A Massachusetts Onglyza lawsuit may be an option for patients who have developed serious complications after taking the medication to treat type 2 diabetes. Onglyza has been linked to pancreatitis, pancreatic cancer, thyroid cancer, heart failure and even death. Affected patients and their families may be eligible to file a lawsuit and pursue compensation for damages with the help of a Massachusetts Onglyza lawsuit attorney.
For more information, contact Attorney Group for Massachusetts 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 Massachusetts Onglyza lawsuit attorney who can assist you throughout the legal process.
What is Type 2 Diabetes?
More than 90 percent of people who have diabetes have type 2, as the Health and Human Services division website for Massachusetts explains. It is possible to have type 2 diabetes and not know it, as it typically begins gradually. People may not experience any symptoms for quite some time. When symptoms do develop, they commonly include:
- Overtiredness
- Slowly resolving bruises or cuts
- Frequent skin or yeast infections
- Frequent urination
- Excess thirst or hunger
People who are especially susceptible to this kind of diabetes include:
- Physically inactive people
- People who are overweight
- People with a family history of diabetes
- People at least 45 years old
- Native Americans, African Americans, Asian or Hispanic
Health Effects of Type 2 Diabetes
The health implications of type 2 diabetes are serious for many people, according to the Mayo Clinic. Type 2 diabetes can increase the risks of developing additional health conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease, coronary artery disease and kidney failure. In some cases, the health effects may stem from unregulated blood sugar levels. Skin problems, hearing problems and foot damage are other potential health issues, potentially resulting in infection or even amputation. Damage to the nerves and/or heart can also result from type 2 diabetes.
Onglyza and Type 2 Diabetes
According to Onglyza.com, the drug is designed to help the body use or produce insulin, which in turn keeps blood sugar levels in a healthy range. Onglyza also interacts with the liver so that during the night, it does not release too much sugar into the bloodstream. It is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use in adults with type 2 diabetes and should not be used to treat type 1 or diabetic ketoacidosis. Doctors prescribe it in conjunction with exercise and diet but may prescribe lower doses of Onglyza for a patient with suboptimal kidney function. It is important for patients to disclose any other medications they are taking to their doctor because the combination with Onglyza could bring sugar levels too low.
Side effects of Onglyza include:
- Serious joint pain
- Headaches
- Urinary tract infections
- Upper respiratory tract infections
- Fluid retention
- Pancreas inflammation
One of the most serious side effects is heart failure. Symptoms of heart failure include leg, foot or ankle swelling; quick weight gains; and breathing problems.
FDA Warnings
The FDA released an Onglyza safety communication in April 2016 stating that many patients, especially those with kidney or heart disease, could be particularly susceptible to heart failure if they take Onglyza. As a result, the manufacturer of the drug strengthened its warning labels.
Onglyza Lawsuit Claims
A lawsuit filed in October 2015 against AstraZeneca alleged a link between Onglyza and the heart failure death of a woman who took the drug for three years. The woman was hospitalized two times, and the events in the case occurred before the Onglyza warning label was strengthened. Many people claim that AstraZeneca has not been as forthright and proactive as it could have been.
How a Massachusetts Onglyza Lawsuit Can Help
Drug makers have a duty to provide safe products. If there are risks of harm associated with their products, they also must provide adequate warnings. If a drug maker fails to fulfill this duty, it could be held liable in lawsuits for injuries that may result.
People injured by bad drugs may be eligible to recover money for:
- Medical Expenses
- Lost Wages
- Pain and Suffering
The families of those who have died may be eligible to recover money for funeral expenses and the pain that comes with losing a loved one.
The Time You Have to File a Claim is Limited. Contact Us Today.
For more information, contact Attorney Group for Massachusetts. You can fill out the form on this page or contact us by phone or email.
After you contact us, an attorney will follow up to 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.
