The type-2 diabetes drug Onglyza (saxagliptin) has recently been associated with a 27% increased risk of hospitalization for heart failure. The FDA is now investigating evidence linking Onglyza and heart failure as part of a larger study of the heart risks of new diabetes drugs.
What You Can Do & How an Onglyza Lawsuit Can Help
The Schmidt Firm, PLLC is currently accepting Onglyza induced injury cases in all 50 states. If you or somebody you know was injured by Onglyza, 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.
Onglyza Heart Failure
Onglyza (saxagliptin) belongs to a new class of diabetes drug that work by inhibiting the enzyme dipeptidyl peptidase-4. Although this is a good way of improving blood-sugar and insulin levels, many experts are concerned about a lack of long-terms safety studies. Clinical trials have already found potential cardiovascular risks from Onglyza, including heart failure.
FDA Warning for Onglyza and Heart Failure
February 11, 2014 — In a new Safety Alert U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has announced that they have requested raw data from the SAVOR-TIMI 53 clinical trial, a study linking Onglyza and heart failure. The FDA considers results of the SAVOR trial preliminary. They are currently investigating the heart risks of all type-2 diabetes drugs. Click here to read more.
27% Increased Risk of Heart Failure Hospitalization from Onglyza
A study published in October 2013 by the New England Journal of Medicine has linked Onglyza with a 27% increased risk of hospitalization for heart failure. The study did not indicate an increased risk of heart attack, stroke, or death.
The results were based on data from 16,492 diabetics who were randomly assigned Onglyza or a placebo. All of the patients had a history of heart disease or had other risk-factors. Researchers tracked patients for a median of 2.1 years, and found that 3.5% of Onglyza patients were hospitalized for heart failure, versus 2.8% of placebo patients.
FDA Recommendation for Patients and Doctors
“Patients should not stop taking saxagliptin and should speak with their health care professionals about any questions or concerns. Health care professionals should continue to follow the prescribing recommendations in the drug labels.”
What is Heart Failure?
Heart failure, or “congestive heart failure,” occurs when the heart muscle is too weak to pump enough blood into the body. This starves cells of the oxygen and nutrients they need to survive. Heart failure is a chronic, progressive condition that gets worse as the heart muscle thickens, loses flexibility, pumps faster, and ultimately grows weaker.
Symptoms of Heart Failure
There is no cure for heart failure, but many people live for months or even years with symptoms. In most cases, people with heart failure get tired very easily and have shortness of breath. This can make daily activities extremely difficult — especially climbing stairs, carrying groceries, or walking.
Heart failure symptoms:
- Shortness of breath
- Persistent coughing or wheezing
- Edema (buildup of excess fluid in body tissues)
- Fatigue
- Nausea
- Loss of appetite
- Confusion
- Fast heart rate
Do I have an Onglyza Lawsuit?
The Schmidt Firm, PLLC is currently accepting Onglyza injury cases in all 50 states. If you or somebody you know was injured by Onglyza, 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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