Recent studies suggest that the type-2 diabetes medication Onglyza has been linked with several life-threatening side effects, including pancreatic cancer.

According to an incretin mimetic study published in the Diabetes Medical Journal, researchers who analyzed data from autopsy reports of diabetic patients found a connection between using Onglyza and developing pancreatitis and pancreatic cancer. The Onglyza study discovered that patients who took an incretin mimetic drug had pancreases that were 40 percent larger than normal. They also found data that patients taking an incretin mimetic drug like Onglyza had precancerous cell growth and tumors within the pancreas.

In addition, Johns Hopkins researchers have also reported that diabetic patients who were hospitalized for pancreatitis were twice as likely to be taking an incretin mimetic drug like Onglyza.

Because diabetes has been known to cause pancreatic cancer, Onglyza’s manufacturers may argue that it was the underlying medical condition that caused pancreatic cancer and not the diabetes medication.

Nearly 49,000 Americans are diagnosed with pancreatic cancer each year. There are multiple risk factors for developing pancreatic cancer including weight, tobacco use and family history. In addition to pancreatic cancer, Onglyza has also been linked to other serious complications including thyroid cancer and heart failure.

Onglyza Health Complications

Onglyza is a widely prescribed type-2 diabetes medication, mainly due to its ability to increase insulin produced in the body while not causing weight gain. Onglyza had a revenue of $700 million in 2012, and drug analysts predict Onglyza will have a total profit of $2.47 billion by 2018.

Despite its popularity, a recent study found a strong connection between Onglyza and an increased risk of heart failure. According to an Onglyza study published in the New England Journal of Medicine that analyzed more than 16,000 type-2 diabetes patients, researchers determined that those taking Onglyza had a 27 percent greater risk of heart failure as compared to patients taking other diabetes medications.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued a safety warning in April 2015, cautioning Onglyza patients of increased risk of heart failure.

Onglyza heart failure symptoms include:

• Dyspnea (difficulty breathing or painful breathing)
• Rapid weight gain
• Swelling of the abdomen or legs
• Edema (fluid retention)
• Fatigue

Onglyza FDA Warnings

After the release of data from the Onglyza study published by the New England Journal of Medicine, the FDA set up an advisory committee to determine if Onglyza should carry a warning on the drug label that includes the risk of heart failure as a potential side effect.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s Endocrinologic and Metabolic Drugs Advisory Committee reviewed the data collected through a study published by the New England Journal of Medicine as well as the clinical trial data provided by Onglyza manufacturers before making their decision.

After the review, the FDA committee voted 14-1 that Onglyza should carry a caution of heart failure on the drug’s warning label. One committee member voted for a recall of the medication.

Since that recommendation, manufacturers AstraZeneca and Bristol-Myers Squibb have added the risk of heart failure to the drug’s warning label.

Onglyza Lawsuits

If you suffered from one of the serious Onglyza side effects, you may be able to file an Onglyza lawsuit in order to financially recover from medical bills, loss of income, and pain and suffering. Contact a Onglyza attorney to find out if you have legal claim.