Type-2 diabetes patients across the country are worried over the side effects associated with popular drugs, Onglyza and Kombiglyze XR, after patients reportedly experienced heart failure and potentially dying in result.

Saxagliptin is a primary ingredient used in popular type-2 diabetes medications Onglyza and Kombiglyze XR. It has been linked to several serious Onglyza and Kombiglyze side effects like heart failure. Both type-2 diabetes medications have similar treatment mechanisms, which work by increasing insulin levels after eating meals.

Insulin is vital for the body’s metabolism, as it allows the body to retrieve nutrients and sugars from food. Without insulin the body may metabolize fat instead of sugar, which can ultimately lead to diabetic ketoacidosis.

Onglyza only contains saxagliptin, while Kombiglyze XR consists of saxagliptin and fellow diabetic treament drug metformin. Kombiglyze XR was approved by the FDA in November 2010, and has since been prescribed to millions of type-2 diabetes patients.

However, the number of serious Kombiglyze side effects have spurred major concern in the medical community, after a recent study indicated patients prescribed these medications may face greater risk of heart failure and death.

Overview of Onglyza and Kombiglyze Side Effect Dangers

Manufacturing companies Bristol-Myers Squibb and AstraZeneca recently funded a study that observed patients prescribed Onglyza and Kombiglyze XR. The recent SAVOR study was published in the New England Journal of Medicine in 2013 and had analyzed 16,492 type-2 diabetes patients.

The study was conducted to help researchers determine, which medications may be best for type-2 diabetes patients. It was found that Onglyza and Kombiglyze patients were at a 27% higher risk for hospitalization for heart failure.

These Kombiglyze side effects can lead to potentially dangerous health problems. Even though the study did not produce conclusive results, researchers state that further research is needed to explore the severity of Onglyza and Kombiglyze side effects.

In April 2015, the FDA had urged AstraZeneca and Bristol-Myers Squibb to include heart failure on Onglyza’s warning label. Kombiglyze XR and Onglyza are part of the incretin mimetic drug family, which works by increasing insulin production in type-2 diabetes patients.

The drugs signal the pancreas to increase insulin production during meal times, which is supposed to improve insulin balance. Incretin mimetics are fairly new to the type-2 diabetes drug market, and they have quickly gained popularity among patients.

However,, the risk of cardiac complications has caused pharmaceutical companies to be on high alert of any potential incidents. Patients who may have suffered either Onglyza or Kombiglyze side effects may be able to file legal action against manufacturers and should consult with a knowledgeable pharmaceutical products liability lawyer.