Onglyza, known generically as saxagliptin, is an oral medication type-2 diabetes. It belongs to a class of drugs known as dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitors.

Onglyza works by altering the amount of insulin secreted by the pancreas, which in turn lowers blood sugar in patients with diabetes.

The drug has been praised for its effects in treating patients’ diabetes without causing hypoglycemia or weight gain as an unwanted side effect.

While the medication has been successful for many patients, Onglyza complications may occur in susceptible individuals.

Onglyza Complications

As with any medication, Onglyza complications are a possibility for the patient. Sometimes, complications are minor in nature and are transient, disappearing once the body becomes used to the medication.

Common side effects reported with Onglyza use include body aches, diarrhea, nausea, stomach pain and upset, constipation, muscle cramps, dry mouth, cough, headache and dizziness.

Many of these side effects are harmless, and physicians will often state that the benefit of Onglyza outweigh these minor drug side effects.

However, much more severe complications have been linked to the use of the diabetes drug.

Heart failure and pancreatic problems – including pancreatitis and possibly pancreatic cancer – are some of the more severe complications that may be linked with Onglyza use.

Onglyza and Pancreatic Problems

It is believed that because Onglyza works by stimulating the pancreas, problems with the pancreas can result from Onglyza use. Specifically, patients have reported instances of developing pancreatitis, or inflammation of the pancreas.

Pancreatitis has also been further associated with the possible later development of pancreatic cancer.

Pancreatic cancer is one of the most severe forms of cancer, as it is often not diagnosed until a later stage. At the time it is diagnosed, patients are often given a short timeframe for survival, as the cancer is very aggressive and difficult to treat once it has been diagnosed.

Onglyza and Heart Failure

Heart failure is a condition in which the heart does not adequately pump as much blood as the body demands.

It does not mean that the heart had stopped or failed to keep beating, but rather it is a situation in which the body’s demands for blood is not effectively met by the heart. The heart cannot keep up by pumping the proper amount of blood to be effective for the body’s needs.

The FDA has stated that Onglyza may increase the risk of patients developing heart failure. Those who are particularly at risk include those with current heart and kidney disease.

Filing an Onglyza Complications Lawsuit

If you have developed complications as a result of Onglyza use, including pancreatic problems or heart failure, you may be entitled to seek legal compensation from the manufacturer.

Plaintiffs in personal injury lawsuits against drug manufacturers often allege that the manufacturer failed to adequately warn patients and physicians of the serious complications associated with the use of the drug.

Onglyza attorneys are available to review your individual case at no charge to you, and they can explain your legal options to you in a free consultation if you qualify.