An Alabama Onglyza lawsuit may be an option for patients who experienced serious side effects after taking the drug to treat type 2 diabetes. The diabetes drug Onglyza has been linked to pancreatitis, pancreatic cancer, heart failure, and even death. Affected patients and families may be eligible to file an Alabama Onglyza lawsuit and pursue compensation for damages allegedly associated with the medication.
For more information, contact Attorney Group for Alabama today. Our consultations are free, confidential and without any obligation on your part. We can help answer your questions, and if you choose to pursue a claim we can connect you with an affiliated attorney who can assist you throughout the legal process.
What is Onglyza?
Onglyza is a prescription medication used to control high blood sugar in adults with type 2 diabetes, a chronic condition that affects the way the body processes blood sugar, or glucose. Onglyza is part of a class of diabetes medications called dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitors.
Who Takes Onglyza and How Does It Work?
According to the American Diabetes Association (ADA), type 2 diabetes is a problem with the body that causes blood sugar levels to rise higher than normal. Also known as hyperglycemia, type 2 diabetes is the most common form of diabetes. Onglyza is only used to treat adults who suffer from type 2 diabetes. People with a history of pancreatitis, gallstones, alcoholism, and high blood triglyceride levels should talk with their doctor before taking the medication.
Onglyza works by increasing the amount of incretin, a hormone released by the intestines, available in the body. Incretin raises insulin levels when blood sugar is high and decreases the amount of sugar made by the body. Along with diet and exercise, Onglyza is used as an overall diabetes management plan.
Onglyza Side Effects and Risks
Like many prescription medications, Onglyza may cause a number of reactions and side effects when used as prescribed to treat adults with type 2 diabetes. Common reactions and side effects of Onglyza include:
- Swelling of the face, lips, throat, and skin
- Difficulty with swallowing or breathing
- Hives
- Skin rash, itching, flaking, or peeling
- Upper respiratory tract infection
- Urinary tract infection
- Headache
Onglyza is often used with other medications to treat symptoms of type 2 diabetes. As a result, the risk of low blood sugar is higher. Symptoms of low blood sugar may include shaking, hunger, sweating, headache, rapid heartbeat, change in mood, and change in vision.
Pancreatitis and Pancreatic Cancer Risks
In a medication guide issued by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2013, acute pancreatitis was reported in patients taking Onglyza. If pancreatitis is suspected, patients should immediately stop using the drug and notify their doctor or health care provider as soon as possible. It is unknown whether patients with a history of pancreatitis are at an increased risk for the development of pancreatitis while using the medication.
Pancreatic cancer has also been allegedly associated with the use of incretin-based therapies, including Onglyza. In 2013, the American Diabetes Association published an article in Diabetes, a peer-reviewed journal focusing on diabetes research. The article concluded that incretin therapy in humans resulted in a marked expansion of the exocrine and endocrine pancreatic compartments, potentially evolving into cancerous neuroendocrine tumors.
Onglyza and Heart Failure
In 2014, the FDA requested that the makers of Onglyza submit clinical trial data to investigate a possible association between the use of the medication and heart failure following a study published in the New England Journal of Medicine in 2013. Although the study was seen as preliminary, patients were encouraged to discuss any concerns they may have with their doctor.
Joint Pain Associated With Onglyza
An additional warning released by the FDA in 2015 noted the possible risk of joint pain associated with the use of DPP-4 inhibitors, including Onglyza. The warning advised patients taking DPP-4 inhibitors to contact their doctors or health care professionals promptly if they begin to experience persistent joint pain.
How An Alabama Onglyza Lawsuit Can Help
Drug manufacturers have a duty to ensure their products are accompanied by full and accurate instructions and warnings to guide prescribing doctors and other health care providers in making treatment decisions. If a drug maker fails to fulfill this duty, it could be held liable in lawsuits for injuries that may result.
Patients who are injured by Onglyza may be entitled to compensation for damages, including:
- Medical expenses
- The permanency of the injury
- Pain, suffering, and mental anguish
- Loss of income or ability to work
If a patient dies from complications after taking Onglyza, family members may be entitled to compensation for the wrongful death of their loved one, including:
- Conscious pain and suffering of a loved one prior to death
- Pain, suffering, and mental anguish from the loss of a loved one
- Funeral expenses
Patients who have suffered severe side effects after taking Onglyza, as well as the families of those who have died as a result of complications with the drug, are encouraged to seek the advice of an Alabama Onglyza lawsuit attorney to learn more about their rights and remedies.
For more information, contact Attorney Group for Alabama.
When you contact us, an attorney will follow up with you to speak with you about your case or answer questions that you might have. There is no cost or obligation to speak with us, and any information you provide will be kept confidential.
Please note that the law limits the time you have to pursue a claim or file a lawsuit for an injury. If you think you have a case, you should not delay taking action.
