Patient Safety News: Diabetes drugs linked to increased risk of heart failure

Type II diabetes medications containing saxagliptin has been linked to an increased risk of heart failure according to an April 2016 report released by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

The following medications include saxagliptin:

• Onglyza (saxagliptin)
• Kombiglyze XR (saxagliptin and metformin extended release)

The FDA safety review determined that patients using these drugs may have an increased risk of heart failure, especially if patients have existing heart or kidney diseases. Recent trials found that 3.5% of patients receiving drugs containing saxagliptin were hospitalized for heart failure.

The FDA is now requiring that these medications warn patients of the risk on the label. Patients using drugs containing saxagliptin should contact their doctors before discontinuing the use of their medication.

If healthcare professionals and patients should report any adverse side effects related to the medications to the FDA’s MedWatch Safety Information and Adverse Event Reporting Program.

Berman & Simmons’ attorney Susan Faunce, who handles cases involving dangerous drugs and medical devices, is working in collaboration with other national law firms to help clients who have taken any of these medications and suffered damages.