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Millions of diabetics in this country rely on prescription medication metformin. However, recent tests of this medication have found that it may contain high levels of a cancer-causing carcinogen. The team at Colucci, Colucci & Marcus, P.C. wants to discuss these findings with you as well as steps you may need to take to protect your well-being. Our skilled Boston product liability lawyers are dedicated to helping victims of bad prescription drugs recover compensation for their damages.
According to Valisure, an online pharmacy, testing of 16 different batches of metformin made by 11 drug companies indicated the presence of N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA). This substance has been found to be cancerous for humans. The highest levels of NDMA were found in a batch of metformin manufactured by Amneal, which had as much as 16 times the acceptable daily limit of the carcinogen.
According to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), it is safe for humans to consume only 96 nanograms of NDMA daily.
Metformin is used as an initial treatment for those with type 2 diabetes to control their high blood sugar levels. It is the fourth most commonly prescribed drug in the United States. Value submitted a citizen’s petition to the FDA recently and asked the regulator to request a recall and investigate what caused the contamination of metformin.
Value is the online pharmacy responsible for the recalls of Zantac and other popular heartburn medications containing ranitidine. The testing of these medications last year indicated tremendously high levels of NDMA.
Value says that it tests all medications before dispensing them.
The FDA says that it also tested metformin and did detect amounts of NDMA, but the levels were within the daily acceptable limit set forth by their agency. However, Valisure’s founder and CEO says that it is possible that the FDA got samples that were not representative of the general drug supply.
Product liability experts say that NDMA contamination in metformin could have occurred due to the manufacturing process, the storing procedures for the drug, or even certain aspects of the drug itself. Value says that they believe the contamination may have originated during the manufacturing process.
As of this writing, there have been no recalls by metformin manufacturers or the FDA. Those who are concerned should consult with their doctors about other possible medications if they are worried about NDMA contamination.
If you or somebody you care about had been diagnosed with cancer after taking metformin, you may need to seek legal assistance immediately. The team at Colucci, Colucci & Marcus, P.C. is dedicated to helping those injured due to defective drugs recover the compensation they need. This can include:
If you need a product liability attorney in Boston for your defective prescription drug case, you can contact us for a free consultation of your case by clicking here or by calling 617-917-3917.
