There are nearly 30 million people diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes in the US alone. Without being medicated properly, diabetes can cause heart disease, kidney damage and even death. Many medications are on the market to help treat this illness. However, many are shocked to learn that the popular drug, metformin contains more than the daily amount of the cancer causing chemical, NDMA.
About Metformin
Approved by the FDA, Metformin-containing medicines are by prescription only. These drugs are supposed to help control blood sugar by aiding in the body’s response to insulin making. Also, this medication should decrease the amount of sugar the liver makes while decreasing the amount of sugar the intestines absorb from food. Metformin, which is also sold under the trade names of Glucophage, Fortamet, Glumetza, and Riomet. There are also combination drugs that use metformin like Januvet.
Metformin & NDMA
Many are horrified to learn that the chemical component used in aviation and rocket fuel and industrial lubricants is also in their medication. NDMA is a by-product of several industrial processes, including gasoline refining and the treatment of wastewater containing nitrogen. Also, researchers use NDMA to cause cancer in rats. The Federal Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act of 1986 classified NDMA as extremely hazardous.
Now, researchers have found NDMA in metformin and are seeing if it is above the acceptable daily intake limit. There are no alternatives on the market to treat Type 2 diabetes like metformin does. This discovery occurred as part of a wider FDA probe in drugs. Since the agency discovered NDMA in other medications like valsartan and Zantac. Several companies voluntarily stopped selling Zantac due to NDMA concerns.
Pancreatic Cancer Link
Researchers have also found a causal link between metformin drugs like Byetta, Byudreon, Victoza, Januvia, Janumet, and Tanzeum and pancreatic cancer. The GLP-1 hormone can cause chronic inflammation of the pancreas, also known as pancreatitis. Pancreatitis is a risk factor for cancer since the inflammation causes rapid cell growth. This rapid growth brings the risk of the body multiplying abnormal cells instead of healthy ones. Therefore, a lesion on a pancreas that normally could take over 40 years to turn into cancer now has been accelerated.
Pancreatic Cancer Symptoms & Risk Factors
The first symptoms of pancreatic cancer often involve digestive and metabolic side effects. Many diabetics find their blood-sugar levels are harder to control. However, doctors normally ignore this as a pancreatic cancer symptom since diabetics often have high blood sugar. Hence why doctors rarely diagnose Type 2 Diabetics in the early stages of pancreatic cancer. However, symptoms in general rarely appear in early stages anyway.
Common symptoms
- Heartburn
- Abdominal or belly pain
- Back pain
- Weight loss
- Jaundice (yellow skin and/or eyes)
- Enlarged lymph nodes
- Itching
- Malaise (generally feeling ill or tired)
- Decreased appetite
- Diabetes
- High blood sugar
Risk Factors for Pancreatic Cancer
- Over 65 years old
- Male
- African American
- Chronic pancreatitis
- Cigarette smoking
- Obesity
- Diabetes
- Cirrhosis of the liver
- Occupational exposure to toxic substances
- Family history
- Genetic diseases
Speak to an Attorney Today
If an incretin type 2 diabetes drug harmed you or a loved, you need an attorney with experience helping people who have been harmed by pharmaceutical drugs. The attorneys at the Michael Brady Lynch Firm know what it takes to go up against drug manufacturers to get clients what they need.
How We Can Help
When you experience side effects from a dangerous drug, it can have devastating effects on your entire life. Get the compensation you deserve. The types of recoverable losses include:
- Past and future medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Loss of an ability to work; and
- Pain and suffering
In addition, if a person dies from complications from a drug, family members may be able to recover damages for the wrongful death of their loved one, including:
- Funeral expenses
- Medical expenses prior to death
- Loss of economic support; and
- Loss of companionship
Therefore, if a jury finds the conduct of a drug company in manufacturing and selling drug to be highly reckless, they may also award punitive damages to punish the company and deter similar conduct in the future. If a doctor diagnosed you with pancreatic cancer after using Byetta, Byudreon, Victoza, Januvia, Janumet or Tanzeum, please speak to us to learn more about your rights.
Also, case evaluations are free of cost and without obligation. Call us today at (877) 513-9517 or contact us online to speak with an attorney about your options. We may be able to get you the help you need.