Metformin Lawsuits: A Recall and Possible Connection Between the Medication and Cancer
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued an extensive recall of the drug metformin. This is a popular medication used to treat diabetes.
According to WebMD, “Metformin hydrochloride extended-release tablets are prescribed to be used along with diet and exercise to improve blood sugar control in adults and children age ten and older with type 2 diabetes.”
The recall of all lots of Metformin extended-release 500 mg tablets comes after testing uncovered unacceptable levels of N- Nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA) in samples of the drug. NDMA is a carcinogen known to cause cancer.
NDMA is the same cancer-causing substance discovered in Zantac and Valsartan, which prompted the widespread recall of those drugs. Thousands of individuals have filed lawsuits against the makers of those drugs for failing to warn them about the dangerous risks associated with their medications. Patients who took metformin are considering whether to take similar legal action against the manufacturers.
Independent Testing of Finds Unacceptable Levels of NDMA
FDA testing of metformin found that there were low levels of NDMA in the sample batches. However, Valisure, an independent testing agency, found evidence to the contrary. Valisure found unacceptably high levels of NDMA in 42% of the samples it tested.
Valisure said that some samples contained ten times the FDA approved limit for NDMA. Valisure petitioned the FDA, using a public citizen petition, to recall all of the contaminated products.
FDA Contacted Five Drug Companies to Discuss Metformin Supply
The FDA asked five companies to discuss the supply of metformin extended-release products after growing concern that the drugs contain unacceptable levels of cancer-causing NDMA. The companies are Apotex, Actavis, Amneal, Lupin, and Marksans. Several of these drug manufacturers have issued voluntary recalls of the questionable products.
Metformin is packaged and sold under the following brand names in the US:
- Fortamet
- Riomet
- Glumetza
- Glucophage
- Glucophage XR
If you took metformin and developed cancer, you might be eligible to file a lawsuit. We are investigating Metformin cancer claims now. Call our dangerous drug lawyers at Alonso Krangle, LLP, to find out more about your legal rights and if you can pursue compensation from the makers of the drug.
NDMA Found is Linked to Cancer
NDMA is classified as a carcinogen. It was initially used to make rocket fuel. When high levels of NDMA were found in the air, soil, and water surrounding a rocket fuel plant, the company stopped using it. You can still find NDMA in our food and water supply.
Studies show that over time, NDMA can increase the risk of cancer in humans. NDMA found in metformin is linked to a variety of cancer, including:
- Kidney cancer
- Liver cancer
- Pancreatic cancer
- Rectal cancer
- Colon cancer
- Stomach cancer
- Tongue cancer
- Esophageal cancer
- Mouth cancer
- Lung cancer
If you took metformin and were diagnosed with cancer, call Alonso Krangle, LLP. We can explain your legal rights and whether you are eligible to obtain compensation.
Metformin Can Have Dangerous Side Effects
Taking metformin might cause cancer. It also can have other dangerous side effects. Some side effects of metformin include:
- Muscle cramps
- Fatigue
- Diarrhea
- Back pain
- Coughing
- Fever
- Shallow breathing
- Abdominal pain
- Side pain
- Anxiety
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Lactic acidosis
- Seizures
- Slurred speech
- Depression
- Headache
- Loss of appetite
- Weight loss
- Gas
- Bloating
Drug makers have a duty to warn patients and doctors of the side effects that might come with taking their medications. In the case of metformin, there is no warning that it might cause cancer. The makers of the drug might be liable to people who took it and developed cancer.