Are Type 2 Diabetes Users Who Take Metformin at Risk for Digestive Tract Cancers?

Are Type 2 Diabetes Users Who Take Metformin at Risk for Digestive Tract Cancers?

Metformin has been prescribed for the treatment of Type 2 diabetes since 1957. Metformin ultimately became the number one prescribed diabetes medicine in the world. It was ideal for people who were overweight. By 1998 Metformin was reported to have cardiovascular protective benefits.  Other dangerous diabetes drugs had been removed from market in 1977 and, as a result, more people switched to using Metformin.

Six manufacturers have now issued recalls of Metformin which had been supplied to the U.S. market.  Each of the recalls are due to contamination of the Metformin capsules which were found to contain a suspected carcinogenic compound called Nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA).  Many diabetic patients have received letters from their pharmacy indicating that they may have had a prescription filled from a batch which was later tested and found to be contaminated.  Extended exposure to small amounts of NDMA is suspected to increase the risk of gastrointestinal tract cancers.

The manufacturers have issued voluntary recalls.  Granules Pharmaceuticals recalled its extended release Metformin 750 mg dose in bottles of 100 and 500 capsules.  Additionally, Lupin Pharmaceuticals recalled both its 500 mg and 1000 mg extended release Metformin tablets.  These doses were available in bottle sizes of 100, 90 and 60 pills.  Other manufacturers who have issued recalls are Apotex, Amneal, Marksans and Teva Pharmaceuticals. More lots of Metformin may be recalled. Up to date information on additional recalls can be found on the FDA’s website at https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts.

The FDA first announced they became aware of impurities in diabetes medication outside the US in a December 5, 2019 statement.  The FDA has issued several press releases throughout the first half of 2020. Eventually, the manufacturers became willing to issue recalls.

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, there is a strong likelihood that you were prescribed Metformin.  If you have been diagnosed with any of the following digestive tract cancers, you may be entitled to compensation.

  • Esophageal cancer
  • Stomach cancer
  • Pancreatic cancer
  • Liver cancer
  • Bladder cancer
  • Kidney cancer
  • Colon cancer

The lawyers at The Yost Legal Group are actively involved in investigating NDMA Metformin cancer lawsuits.  Our experienced effective drug lawyers are here to answer your questions.  If you or a loved one thinks that your cancer may have been caused by the use of Metformin call today for a free initial consultation.  Other Metformin class actions and numerous other Metformin lawsuits are sure to follow.  Call, email, or contact us through our website for a free initial consultation at www.yostlaw.com or 1-800-YOST-LAW.  We can help determine through your prescription records if you have been exposed to dangerous NDMA form taking Metformin.  We at The Yost Legal Group are here to help you find answers.