Bristol Myers Squibb and AstraZeneca are facing a product liability claim investigation, after numerous type-2 diabetes patients reportedly developed Onglyza congestive heart failure. A Pennsylvania patient has filed suit, alleging he would not have taken Onglyza had he been properly informed about the risks.

Plaintiff John A. is filing this Onglyza lawsuit, alleging the pharmaceutical giants had failed to warn him about Onglyza congestive heart failure. Like many other patients, John was prescribed Onglyza (saxagliptin) to treat his type-2 diabetes symptoms.

Onglyza works by signaling the pancreas to increase insulin production, which helps regulate blood sugar levels. According to the advertisements provided by Bristol Myers and AstraZeneca, Onglyza is supposed to help patients maintain a healthy and active lifestyle.

With these benefits in mind, John says he  was prescribed Onglyza in 2010 and had taken the drug through at least 2012. At some point during his prescription, John says he developed Onglyza congestive heart failure.

Heart failure occurs when the heart can’t pump enough blood to meed the body’s demand. Even though this is a potentially deadly condition, Bristol Myers and AstraZeneca allegedly failed to warn the public against potential Onglyza congestive heart failure.

Overview of Onglyza Congestive Heart Failure

Onglyza was approved by the FDA in July 2009, to be a treatment medication for adult patients with type-2 diabetes. Along with diet and exercise, Onglyza is supposed to help high blood sugar levels by signaling the pancreas to produce sufficient insulin levels.

Onglyza is apart of the incretin mimetic drug family, which are relatively new medications in the drug market. However, a number of patients have reportedly developed Onglyza congestive heart failure.

Bristol Myers Squibb and AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals recently funded a study that observed patients prescribed saxagliptin medications, Onglyza and Kombiglyze XR. The study indicated that saxagliptin patients had a higher risk of hospitalization for congestive heart failure, compared to other medications.

This SAVOR study was published in the New England Journal of Medicine in 2013, with researchers observing 16,492 type-2 diabetes. This study was conducted to help healthcare professionals properly evaluate the drug safety profile of Onglyza and Kombiglyze XR, and determining if these medications would be a good fit for their patients.

The study found that patients faced a slightly higher risk of Onglyza congestive heart failure, compared to other patients prescribed different diabetes treatment drugs. At all times relevant, John claims, he and his physicians were relying on the drug information provided by Bristol Myers and AstraZeneca and had no reason to believe he was at risk for congestive heart failure.

John states that he would not have agreed to take the medication if he had known the risks regarding Onglyza congestive heart failure. John is filing this Onglyza lawsuit raising multiple claims, including multiple counts of negligence and failure to warn.

Patients who may have developed Onglyza congestive heart failure may be able to file legal action against AstraZeneca and Bristol Myers.

This Onglyza Lawsuit is Case No. 3:18-cv-00752-MEM, in the U.S. District Court of Middle Pennsylvania.