Within the last several years, a new class of diabetes medications has become popular.

Known as DPP-4 inhibitors, these oral diabetes medications have been seen as a revolutionary treatment for patients who have otherwise been unable to have their diabetes well-controlled. DPP4- inhibitors belong to a larger class of drugs known as incretin mimetics.

The DPP-4 inhibitors have been praised for their ability to effectively control blood sugar without causing the body to swing into a low blood sugar state, known as hypoglycemia. In addition to more stable blood sugar, DPP-4 inhibitors have also been popular because they do not usually cause weight gain like other oral diabetes medications can.

The medications work by helping the pancreas to secrete more insulin when necessary after meals and halt the liver’s production of glucose.

Two Popular DPP-4 Inhibitors: Onglyza and Kombiglyze

Onglyza (saxagliptin) was first approved in 2009 for the treatment of type-2 diabetes.

Kombiglyze was approved after Onglyza in 2010 and is a combination medication that contains the active ingredient in Onglyza, saxagliptin, along with metformin, another popular oral diabetes drug.

Side Effects of Onglyza and Kombiglyze

While any pharmaceutical medication can potentially cause side effects, the severity of the side effects may differ depending on the type of medication.

Onglyza and Kombiglyze are no different and have the potential to cause mild to severe side effects.

Mild side effects linked with Onglyza and Kombiglyze include:

• Nausea/vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Headache
• Sore throat
• Upper respiratory infections, stuffy or runny nose
• Urinary tract infections
• Fluid retention and swelling

Seious side effects of Onglyza and Kombiglyze may cause permanent damage or ultimately lead to death. Four major conditions have been linked to the side effects from these popular drugs. They include:

• Pancreatitis – the inflammation of the pancreas, likely caused by the stimulation of pancreatic cells by the drugs.
• Pancreatic Cancer – one of the most deadly forms of cancer with a rapid disease progression and poor prognosis, also thought to be caused by the drugs’ stimulation of the pancreas.
• Thyroid Cancer  – other incretin mimetic drugs that are used to treat diabetes were shown to have an increased risk of thyroid cancer, and it is suspected that Onglyza and Kombiglyze carry a similar risk.
• Heart Failure – not to be confused with a heart attack, this condition is caused by the body’s inability to keep up with the body’s demands for blood.

Filing an Onglyza or Kombiglyze Lawsuit

If you or a loved one has taken Onglyza or Kombiglyze to treat type-2 diabetes and subsequently developed side effects such as pancreatitis, pancreatic cancer, thyroid cancer, heart failure or any other serious disease, you may be able to file a legal claim.

Plaintiffs often choose to take legal action against a drug manufacturer for failing to adequately warn consumers and physicians about the dangers and side effects associated with the pharmaceutical drugs. In addition to seeking legal compensation for physical, emotional and economic damages, plaintiffs also seek to hold companies accountable for public safety when they choose to file a claim.

An attorney can provide you with a free case review and can help determine if you are eligible to seek legal action.