Onglyza is an commonly prescribed diabetes drug that has been linked with the possible risk of pancreatic cancer, as well as other serious side effects.

Onglyza (generic: saxagliptin) was created by AstraZeneca and Bristol-Myers Squibb as a type-2 diabetes treatment. Onglyza works to control the blood sugar levels of diabetic patients. Unlike many other diabetes drugs, Onglyza does not encourage weight gain which can be a major concern for diabetes patients.

Onglyza has been a popular prescription since its approval by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2009. In the year 2012 alone, Onglyza brought in a hefty $709 million. Sales only continue to increase and in the next few years are projected to hit $2 billion.

This medication was designed specifically for type-2 diabetes patients and is part of a class of drugs known as incretin mimetics. These drugs mimic the body’s natural incretin hormones, stimulating the release of insulin after a meal.

Onglyza Pancreatic Cancer

However, according to recent reports some doctors are concerned with a potential link between Onglyza and pancreatic cancer, as well as heart failure and thyroid cancer.

Onglyza pancreatic cancer is considered the most dangerous of these potential side effects. Onglyza pancreatic cancer is difficult to detect and is often not diagnosed until it has already progressed until the later stages of the disease. In a later stage, it becomes much more difficult to treat Onglyza pancreatic cancer and the risk of fatality becomes much higher.

Onglyza Lawsuit Investigation

Some Onglyza consumers believe that the type-2 diabetes drug manufacturers failed to adequately warn the public and the medical community about the pancreatic risks involved.

The FDA has already warned AstraZeneca and Bristol-Myers Squibb that its warning label needs to be updated with potential Onglyza side effects, citing an increased risk of heart failure associated with the drug.

Although many agencies, including the FDA and the European Medicines Agency (EMA) believe that there is not enough evidence to prove a definitive link between Onglyza and pancreatic cancer, such a firm link has never been necessary for adding label warnings.

FDA policy is that drugs do not and should not require such definitive links before adding warnings to their labels of potential risks. Companies add warning labels when there is enough evidence to suggest a connection and cause concern. Onglyza lawsuits allege that the drug’s manufacturers should have included a warning for pancreatic cancer.

If you or someone you know has suffered from heart failure, pancreatic cancer, or other serious side effects after using Onglyza, you may be able to take legal action.

A Onglyza lawsuit investigation has been launched, contact an Onglyza attorney to find out if you have legal claim.