Product liability attorneys are currently looking for potential plaintiffs to bring Kombiglyze XR lawsuits against the pharmaceutical manufacturer after receiving a pancreatic cancer diagnosis while taking the diabetes drug.

The lawsuits will likely allege that the Kombiglyze XR side effects caused the plaintiffs suffer serious physical and mental injuries as a result of taking the drug.

What is Kombiglyze XR?

Kombiglyze XR is a popular prescription medication used to treat type 2 diabetes in adults. The medication contains saxagliptin (the generic form of Onglyza, another popular type 2 diabetes medication) and metformin hydrochloride.

Both Kombiglyze XR and Onglyza entered the market at similar times.  Onglyza gained FDA approval in 2009 and Kombiglyze XR received FDA approval in 2010.  The medications are used to control blood sugar levels in patients with type 2 diabetes.  Onglyza quickly gained popularity due to its ability to control blood sugar levels without increased weight gain.

Kombiglyze XR contains the same active ingredient as Onglyza but is available in an extended release form.  The two medications jumped in popularity after Avandia, another well known diabetes medication became associated with serious risks of heart attack, stroke, and heart failure.

These two diabetes medications are known as incretin-based therapies and work by aiding insulin production.  The type 2 diabetes drugs help the pancreas secrete increased levels of insulin and prevent the liver from making excess sugar.

Kombiglyze XR Side Effects

Patients taking the type 2 diabetes medications have experienced serious Onglyza and Kombiglyze XR side effects.  In March of 2013, an article published in the journal Diabetes found a link between diabetes medications containing saxagliptin, like Kombiglyze XR, and patients who had received a pancreatic cancer diagnosis.

Shortly after the study was published the FDA announced it would be investigating the link between these type two diabetes medications and risks of pancreatic cancer diagnosis and pancreatitis.

Additionally, a study published in the New England Journal of Medicine suggests that patients taking saxapgliptin drugs likes Onglyza and Kombiglyze XR may have an increased risk of being hospitalized for heart failure in comparison to patients taking other diabetes medications.

What Does A Pancreatic Cancer Diagnosis Mean for Patients?

According to the Hirshberg Foundation, pancreatic cancer effects an estimated 53,000 people in the US and is the 3rd leading cause of cancer death in the US.  Pancreatic cancer also has the highest mortality rate among all the major cancers.

According to the American Cancer Society, surgical removal of a pancreatic tumor is possible in less than 20% of patients who have a been given a pancreatic cancer diagnosis.  Patients who cannot have their pancreatic tumor removed are generally treated with radiation and chemotherapy.

Kombiglyze XR Lawsuits

Patients who have taken Onglyza or Kombiglyze XR and have received a pancreatic cancer diagnosis may be able to bring a lawsuit against the pharmaceutical manufacturer.  Successful plaintiffs may receive compensation for their pain and suffering as well as their past and future medical bills.

A lawsuit may be brought by the patient themselves of by family members who have lost loved ones to pancreatic cancer caused by taking type 2 diabetes medications.