Onglyza and Kombiglyze are two name-brand medications used to combat type 2 diabetes. Both products have the same active ingredient, Saxagliptin. Saxagliptin belongs to a group of diabetes medications called DPP-44 inhibitors. It works by increasing the amount of incretin available in the body. Incretin is a hormone that is released by the intestines that work to raise insulin levels when blood sugar is high and decrease the amount of sugar made by the body. While prescribed to benefit patients living with diabetes, these medications are now being linked to an increase in patient risk for heart failure, congestive, heart failure, cardiac failure or cardiac-related death.
TYPE 2 DIABETES
In the United States alone, more than 30 million people have diabetes; 90-95% of them have type 2 diabetes. Patients with type 2 diabetes have cells that don’t respond normally to insulin; this is called insulin resistance. The CDC website defines insulin as “a hormone made by your pancreas that acts like a key to let blood sugar cells in your body for use as energy.” Your body, realizing that you need the insulin, sends signals to your pancreas to make more insulin to get your cells to respond. Eventually, when your pancreas can no longer keep up, your blood sugar rises which sets the stage for not only prediabetes but type 2 diabetes. According to the CDC, healthy eating and an active lifestyle are the first layers of defense for managing diabetes. Your doctor may decide to also prescribe insulin or other medications to help control your blood sugar and avoid complications. Before changing your medication please consult with a physician.
THE RISKS OF TAKING ONGLYZA AND KOMBIGLYZE
Since their approval in 2009 and 2010 respectively, Onglyza and Kombiglyza XR have been under scrutiny after various studies linked them to serious complications. Most recently in 2015, an FDA panel concluded that patients who took Saxagliptin had an increased risk of heart failure. “As a result, [the FDA] have added new Warnings and Precautions to the labels of medicines that contain saxagliptin to inform of the potential increased risk of heart failure.”
The signs of heart failure for men and women differ. While women may experience pain pressure or discomfort in the chest, it is not always as severs or even the most prominent symptom.
WOMEN ARE MORE LIKELY TO EXPERIENCE:
- Neck, jaw, shoulder, upper back or abdominal discomfort
- Shortness of breath
- Pain in one or both arms
- Nausea or vomiting
- Sweating
- Lightheadedness or dizziness
- Unusual fatigue
WHILE MEN CAN EXPERIENCE:
- Shortness of breath (dyspnea) when you exert yourself or when you lie down
- Fatigue and weakness
- Swelling (edema) in your legs, ankles, and feet
- Rapid or irregular heartbeat
- Reduced ability to exercise
- A persistent cough or wheezing with white or pink blood-tinged phlegm
- Increased need to urinate at night
- Swelling of your abdomen (ascites)
- Very rapid weight gain from fluid retention
- Lack of appetite and nausea
- Difficulty concentrating or decreased alertness
- Sudden, severe shortness of breath and coughing up pink, foamy mucus
- Chest pain if your heart failure is caused by a heart attack
If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms consult with a doctor right away.
WHO IS LIABLE AND WHEN SHOULD AN ATTORNEY GET INVOLVED?
When you are taking medication and have serious complications, the party held liable is the manufacturer of the of the ingested drug and that company should be held liable for all injuries. Both Onglyza and Kombiglyze XR share a common manufacturer, AstraZeneca, a company that made billions of dollars in 2017 alone. Taking on a corporation of that size is an intimidating feat when you’re also struggling with health problems. If you’ve experienced pain or serious complications because of taking Onglyza or Kombliglyze XR, please contact an attorney at Schneider Hammers today so that we can begin working on reparations on your behalf. If you or someone you love has suffered serious harm due to dangerous drugs, you have the right to pursue compensation. Compensation that we would seek on your behalf could help to cover medical expenses, lost wages, as well as pain and suffering. We have devoted the last four decades to protecting consumers who have suffered serious injuries caused by dangerous pharmaceuticals. We are committed and proud to stand by our clients. If you have been hurt by the side effects of a dangerous medication contact an Atlanta personal injury lawyer from our team for a free consultation.
