A Minnesota Onglyza lawsuit may be an option for patients who have suffered severe complications after taking the drug. People who have been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes know that having the disease can cause a dramatic life change. Not only are diabetics forced to change their lifestyle, but they may also be prescribed medications that can be expensive and have undesirable side effects. Onglyza, a medication prescribed to people who have been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, has come under fire for increasing patients’ risk of heart failure and other complications. Affected parties may be eligible to seek compensation for damages with the help of a Minnesota Onglyza attorney.
For more information, contact Attorney Group for Minnesota. We offer free, confidential, no obligation consultations. We can help answer your questions, and if you choose to pursue a case we can connect you with an affiliated Minnesota Onglyza lawsuit attorney who can assist you throughout the legal process.
The Facts About Diabetes
Diabetes is a fairly common condition in the United States. In fact, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that more than 29 million people in the country have diabetes. At least eight million people who have diabetes are unaware that they have the disease and have yet to be diagnosed. In addition to being extremely costly, diabetes can affect a person’s metabolism, lifestyle and lifespan. With an increased portion of the population being diagnosed with diabetes, drug manufacturers have worked to develop new and improved medications. These drugs are aimed at controlling blood sugar and reducing unwelcomed side effects that often come with taking diabetic medications.
How Does Onglyza Work?
Onglyza, known generically as saxagliptin, is a DPP-4 inhibitor that works by slowing or stopping the breakdown of GLP-1, a compound that is naturally produced in the body. According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, GLP-1 lowers blood glucose levels, and so by preventing its breakdown, DPP-4 inhibitors can help people to improve and maintain healthy A1C levels. Unlike some of the other medications used to treat diabetes, Onglyza does not generally cause high cholesterol or weight gain. These factors, along with the fact that Onglyza has flexible dosing, has made this drug appealing to people who are looking to gain better control of their diabetes.
FDA Warning
Despite Onglyza’s attributes, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) released a report claiming that taking the drug Onglyza may increase a person’s chances of death. According to WebMD, the FDA made the announcement after looking at clinical trial results which showed a surprising 27 percent increased risk of heart disease among people who took Onglyza when compared to people who were given placebos.
Furthermore, the trial results showed that taking the drug will not only increase a person’s risk of dying from heart diseases but from all other kinds of causes. While other DPP-4 medications are still in the process of being studied, researchers have not yet found these risks associated with other medication in this class.
Heart Failure and Other Side Effects Linked to Onglyza
Since patients who are taking saxagliptin may be prone to heart problems, the National Institutes of Health encourage patients to be on the lookout for warning signs of heart failure. These symptoms include:
- Fatigue, weakness or feeling lightheaded
- Fluid retention in the feet, ankles and/or legs
- Increased shortness of breath when performing normal daily activities
- Feeling of confusion
- Increased heart rate
- Chronic wheezing or coughing
Heart failure is not the only adverse reaction that has been linked to people who are taking Onglyza. Numerous studies have found that the drug can also lead health conditions such as joint pain, thyroid cancer, pancreatitis, pancreatic cancer and even death.
Onglyza Lawsuit Claims
A woman filed a lawsuit against AstraZeneca after her mother suffered heart failure after taking Onglyza. The lawsuit alleges Onglyza led to the mother’s death in 2013, and the daughter is seeking punitive damages in addition to more than $50,000 in compensation.
How a Minnesota 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 Minnesota. 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.
