Onglyza (saxagliptin) is a medication manufactured by AstraZeneca designed to treat high blood sugar in patients with type-2 diabetes.

However, Onglyza patients have reported suffering from such serious side effects as heart failure.

Heart failure is a condition in which the heart does not function properly and is unable to pump enough blood to meet the body’s needs. Earlier this year, the FDA met to discuss safety concerns about Onglyza use.

They reviewed a study called SAVOR that looked at cardiovascular outcomes in more than 16,000 patients. According to the SAVOR study, patients taking Onglyza were more likely to be hospitalized due to heart failure than patients not taking the drug.

The FDA panel discussed removing the drug from the market and restricting its use, but the overwhelming majority felt that despite the increased heart failure risk, they wanted to keep the drug on the market with no restrictions. The panel voted 14-1 in favor of revising the label to include information about heart failure risks.

Other Serious Side Effects of Onglyza

Onglyza has also been linked to an increased risk of pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas) and pancreatic cancer. The risk of pancreatic cancer being fatal can be heightened because it is usually only detected in its late stages.

Fewer than 5% of patients diagnosed with pancreatic cancer survive more than five years post-diagnosis.

Other Onglyza Side Effects

The most common side effects of Onglyza are similar to those of many other medications. Common side effects include stomach pain, diarrhea, sore throat, upper respiratory infections, fluid retention, cough, mild skin rash, itchiness, nausea, vomiting and headache. Many of these side effects are short-lived and occur when the medication is started.

Onglyza, which has only been on the market for six years, has been favorably viewed by physicians and patients alike because it seems to help with some of the toughest diabetes cases that other medications were not able to treat.

Physicians like that the drug does not create a rebound of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) in patients, and that patients tend not to gain as much weight while on the drug.

Onglyza Lawsuit Information

Lawyers are investigating claims of heart failure linked to Onglyza use and may take legal action against the manufacturer. If you or a loved one has developed heart failure after being prescribed Onglyza, you may have a legal claim. An Onglyza lawyer will review your legal options in a confidential case evaluation.