There are currently about 26 million patients suffering from type-2 diabetes in the United States, with Onglyza being one of the most popular treatment choices.

As well as being associated with heart failure, Onglyza has also been allegedly increasing the chances of patients developing pancreatic cancer. This Onglyza cancer is very difficult to treat and is often diagnosed at late stages, leaving patients with little treatment options.

In a 2013 study, forming cancer cells were found in autopsied pancreases of patients prescribed DPP-4 inhibitors and were associated with Onglyza treatments. In addition to Onglyza, AstraZeneca’s other saxagliptin medication, Kombiglyze, also carries a risk of heart failure on its label.

The warning came after a study was conducted observing Onglyza patients. This study noted a 3.5% increased risk of heart failure compared to the 2.8% of the placebo group.

Approximately 16,000 patients were observed for several years, with researchers concluding that Onglyza patients faced an increased risk of heart failure.

Overview of Onglyza Side Effects

Onglyza is a part of the recently developed DPP4-inhibitors, which work by signaling the pancreas to make more insulin after meals. In addition, Onglyza causes the body to filter excess glucose and sugar through urination.

Onglyza was approved by the FDA in 2009 to be a treatment option for type-2 diabetes patients, which typically works with diet and exercise.

Kombiglyze was approved a year later for the same purpose, but has also been associated with serious complications like heart failure. Even though Kombiglyze contains the same primary ingredient as Onglyza, saxagliptin, it also continues metformin and works the same way as Onglyza.

Both Onglyza and Kombiglyze work by signaling the pancreas to produce more insulin, and prevent the liver from making too much sugar.

Even though Onglyza is new to the market, it has already become AstraZeneca’s second best selling medication.

However with the complications associated with this drug, experts predict Onglyza to fall out of favor with type-2 diabetes patients. With tough competition from other diabetes drug families like SGLT2 inhibitors and growing interest in the diabetes treatment market from other pharmaceutical industries, it is a significant possibility.

It is important to note that the new warning regarding Onglyza side effects may effect the entire DPP-4 inhibitor class, which could severely impact an entire line of diabetes medications from Merck & Co.

In addition to the severe loss in profit, AstraZeneca is starting to face litigation backlash from former Onglyza patients.

These patients allege that the company failed to protect them against the drug’s side effects and that they were not warned of the risks of heart failure or cancer. Potential claimants should contact a specialized lawyer to determine if they have an Onglyza lawsuit.