Metformin is a popular drug utilized to maintain healthy blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes. Tests, however, have revealed that high levels of a carcinogen referred to as NDMA is found in the U.S. supply of metformin. The online pharmacy that conducted these tests requested that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) investigate metformin and issue a recall of the drug. As a result, the FDA ordered several metformin manufacturers to remove the drug from the market.
Which Metformin Manufacturers Have Issued Recalls?
As of July 13, 2020, several drug manufacturers’ batches of metformin have tested positive for a potential carcinogen. Some of the drugs that are being recalled include:
- All Amneal lots
- All Apotex lots
- All Avkare lots
- All Lupin Pharmaceuticals lots
- All PD-RX Pharmaceuticals lots of repackaged Amneal and Marksans
- 12 lots of Granules Pharmaceuticals
- 14 lots of Teva (Actavis)
- The XP9004 lot of Marksans (Time-Cap)
- The T-02134 lot from the Harvard Drug Group, who repackages Apotex
- The A0220H, JO119M, K1419L, and K2719J lots by Preferred Pharmaceuticals, who repackages Marksans
The likelihood is high that additional manufacturers will be added to this list. The FDA has requested that drug makers issue a voluntary metformin recall of the impacted batches. So far, at least four of the drug makers have issued voluntary metformin recalls.
For a free legal consultation with a metformin lawsuits lawyer serving Long Island, call 516-358-6900
How Metformin is Used
Metformin medication is utilized by patients with type 2 diabetes to reduce excess sugar in the blood. The medication then reduces the amount of blood sugar produced by the liver and improves how the body responds to insulin. The drug is part of the biguanide class of diabetes drugs, which are derived from natural compounds located in French lilac. Metformin medication is solid under the brand names of Fortamet, Glucophage, Glucophage XR, Glumetza, and Riomet, among other names. Metformin can be utilized either alone or in combination with other drugs.
Besides the treatment of type 2 diabetes, metformin is also sometimes used by women to treat polycystic ovarian syndrome. This is because in some cases, metformin increases fertility.
Long Island Metformin Lawsuits Lawyer Near Me 516-358-6900
Metformin as a Carcinogen
Certain metformin batches have tested positive for NDMA, which is a chemical that can form as a manufacturing byproduct. NDMA was previously used to produce rocket fuel and is considered a probable human carcinogen. Although there have not been any reports that metformin causes cancer, the FDA has told the makers of the affected diabetes drug to recall the products due to the presence of NDMA. Currently, there are not any reports of cancer associated with metformin, but long-term exposure to NDMA can substantially increase the risk of cancer. There have also not been any metformin cancer lawsuits yet, but drug manufacturers will likely face future legal action over claims that they failed to make sure their product was safe.
Speak With a Metformin Lawsuit Attorney
If you or a loved one took metformin and are now experiencing adverse side effects, you should not hesitate to speak with a knowledgeable defective drug attorney. Contact the Law office of Cohen & Jaffe LLP today for your free consultation.
Call or text 516-358-6900 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
