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    Onglyza (saxagliptin) and Kombiglyze (saxagliptin and metformin) are medications manufactured by AstraZeneca that are prescribed to manage type 2 diabetes by helping regulate blood sugar levels. While these drugs have been effective for many individuals, there have been concerns about their association with certain health risks, particularly heart failure and cancer.

    If you or someone you love was diagnosed with heart failure or cancer after taking Onglyza or Kombiglyze, you may be eligible for compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. At Joye Law Firm, our South Carolina drug injury attorneys are working hard to help victims of these medications get the money they deserve, and we want to help you, too. Contact us today for a free case review.

    How Do Onglyza and Kombiglyze Cause Heart Failure?

    The active ingredient in both of these medications is saxagliptin, which belongs to a class of drugs called dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitors. In April 2016,  a safety review conducted by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) found that type 2 diabetes medications containing saxagliptin, which includes Onglyza and Kombiglyze, may increase the risk of heart failure in patients who take them. In a clinical trial testing saxagliptin, 2.8% of patients who took a placebo were hospitalized for heart failure during the trial, while 3.5% of patients who took saxagliptin were hospitalized for heart failure.

    The exact mechanism by which Onglyza and Kombiglyze XR may increase the risk of heart failure is not fully understood. However, researchers have proposed several hypotheses to explain this potential association.

    Fluid retention

    One theory is that DPP-4 inhibitors, like saxagliptin, may lead to fluid retention in the body. Fluid retention can increase the volume of blood in circulation, putting extra strain on the heart, which may lead to or exacerbate heart failure.

    Hemodynamic effects

    Saxagliptin may affect the hemodynamics, or the way blood flows through the heart and blood vessels. Some studies suggest that these drugs may alter blood vessel function, potentially impacting heart function.

    Exacerbation of risk factors

    It’s also possible that individuals taking Onglyza or Kombiglyze XR may have pre-existing risk factors for heart failure, such as diabetes or other underlying health conditions. The medications could potentially exacerbate these risk factors.

    How Do Onglyza and Kombiglyze Cause Pancreatitis?

    While pancreatitis is a potential side effect associated with DPP-4 inhibitor drugs, the exact mechanism by which it occurs is not fully understood.

    Pancreatitis is the inflammation of the pancreas, and it can be a serious medical condition. In some cases, it may lead to symptoms such as severe abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and elevated levels of pancreatic enzymes in the blood.

    In March 2013, the FDA published a drug safety communication update regarding certain type 2 diabetes drugs, including Onglyza and Kombiglyze, and their effect on the pancreas of some patients. Specifically, the study noted some patients who took incretin mimetics showed an increased risk of pancreatitis and pre-cancerous cellular changes called pancreatic duct metaplasia.

    The exact mechanism by which saxagliptin (the active ingredient in Onglyza and Kombiglyze) may cause pancreatitis is not well-established. Some theories suggest that it may be related to the drug’s impact on pancreatic function or its effects on certain signaling pathways in the body.

    How Does Pancreatitis Increase the Risk of Pancreatic Cancer?

    Pancreatitis, particularly chronic pancreatitis, has been associated with an increased risk of developing pancreatic cancer. The relationship between pancreatitis and pancreatic cancer is complex and not entirely understood, but several factors may contribute to the increased risk:

    Inflammation

    Both acute and chronic pancreatitis involve inflammation of the pancreas. Chronic inflammation can lead to ongoing damage to the pancreatic tissue, which may increase the risk of genetic mutations and the development of cancerous cells.

    Genetic mutations

    Chronic inflammation can lead to genetic mutations within the cells of the pancreas. Some of these mutations can promote the uncontrolled growth of cells, a hallmark of cancer development.

    Scar tissue formation

    In chronic pancreatitis, the inflammation can lead to the formation of scar tissue (fibrosis) in the pancreas. This scar tissue can disrupt the normal structure and function of the pancreas and create an environment conducive to cancer development.

    Cellular changes

    Chronic inflammation may also lead to changes in the cells lining the pancreatic ducts, where pancreatic cancer often originates. These changes can make these cells more susceptible to becoming cancerous.

    Increased cell turnover

    Inflammation can stimulate the pancreas to undergo rapid cell turnover as it tries to repair itself. Increased cell division can increase the chances of genetic errors occurring during the replication process, potentially leading to cancerous cell formation.

    What Compensation Is Available for Victims of Onglyza and Kombiglyze?

    The physical, mental, emotional, and financial consequences of heart failure and pancreatic cancer are devastating. People who develop these health problems because of defective drugs can and should receive full compensation for their:

    Medical bills

    Heart failure often requires years of treatment, and many patients require heart transplants to survive. Pancreatic cancer can also be extremely expensive to treat, and the survival rate is low, even when it’s detected relatively early. It’s important for victims to get the money they need for their medical bills, especially for conditions that were caused by dangerous medications.

    Lost wages

    Both heart failure and pancreatic cancer can make it difficult or even impossible for victims to work. When they’re not working, they aren’t earning the paychecks their loved ones depend on. And because both of these conditions can be fatal, victims’ families may struggle financially if they succumb to their illness, especially if they were the primary income earners for their households. Both victims and their families deserve money for their lost wages.

    Pain and suffering

    In its early stages, heart failure can make it difficult for patients to exert themselves. In later stages, patients may struggle to breathe, even at rest. Pancreatic cancer can also cause patients to become severely weakened and to suffer from severe pain. The pain and suffering caused by these conditions should be considered in all claims against the manufacturer of Onglyza and Kombiglyze.

    We’re Ready to Start Building Your Onglyza or Kombiglyze Claim

    Type 2 diabetes is difficult to manage, and when you take a medication that promises to make controlling your blood sugar easier, you shouldn’t have to worry about developing serious and potentially fatal complications. Unfortunately, that’s the reality for countless people who took Onglyza and Kombiglyze.

    Our legal team is already hard at work on claims for innocent victims of these dangerous medications, and we want to help you, too.  Joye Law Firm’s personal injury attorneys have been advocating for victims of negligent drug manufacturers since 1968. Reach out to the South Carolina drug injury lawyers at Joye Law Firm today for a free consultation.