Heart Failure, Pancreatic Cancer and Severe Joint Pain Linked to Onglyza and Januvia

Onglyza (saxagliptin) is a prescription drug that was approved by the FDA in 2009 as a treatment for type 2 diabetes. The drug, which is manufactured by AstraZeneca, gained popularity because it helped patients control their blood sugar without causing weight gain as can occur with other diabetes medications. Onglyza belongs to a class of type 2 diabetes medications called incretin-based therapies, which help the pancreas secrete more insulin while also stopping the liver from making too much sugar.

Onglyza and heart failure

In a research study, patients who took Onglyza were 27 percent more likely to be hospitalized with heart failure than were the patients in the control group. In April of 2015, an FDA advisory panel recommended that the diabetes drug’s label should include information about the potential risk of heart failure. The FDA has issued a drug safety communication warning about Onglyza’s link to severe joint pain.

The harmful side effects associated with taking Onglyza include:

• Severe joint pain
• Heart failure
• Pancreatic cancer
• Pancreatitis

Januvia diabetes drug side effects

Another prescription diabetes drug, Januvia (sitagliptin), which is manufactured by Merck, Inc., was approved by the FDA in 2006 to treat type 2 diabetes. However, in 2013, the FDA issued a safety communication warning about the possible increased risk of pancreatitis and pre-cancerous findings of the pancreas.

Additional side effects and health problems associated with taking Januvia include:

• Pancreatic cancer
• Necrotizing pancreatitis
• Kidney failure
• Thyroid cancer
• Death

Onglyza and Januvia dangerous drug lawsuits

Drug manufacturers have a duty to test their medications and make sure that the healthful benefits of the drug outweigh the risks associated with the side effects of taking it. A person who has type 2 diabetes wants a drug that will help lower their blood sugar levels, but they do not expect to end up with heart failure, severe joint pain or pancreatic cancer.

Individuals who have experienced adverse health effects after taking Januvia or Onglyza have filed lawsuits against the drug manufacturer with various claims including:

• Allegations that the manufacturer failed to adequately warn consumers about the possibility of cardiac symptoms including heart failure associated with taking their diabetes medication
• Failure to warn the public about the possibility of contracting pancreatitis or pancreatic cancer
• The company manufactured a dangerous drug
• The company marketed a drug despite knowing that it could cause harmful side-effects

Individuals who file claims against dangerous drug makers can receive compensation for their current and future medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering and wrongful death. Filing a lawsuit does not guarantee success, but when you work with a dangerous drug attorney they will evaluate your case and advise you of your legal options.