Onglyza (saxagliptin) has been linked to a 27% increased risk of heart failure, according to a recent clinical trial. The FDA is now investigating the heart risks of Onglyza and other type-2 diabetes drugs. If you were injured by Onglyza and heart failure, contact The Clark Firm, LLP.
Need a Texas Onglyza Lawyer? Collen A. Clark is a true advocate for his clients and is passionate about helping Texans that have been injured or wronged. If you or a loved one was injured by Onglyza, you should contact our lawyers immediately. You may be entitled to compensation by filing a lawsuit in Texas.
Onglyza and Heart Failure
Onglyza (saxagliptin) is a type-2 diabetes drug that improves blood-sugar control by inhibiting dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4), an enzyme that normally breaks down insulin. Because DPP-4 inhibits are a new class of drugs, the long-term cardiovascular risks are uncertain. Unfortunately, new studies indicate a potential risk of heart failure in patients on Onglyza. Click here to read more.
FDA Safety Warning for Onglyza and Heart Failure
In February 2014, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) published a Drug Safety Communication to announce that they will investigate a possible association between the use of Onglyza and heart failure.
The FDA says it has requested trial data from drug-makers and it considers risk information linking Onglyza and heart failure preliminary. The investigation into the heart risks of Onglyza is part of a broader investigation of the cardiovascular risks of all drugs for type-2 diabetes.
FDA recommendation:
“Patients should not stop taking saxagliptin and should speak with their health care professionals about any questions or concerns. Health care professionals should continue to follow the prescribing recommendations in the drug labels.”
Study Links Onglyza and 27% Increased Risk of Heart Failure
October 2013 — The New England Journal of Medicine has published results of a clinical trial (SAVOR-TIMI 53) linking Onglyza to a 27% increased risk of hospitalization for heart failure. Researchers found no increased risk of death or other major heart risks, including heart attack and stroke.
Conclusions were based on data from 16,492 patients with type-2 diabetes who had a history of heart disease or other risk-factors. They were randomly assigned to take Onglyza or a placebo and followed for a median of 2.1 years. At the end of the study, 3.5% of patients on Onglyza were hospitalized for heart failure, versus 2.8% of those on a placebo.
What is Heart Failure?
Heart failure, also known as “congestive heart failure,” occurs when a weak heart muscle can’t pump as much blood as the body needs. This results results in low oxygen levels in the bloodstream. Heart failure is a chronic, progressive condition that may cause the heart muscle to enlarge, lose flexibility, and pump faster.
Heart Failure Symptoms
Many people with heart failure have problems with normal daily activities, such as walking, climbing stairs, or carrying groceries. They may tire easily and feel short of breath. These symptoms occur because the body is diverting blood away from other areas of the body to maintain circulation to the heart and brain.
Symptoms of heart failure:
- Shortness of breath
- Persistent coughing or wheezing
- Edema (buildup of excess fluid in body tissues)
- Fatigue
- Nausea
- Loss of appetite
- Confusion
- Fast heart rate
Need an Onglyza Lawyer in Texas?
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