Certain types of diabetes drugs can provide excellent assistance to people suffering from Type 2 Diabetes. These medications are still relatively new and have become the subject of scrutiny by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as alleged problems have come to light. Januvia is a well-known medication that can help with insulin production. Unfortunately, it was also found to inhibit the body’s ability to fight off certain types of cancer.
Product liability, defective drug, or heart failure attorneys (depending on your situation) can provide the legal experience needed to seek damages for the suffering of the consumers impacted negatively. If you or your loved one have been negatively affected by diabetes drugs, contact Attorney Group today for a free, no obligation consultation.
The Problems With Diabetes Drugs
The drug saxagliptin (marketed as Kombiglyze XR and Onglyza) is the focus of current lawsuits by heart failure attorneys. Users are reported to have a higher rate of hospitalization due to heart failure including an increased potential for strokes and heart attacks. The manufacturer is due to submit test results by March 2014 when the FDA will start conducting its own studies into the affect of Onglyza and Kombiglyze XR on consumers. Heart failure attorneys have seen an increase in associated cases as these drugs have gained popularity.
The Incretin Mimetic Class Of Drugs
Millions of people have been prescribed diabetes drugs from an emerging class of drugs called “incretin mimetics”. These drugs mimic hormones that trick the pancreas into producing more insulin for a diabetic. A significant amount of evidence has been gathered to show that there are significant side effects to using these types of diabetes drugs- including Onglyza, Kombiglyze XR, Victoza, and Januvia.
Potential Side Effects Of Onglyza And Kombiglyze XR
The potential side effects include but are not limited to:
- Chronic or Acute Pancreatitis
- Necrotizing or Hemorrhagic Pancreatitis
- Hypersensitive Reactions
- Hypoglycemia
- Severe Skin Reactions
- Pancreatic or Thyroid Cancer
- Increased risk of Heart Failure, Stroke, and Heart Attack
- -And more…
Discovery Of The Potential Problem
Autopsies provide a great deal of information to the people performing them. Researchers have regularly performed autopsies on Type 2 Diabetics who had taken drugs from the incretin mimetic family to bolster insulin production. What they found was upwards of a 40% increased mass of the pancreas, greater concentrations of pre-cancerous cells, benign tumors that have the potential to become malignant, and a 6 times increase in beta cell mass.
Studies of other incretin mimetics have unveiled increased examples of pancreatic cancer after giving laboratory rats therapeutic levels of the drugs.
The Response Of The FDA
In the case of Onglyza and Kombiglyze XR, a Safety Communication was released. It advised that the FDA was aware of the potential problem and would be launching a more in-depth investigation into the alleged links. Heart failure attorneys note that this is a positive step in the right direction but much more needs to be done to accurately portray the risk of these diabetes drugs to consumers. Awareness is a big factor behind the lawsuits launched by heart failure attorneys on behalf of their clients.
Seeking Damages Through a Heart Failure Attorney
A person that has been negatively affected by one of these medications may have legal recourse available to them. If you or a loved one have suffered loss of any kind because of one of these medications then you should request a free, no obligation consultation today. Attorney Group can evaluate your case, answer your questions, and connect you with an experienced attorney. Contact us today.
