Onglyza Class Action Lawsuit | Get the Right Lawyer

Our class action lawyers are filing lawsuits for people who were diagnosed with pancreatic cancer or heart failure after taking Onglyza, a type 2 diabetes drug manufactured by AstraZeneca.
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C.L. Mike Schmidt Published by C.L. Mike Schmidt

Latest research indicates that taking the type 2 diabetes drug Onglyza could lead to a heightened risk of severe adverse effects such as pancreatitis, pancreatic cancer, heart failure, and thyroid cancer in patients.Free Confidential Lawsuit Evaluation: If you or a loved one developed pancreatic cancer or heart problems after taking Onglyza (generic: saxagliptin), you should contact our law firm immediately. You may be entitled to compensation by filing a class action suit against the manufacturer and and our lawyers can help.

Overview

Onglyza (saxagliptin) is prescribed to lower blood sugar levels in patients with type 2 diabetes (a condition in which blood sugar is too high because the body does not produce or secrete insulin normally).

The drug is classified as a dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitor, and works by increasing the amount of insulin produced by the body after meals when blood sugar is high.

What’s the Problem?

Recent studies indicate that side effects of Onglyza may increase the risk of chronic pancreatitis, which can lead to pancreatic cancer. Other research has identified a potential link between Onglyza, heart failure and thyroid cancer. As a result, it appears that the manufacturers failed to adequately warn of the risks associated with Onglyza.

Onglyza and Pancreatic Cancer: What You Need to Know

Concerns about the potential risks of Onglyza (saxagliptin) have extended beyond its association with heart failure to include possible links to pancreatic cancer.

While the FDA has not issued a direct warning about pancreatic cancer risks, some studies have raised questions about the drug’s long-term safety.

Here is what current research reveals about Onglyza’s potential risks and what patients should know moving forward.

Current Scientific Understanding

The link between Onglyza and pancreatic cancer remains controversial. While some early studies suggested a possible connection, more recent comprehensive reviews and meta-analyses have found no conclusive evidence that saxagliptin increases the risk of developing pancreatic cancer.

However, because Onglyza belongs to the DPP-4 inhibitor class of diabetes drugs, which influence insulin regulation and pancreatic function, concerns about long-term effects remain under investigation.

Recent Research on DPP-4 Inhibitors and Pancreatic Cancer

As concerns about the safety of DPP-4 inhibitors like Onglyza continue, recent studies have provided reassuring findings regarding their potential link to pancreatic cancer.

While early reports suggested a possible risk, newer research offers a clearer perspective on whether these medications contribute to the disease.

2024 Clinical Trial Review

A large-scale 2024 review of multiple clinical trials examined the potential link between DPP-4 inhibitors, including Onglyza, and pancreatic cancer.

The study found no significant increase in pancreatic cancer risk for patients using these medications. However, researchers cautioned that long-term studies are still needed to fully assess the safety of DPP-4 inhibitors over extended periods of use [1].

This conclusion is significant because earlier studies raised concerns about the possibility of DPP-4 inhibitors contributing to pancreatic inflammation (pancreatitis), which can sometimes lead to cancer.

Despite the latest findings, ongoing monitoring remains essential, and healthcare providers continue to evaluate the risks and benefits for diabetic patients.

Meta-Analysis Findings

A meta-analysis reviewing multiple studies on DPP-4 inhibitors also found no strong evidence linking these drugs to pancreatic cancer [2].

While initial reports suggested a potential risk, further investigations have largely debunked these concerns. The findings indicate that, for most patients, the benefits of blood sugar control outweigh any theoretical cancer risks associated with these medications.

However, researchers stress the importance of continued vigilance. Since diabetes itself is a risk factor for pancreatic cancer, more studies are needed to separate the impact of the disease from any possible drug-related effects.

Patients with a history of pancreatitis or other risk factors should still discuss their treatment options with a doctor to determine the safest approach.

Understanding the Symptoms of Pancreatic Cancer

In March 2013, a study published in Diabetes found that pancreatic tissue from patients treated with incretin mimetics had evidence of increased pancreatic mass and pre-cancerous cellular changes [3].

This has further increased concerns about a potential association between Onglyza and pancreatic cancer.

Common Symptoms Include:

  • Upper abdominal pain
  • Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)
  • Loss of appetite
  • Unexplained weight loss
  • Depression
  • Blood clots

If you experience any of these symptoms, it is essential to speak with a healthcare professional to rule out any serious conditions.

Beyond the ongoing discussions about its potential cancer risks, Onglyza has also been linked to serious cardiovascular and thyroid-related health concerns.

Regulatory agencies and researchers continue to investigate its safety, particularly for patients who may already be at an increased risk.

Onglyza and Heart Failure

In addition to the concerns about a potential risk of cancer, recent studies have also found that side effects of Onglyza may increase the risk of heart failure in certain users.

In September 2013, a study published in the New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM) found that diabetic patients treated with Onglyza had an increased rate of hospitalization for heart failure [4].

In February 2014, FDA kicked off an investigation into the potential link between Onglyza and heart problems, which will involve an analysis of trial data to determine what regulatory actions — such as a warning label update or nationwide Onglyza recall — may be necessary.

Common Symptoms 

  • Chest pain
  • Cough (may be dry or with phlegm)
  • Fast breathing / shortness of breath
  • Dizziness
  • Fatigue
  • Loss of appetite
  • Excess urination at night
  • Swollen feet / legs
  • Weight gain

Onglyza and Thyroid Cancer

In 2009, FDA asked the makers of Januvia (sitagliptin), an incretin mimetic in the same class as Onglyza, to investigate the potential link between the drug and thyroid cancer [5].

Two years later, the agency issued a Safety Communication after studies indicated an increased rate of malignant thyroid tumors in laboratory rats treated with another incretin mimetic, Victoza (liraglutide) 

Yet another incretin mimetic, the Byetta Pen (exenatide injection), has also been linked to increased rates of thyroid cancer.

Based on these findings and numerous reports of incretin mimetic users developing thyroid cancer, additional research is being performed to investigate the potential link between Onglyza and thyroid cancer.

Although research on Onglyza specifically is limited, concerns remain due to similarities with other drugs in the class.

Future Research Directions

Given the complexity of pancreatic cancer, ongoing research continues to explore new treatment approaches and potential risks associated with diabetes medications like Onglyza.

Some promising advancements include:

  • Biomarker-driven treatments: Scientists are working on ways to personalize pancreatic cancer treatment based on genetic markers.
  • KRAS inhibitors: Research on new KRAS inhibitors combined with chemotherapy is showing potential in treating pancreatic cancer.
  • Drug safety monitoring: Further studies aim to reassess the long-term impact of diabetes medications on pancreatic health.

While Onglyza has not been definitively linked to pancreatic cancer, patients taking the medication should stay informed about new research findings and discuss any concerns with their doctor.

If you have experienced severe health complications while taking Onglyza, legal options may be available to seek compensation for medical expenses and damages.

Latest Developments in Onglyza and Kombiglyze XR Lawsuits

Legal battles surrounding Onglyza and Kombiglyze XR have seen significant shifts in recent years. While initial lawsuits accused the manufacturers of failing to warn about heart failure risks, recent court rulings have largely favored the pharmaceutical companies.

Here is where things stand today:

Current Status of Litigation

  • 2024 Update: The U.S. Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals upheld a ruling that dismissed federal lawsuits against AstraZeneca, Bristol-Myers Squibb, and McKesson Corp. The court excluded the plaintiffs’ expert witness, Dr. Parag Goyal, citing unreliable methodology and improper use of animal data, effectively shutting down key claims.
  • 2023 Update: Appeals were underway after a previous ruling rejected the lawsuits due to a lack of qualified expert testimony. The exclusion of Dr. Goyal was a turning point, weakening the plaintiffs’ ability to argue that the drugs caused heart failure.
  • Ongoing Cases: While federal cases have been dismissed, some state lawsuits are still pending. However, these face major obstacles given the recent federal court decisions that have favored the drug manufacturers [6].
  • Background of the Lawsuit: The litigation initially stemmed from allegations that Onglyza and Kombiglyze XR increase the risk of heart failure and that drug manufacturers failed to provide adequate warnings to patients and healthcare professionals.

Multidistrict Litigation (MDL) Closure

The Multidistrict Litigation (MDL) in the Eastern District of Kentucky, which had consolidated numerous heart failure claims, was officially closed after courts ruled in favor of the pharmaceutical companies.

The decision followed the exclusion of critical expert testimony and the subsequent summary judgment for the defense.

What’s Next for These Cases?

With the closure of the MDL and key federal court dismissals, the chances of successful lawsuits against Onglyza and Kombiglyze XR manufacturers appear slim. However, some legal teams continue to explore potential claims, and individual state cases remain open in limited circumstances[1][2].

For affected patients, legal options are narrowing, but ongoing research and advocacy efforts may influence future litigation or regulatory actions.

Are You Eligible to File a Claim?

If you have taken Onglyza or Kombiglyze XR and developed serious health complications, you may qualify for legal action.

These medications have been linked to an increased risk of heart failure, pancreatic cancer, and thyroid cancer, leading many patients to seek compensation for medical expenses and suffering.

To be eligible, you must have been prescribed and regularly used Onglyza or Kombiglyze XR. If you were later diagnosed with heart failure or certain types of cancer, especially if you required hospitalization or long-term treatment, you may have a case. Many lawsuits argue that manufacturers failed to properly warn consumers about these risks.

If you believe your health has been affected by these medications, speaking with a legal professional can help you understand your options and determine the next steps.

FAQs

Can I sue the healthcare provider who prescribed Onfi if I experienced severe side effects?

In some cases, you may be able to sue the healthcare provider if they failed to warn you of the risks associated with Onfi or prescribed it negligently. However, these cases can be complex, and it’s essential to consult with an attorney to determine if this is a viable option.

What should I do if I still have unused Onfi medication?

Retain the medication and any relevant documentation as evidence, and consult with your attorney for further instructions. Avoid using the medication if it poses a risk to your health.

What are my options if I can’t afford an attorney for my Onfi lawsuit?

Many attorneys work on a contingency fee basis for personal injury and product liability cases, meaning they only get paid if you win your case. Consult with attorneys to find one who can work under these terms, so you can pursue justice without upfront legal costs.

Do I Have a Class Action Onglyza Lawsuit?

The Product Liability & Defective Drug Litigation Group at our law firm is an experienced team of trial lawyers that focus on the representation of plaintiffs in Onglyza Lawsuits. We are handling individual litigation nationwide and currently accepting new cancer and heart failure cases in all 50 states.

Free Confidential Case Evaluation: Again, if you or a loved one was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, thyroid cancer or heart failure after taking Onglyza (generic: saxagliptin), you should contact our law firm immediately. You may be entitled to compensation by filing a class action suit and our lawyers can help.

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