ground beef was sold in a number of forms, from hamburger patties to meatloaf and meatball mix, the Associated Press reported.