The FDA is investigating new studies linking the diabetes drug Kombiglyze with pancreatitis (pancreatic inflammation) and pancreatic cancer..
What You Can Do & How We Can Help
The Schmidt Firm, PLLC is currently accepting Kombiglyze induced injury cases in all 50 states. If you or somebody you know was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, you should contact our lawyers immediately for a free case consultation. Please use the form below to contact our Defective Drug Litigation Group or call us toll-free 24 hours a day at (866) 920-0753.
Kombiglyze and Pancreatic Cancer
Kombiglyze (saxagliptin + metformin) is a new type-2 diabetes medication made by AstraZeneca. Like all new medications, there is always a risk of severe side effects that do not appear until after it has been on the market for a few years.
Unfortunately, there is growing evidence linking saxagliptin with pancreatitis (pancreatic inflammation) and pancreatic cancer. Kombiglyze treats diabetes by stimulating the pancreas to make more insulin, so pancreatic side effects are not unusual.
FDA Investigates Study Linking Diabetes Drugs and Pancreatic Tumors
In March 2013, the journal Diabetes published a study in which researchers dissected pancreases from people who took drugs in the same class as Kombiglyze. They found evidence of massive cell proliferation and pre-cancerous pancreatic tumors. Researchers warned:
“Since the standard of care of a pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor, because of the risk of conversion to malignancy, even if benign, is surgical resection [i.e. removal], patients exposed to incretin therapy would seem to be at increased risk of requiring pancreatic surgery.”
Soon after the study was published, the FDA opened a Safety Investigation. The agency previously warned about the risk of pancreatitis from Byetta and Januvia, two other drugs in the same class as Kombiglyze.
What is Pancreatic Cancer?
Pancreatic cancer occurs when cells in the pancreas start dividing and growing uncontrollably, forming a mass called a tumor. The pancreas is a small digestive gland located deep inside the abdomen. It is responsible for producing hormones like insulin, which tells the body to absorb sugar from the bloodstream. The pancreas also produces digestive enzymes.
Pancreatic Cancer Symptoms
- Abdominal pain
- Bloating and indigestion
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Pale-colored stools, dark-colored urine
- Weight-loss
- Jaundice
- Enlarged lymph nodes
- And more
Do I have a Kombiglyze Lawsuit?
The Schmidt Firm, PLLC is currently accepting Kombiglyze induced injury cases in all 50 states. If you or somebody you know was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, you should contact our lawyers immediately for a free case consultation. Please use the form below to contact our Defective Drug Litigation Group or call us toll-free 24 hours a day at (866) 920-0753.
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