Possible Cancer Link in Metformin
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is opening an investigation into whether Metformin might include a probable carcinogen. There have been reports that Metformin drugs in other countries contain low levels of a chemical called NDMA that is known to cause cancer. These reports have led the FDA to open an investigation into Metformin and a proposed link between NDMA.
Metformin has been on the market for decades and is used daily by countless people all over the world. If a link is confirmed, it might trigger a massive drug recall that could impact millions of people.
What is Metformin?
Metformin is a prescription medication that is used to help treat Type 2 Diabetes. Individuals with Type 2 Diabetes are unable to produce enough insulin to control their blood glucose levels. Chronically high levels of blood glucose may lead to dangerous complications that impact the body’s nerves, kidneys, and eyes. Metformin is used to help keep these blood glucose levels in check.
Metformin is manufactured and sold under multiple brand names, including Fortamet, Glucophage, and Glumetza. Even though there are numerous brand names, the medications are all fundamentally the same. There are currently no alternatives to Metformin that work the same way. Therefore, if people are forced to stop taking this medication due to a link to NDMA, they might not have an immediately-available alternative.
What is NDMA?
NDMA is a nitrogen-based chemical that is readily encountered daily. It is found in food sources and water supplies. NDMA was a standard liquid used to make rocket fuel.
At low levels, NDMA is not harmful to humans. However, when someone is exposed to NDMA in more significant amounts, it can cause cancer. The FDA stated that the daily limit of NDMA exposure is 96 nanograms. When people are exposed to amounts above this level, it might be harmful to their health.
NDMA is found in medications in several different ways. Sometimes, this chemical contaminates the packaging in which medicines are stored. In other cases, NDMA might find its way into drug manufacturing plants unintentionally. Regardless, it is essential for drug companies, including those that make Metformin, to make sure that NDMA (and other cancer-causing chemicals) are not contaminating the medications that people depend on for their health.
What Happens Next?
If someone is exposed to NDMA in high amounts, it might lead to an acute reaction. This includes vomiting, abdominal pain, and dizziness. Over time, it might cause someone to develop cancer.
For now, the FDA is still in the early stages of its investigation into Metformin and NDMA. Because there are no readily available alternatives to Metformin, the FDA is encouraging people to continue taking this medication as prescribed. If people suddenly stop taking Metformin, their blood glucose levels might rise uncontrollably. This might lead to severe complications.
If there is a confirmed link between Metformin and NDMA, a drug recall will likely be issued. This recall would be similar to the recall issued for blood pressure medications earlier this year.
Watch YouTube Video: Metformin Cancer Risk 2019 | Potential Recall? | FDA Statement on Metformin & Cancer-Causing NDMA. The following video discusses the ongoing investigation into whether NDMA found in Metformin can cause cancer.
Sacramento Personal Injury Lawyers
I’m Ed Smith, a Sacramento Personal Injury Lawyer. Metformin is a front-line diabetes medication that is being investigated for a possible link to cancer. Anyone who has been harmed or injured due to the negligence of another person or entity is encouraged to contact me today at (800) 404-5400 or (916) 921-6400 and ask for receive free, friendly legal guidance and advice.
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