Onglyza, a diabetes medication developed and distributed by AstraZeneca, has been linked to serious side effects, including those affecting the pancreas, thyroid, and cardiovascular system. Affected patients and families may be eligible to file a South Carolina Onglyza lawsuit and pursue compensation for damages allegedly associated with the medication.
For more information, contact Attorney Group for South Carolina 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 and How Does It Work?
Onglyza is only used to treat adults who suffer from type 2 diabetes. Type 2 diabetes is a chronic disease in which the body cannot make enough insulin and blood sugar (glucose) rises to higher than normal levels. Also known as hyperglycemia, type 2 diabetes is the most common form of diabetes. People who suffer from insulin-dependent diabetes (type 1 diabetes) should not take Onglyza.
Onglyza belongs to a relatively new group of diabetes drugs called dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitors. 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
Like many prescription medications, there is a possibility of adverse reactions and side effects when Onglyza is used to treat patients with type 2 diabetes. Common reactions and side effects of Onglyza may include:
- Headache
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Sore throat
- Cough
- Nausea, stomach pain
- Bloating
More serious side effects include:
- Hives
- Difficulty breathing
- Rash
- Sever pain in upper stomach that may spread to the back
- Rapid heart rate or anxiety
- Painful urination
- Swelling of the hands, feet, or ankles
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, fainting, fatigue, lightheadedness, and blurred vision.
Onglyza Risks and FDA Warnings
In addition to common side effects, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has released the following warnings and safety communications regarding the use of Onglyza and serious, potentially life-threatening risks including:
Pancreatitis and Pancreatic Cancer Risks: According to a warning issued by the FDA in 2013, acute pancreatitis was reported in patients taking Onglyza. If pancreatitis is suspected, patients should stop using the medication and inform their doctor as soon as possible. In addition to risks of pancreatitis, there is a potential for the increased risk of pancreatic cancer from DPP-4 medications, including Onglyza.
Cardiovascular Risks and Heart Failure: In April 2015, an FDA advisory committee voted to recommend that the drug’s label include new information warning patients about the potential risks of heart disease associated with the use of Onglyza. Based on a study of over 16,000 patients with type 2 diabetes, results published in the New England Journal of Medicine noted that Onglyza patients were more likely to be hospitalized with heart failure than those who did not use the medication. Following the study, the FDA asked that the manufacturers of Onglyza present clinical trial data so that they may look into a possible link between the use of the medication and heart failure. Although the investigation was preliminary, it was suggested that patients speak with their healthcare provider if they had any concerns.
Joint Pain: In a 2015 FDA safety communication, the agency announced that the use of DPP-4 inhibitors, including Onglyza, may cause severe joint pain. The warning advised patients taking DPP-4 inhibitors to notify their doctors immediately if they start to develop persistent joint pain while taking Onglyza.
How A South Carolina 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 a South Carolina Onglyza lawsuit attorney to learn more about their rights and remedies.
The Time You Have to Pursue a Claim is Limited. Contact Us Today.
For more information, contact Attorney Group for South Carolina. You can fill out the form on this page, call us at the number listed at the top of the page, or email us at info@attorneygroup.com.
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.
See our Frequently Asked Questions page for more information, and contact Attorney Group for South Carolina today.
