Testing by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and online pharmacy Valisure has found unacceptably high levels of NDMA—a carcinogen—in metformin hydrochloride (HCL), a popular diabetes drug.
So, does metformin cause cancer? NDMA, which has been linked to cancer, has been found in some metformin products. Prolonged exposure to NDMA, or exposure at high doses, can reportedly cause numerous types of cancer. This means that patients like you who took metformin could be at an increased risk of cancer.
You may be eligible to file a metformin lawsuit if you or a loved one has been diagnosed with cancer after taking the diabetes drug.
Contact Class Action Claim Center to speak with a highly experienced metformin attorney today. We’ve recovered more than $120 million for our clients and can help you obtain the compensation you deserve.
Metformin Cancer History
On Dec. 5, 2019, the FDA issued a statement that it was investigating the possible presence of NDMA (known as N-Nitrosodimethylamine) in metformin. At the time, the FDA said that some international regulatory agencies announced a metformin recall, but it would test the diabetes medication for high levels of the carcinogen.
NDMA has an acceptable daily intake limit of 96 nanograms. It is classified as probably carcinogenic to humans by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC).
On March 2, 2020, online pharmacy Valisure announced it tested 38 batches of metformin from 22 companies and found 16 batches from 11 companies with unacceptably high NDMA levels. Some batches contained more than 10 times the daily acceptable NDMA limit.
Valisure then filed a Citizen Petition with the FDA, requesting the agency issue a recall of metformin products containing dangerous NDMA levels. The pharmacy also requested enhanced metformin NDMA testing.
On June 11, 2020, the FDA announced it found high levels of NDMA in extended-release metformin HCL 500 mg made by five companies:
- Apotex Inc—All lots
- Amneal Pharmaceuticals LLC—All lots
- Marksans Pharma LTD (labeled as Time-Cap)—One lot (XP9004)
- Lupin Ltd—One lot (G901203)
- Teva Pharmaceuticals (labeled as Actavis)—14 lots
Metformin Cancer Injuries
NDMA is a contaminant found in water and some foods. The Environmental Protection Agency classifies NDMA as a B2 carcinogen. This means that it is a probable human carcinogen, with studies in animals suggesting NDMA can cause cancer. Among the cancers potentially linked to NDMA in metformin: Liver, Kidney, Intestinal, Stomach, Pancreatic, Colon, Esophageal, and Bladder.
Metformin Attorneys at Class Action Claim Center Fight for Patients Like You
If you have taken metformin and been diagnosed with cancer, you may be eligible for financial compensation. Fill out one of our claim forms or call us at 507-424-3000.
Class Action Claim Center has an extensive history of successfully fighting for the rights of people harmed by drug companies. Attorney Paul Dahlberg has obtained more than $60 million in compensation for our clients, including those harmed by drugs and medical devices. Our clients count on us to ensure they receive the maximum compensation they’re entitled to for their injuries.
Metformin Cancer FAQ:
What is metformin?
Metformin HCL is a prescription medication that is used along with diet and exercise to lower blood sugar levels in patients who have type 2 diabetes. It can be taken on its own or in combination with other active ingredients.
What are metformin brand names?
Metformin brand names include:
- Fortamet
- Glucophage
- Glumetza
- Riomet
Metformin combination products include:
- Actoplus Met (metformin and pioglitazone)
- Avandamet (metformin and rosiglitazone)
- Invokamet (metformin and canagliflozin)
- Janumet / Januvia (metformin and sitagliptin)
- Jentadueto (metformin and linagliptin)
- Kazano (metformin and alogliptin)
- Kombiglyze XR (metformin and saxagliptin)
- Metaglip (metformin and glipizide)
- Prandiment (metformin and repaglinide)
- Qternment XR (metformin, dapagliflozin and saxagliptin)
- Segluromet (metformin and ertugliflozin)
- Synjardy (metformin and empagliflozin)
- Trijardy (metformin, empagliflozin, linagliptin)
- Xigduo (metformin and dapagliflozin)
Only certain metformin extended-release lots have been recalled.
Who makes metformin?
The following manufacturers produce metformin:
- ACI Healthcare USA
- Actavis Pharma
- AiPing Pharmaceutical
- American Health Packaging/Zydus
- Amneal Pharmaceuticals
- Apotex Inc
- Ascend Laboratories
- Aurobindo Pharma
- EPIC PHARMA
- Granules Pharmaceuticals
- Heritage Pharmaceuticals
- Ingenus Pharmaceuticals
- Lupin Ltd
- Megalith Pharmaceuticals
- Mylan Pharmaceuticals
- Nostrum Laboratories
- Oceanside Pharmaceuticals
- Sun Pharmaceutical Industries
- TAGI Pharma
- Teva Pharmaceuticals
- Time-Cap Labs Inc.
- Westminster Pharmaceuticals
Has metformin been recalled?
Yes, but not all makers of metformin are currently part of the recall and some companies have only had certain lots recalled. Metformin makers were asked to recall lots of the diabetes drug that had excessively high NDMA levels.
Which metformin manufacturers are recalled?
The following manufacturers issued recalls of certain metformin extended-release lots:
- Apotex Inc
- Amneal Pharmaceuticals LLC
- Marksans Pharma LTD (labeled as Time-Cap)
- Lupin Ltd
- Teva Pharmaceuticals (labeled as Actavis)
- Time-Cap Labs Inc.
Is metformin dangerous?
We believe metformin can be dangerous because it has been shown to contain unacceptably high levels of NDMA in certain lots by specific manufacturers. The FDA undertook an investigation of metformin after Valisure and international regulatory agencies found excessive levels of NDMA in the diabetes medication.
NDMA is classed as a probable human carcinogen by regulatory agencies because studies in animals have linked it to an increased risk of cancer. Patients taking metformin may already be at risk of severe health complications because they take it to treat diabetes.
Scientists do not yet know how or why NDMA forms in metformin.
Does metformin cause cancer?
Studies show the existence of NDMA in certain lots of metformin. NDMA has been linked to a variety of cancers. The risk of cancer reportedly increases with longer exposure or exposure at higher doses.
According to Valisure, its study of metformin samples sent by individuals around the US found that 36% of those samples had NDMA levels above the FDA daily acceptable intake limit.
“The highest NDMA detection from the tested samples was 1565 ng per tablet, which, when commonly taken four times a day, is 65 times the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) daily intake limit,” Valisure wrote.
What types of cancer is metformin linked to?
Metformin HCL may be linked to the following cancers:
- Liver cancer
- Kidney cancer
- Intestinal cancer
- Stomach cancer
- Pancreatic cancer
- Colon cancer
- Esophageal cancer
- Bladder cancer
Why was metformin taken off the market?
Certain lots of metformin made by specific manufacturers have been recalled because they were found to have unacceptably high levels of NDMA—a contaminant linked to cancer. The daily acceptable intake limit for NDMA is 96 nanograms, but some metformin products were found to contain much higher levels.
What are the metformin long-term side effects?
In addition to a risk of cancer, metformin side effects can include nausea, upset stomach, diarrhea, metallic taste in the mouth, headache, muscle pain, heartburn, and vomiting. Long-term exposure could result in lactic acidosis.
What is NDMA?
NDMA is a probable human carcinogen that is only manufactured in the US for research purposes but is a byproduct of significant processes, such as water chlorination. It can be unintentionally produced and released through chemical reactions, with NDMA particles found in air, soil, and water.
According to the EPA, NDMA (N-Nitrosodimethylamine) is a B2 “probable human” carcinogen “based on the induction of tumors in both rodents and nonrodent mammals exposed to NDMA by various routes.”
Is there a lawsuit against metformin?
Patients have a right to take safe medications that carry proper warnings about the risk of serious side effects such as cancer. We are currently investigating possible metformin lawsuits concerning patients diagnosed with cancer after taking metformin 500 mg products.
Metformin HCL is a widely used drug. With 10.5% of the US population suffering from diabetes, millions of patients could be at risk of developing cancer thanks to their NDMA exposure. A proposed metformin class action lawsuit has been filed on behalf of patients who took the drug believing it was safe.
Is there a class action lawsuit against metformin?
A proposed metformin class action lawsuit has been filed against Ascend Laboratories on behalf of people who took metformin believing the product was safe. According to the lawsuit, Ascend has not recalled its lots of metformin even though some of its batches were allegedly found to have high levels of NDMA.
The Valisure metformin analysis found that Ascend’s 1000 mg IR metformin had 11 times the acceptable level of NDMA, making it “not fit for human consumption.”
The metformin class-action lawsuit alleges patients relied on the warning label provided by the manufacturer and used metformin believing it was safe and free from defects.
The lawsuit is case number 2:20-cv-04329, in the US District Court, District of New Jersey.
Do I have a metformin lawsuit?
If you took metformin and have been diagnosed with the following cancers, you may be eligible to file a lawsuit:
- Liver cancer
- Kidney cancer
- Intestinal cancer
- Colon cancer
- Bladder cancer
- Esophageal cancer
- Stomach cancer
- Pancreatic cancer
Contact Class Action Claim Center today for a free case evaluation.
How can the Class Action Claim Center help me with a Metformin NDMA lawsuit?
A cancer diagnosis is devastating and puts a massive financial burden on you and your family. In addition to the time lost from work and the cost of cancer treatment, you face a decreased quality of life and an inability to carry out your regular activities.
A metformin lawsuit can help you in the following ways:
1. It can ensure you are financially compensated for any expenses, lost wages or other financial losses you experience as a result of your metformin use.
2. It can provide financial compensation for any pain and suffering or decreased quality of life caused by your metformin exposure.
Contact an Experienced Metformin Lawsuit Attorney Today
Attorney Paul Dahlberg, of Class Action Claim Center, has decades of experience fighting tirelessly against drug companies. He has advocated for patients against drug and device makers winning $120,000.000 in verdicts and settlements for his clients.
Does metformin cause cancer? There is strong evidence that patients who take metformin are at an increased risk of developing cancer thanks to the presence of NDMA.
If you or someone you love was diagnosed with cancer after taking metformin, you may be eligible to file a lawsuit against the drugmaker. Contact Class Action Claim Center today for a free, no-obligation evaluation to discuss your potential metformin lawsuit. You can also call us at 507-424-3000.