The last thing any diabetic needs to worry about is whether or not their medications will cause them more harm than good. Millions of people in the United States take metformin each day. However, testing from an independent pharmacy has indicated that this drug may contain high levels of a cancer-causing carcinogen. At Colson Hicks Eidson, our nationally-recognized defective prescription drug attorneys regularly help clients in Florida and throughout the US recover compensation if they are harmed.
What Is Going On With Metformin, The Diabetes Drug?
Metformin is the fourth most commonly prescribed medication in the United States and is used as an initial treatment for those with type 2 diabetes. The medication helps people with diabetes control their high blood sugar levels. With so many people dependent on this medication, it is vital that the drug be safe. However, recent testing by online pharmacy Valisure found that 16 different batches of metformin made by 11 different drug companies indicated the presence of N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA).
NDMA Is a known carcinogen in humans. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) says that it is safe for humans to consume up to 96 nanograms of NDMA. Testing in one batch of metformin, manufactured by Amneal, indicated that as much as 16 times acceptable limit of NDMA was present.
Why Is An Online Pharmacy Making These Discoveries?
You may recall our reporting over the last few months about the presence of NDMA in Zantac and other popular heartburn medications containing ranitidine. These medications have faced major recalls. In those cases, testing also began with Valisure.
Online pharmacy Valisure says that they test all medications before dispensing them. What differs from their testing with testing completed by the FDA, is that Valisure tests drugs that are meant for the general public. Valisure founder and CEO, David Light, says that the tests by the FDA on metformin may not be accurate because the samples they use may not be representative of the general drug supply. In other words, it is possible that the drug companies are sending products for testing that they know are 100% safe and free from contaminants.
Valisure indicates that there may be several reasons NDMA forms inside metformin, but they believe this contamination originated during the manufacturing process.
We Are Ready To Help You Through This
If you or somebody you care about is taking metformin and been diagnosed with cancer, you may need to seek assistance from a skilled attorney. At Colson Hicks Eidson, our firm has handled major defective drug cases throughout the United States and here in Florida, and we were dedicated to helping victims secure the compensation they need. This can include:
- Coverage of all medical bills related to the defective drug
- Recovery of income lost if you cannot work
- Mental anguish damages
- Loss of enjoyment of life damages
- Possible punitive damages against the party responsible
If you need a defective prescription drug attorney, you can contact us for a free consultation by clicking here or by calling us at 305-476-7400.