Type 2 diabetes and prediabetes are conditions affecting some 100 million Americans. While the condition can be treated with diet and exercise, for many Americans, it means taking medications. One type of medication, saxagliptin, is a dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DDP-4) inhibitor. It is sold under the brand names Onglyza and Kombiglyze XR and stimulates the pancreas to make more insulin after meals. New data suggests that these medications can increase the risk of heart disease and heart failure. Some of those prescribed the medications have suffered from heart attacks and are suing the manufacturers.
The Legal Examiner reports on a woman who has filed a lawsuit on behalf of her husband, whom she claims died as a result of heart failure caused by the drug.
A widow from Nevada recently filed a lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey on behalf of her husband against the makers of Onglyza and Kombiglyze XR.
The widow claims that after taking the drug from May 2015 to January 2017, her husband suffered from injuries that led to his death. The lawsuit further claims that as a result of taking the drug, her husband suffered from coronary artery disease and congestive heart failure, culminating with his death.
The lawsuit also claims that the manufacturers were aware of the increased risk and failed to adequately warn both patients and physicians of the risk.
In 2014, the Food and Drug Administration launched its own review into the medication after a study showed the increased risk. Specifically, the FDA wanted the data from the study to do their own analysis.
In April 2016, the FDA confirmed the results of the study. They required that the manufacturer add warning labels to the medications stating that it did increase the risk of heart failure, particularly in patients who already have heart or kidney disease.
The plaintiff is seeking compensatory and punitive damages, claiming counts of design defect, negligence, failure to warn, breach of warranties, loss of consortium, and wrongful death.
Have you been injured by the drugs Onglyza or Kombiglyze XR? We can help. Contact us today.