New Orleans Metformin Lawyers

Metformin, a popular diabetes drug, is prescribed for diabetics who cannot control their blood sugar through diet and exercise alone. Unfortunately, recent testing has revealed high levels of potentially cancer-causing NDMA in Metformin, leading to a recall that has shaken much of the diabetic community. This includes medications sold under the brand names Fortamet, Glucophage XR, Glumetza, and Riomet.

If you used Metformin, are you entitled to compensation? What should you expect if you’ve been using Metformin, especially if you’ve used it for a long time? Contact a Metformin attorney to learn more about your legal rights following exposure to a potential cancerous substance.

What is NDMA?

NDMA is a substance that was once used to make rocket fuel. It is a highly toxic substance known to cause cancer in various lab animals at high concentrations. Scientists stopped using the chemical when they discovered that it led to unusually high levels in ground water, air, and soil samples in surrounding areas. People can safely consume around 96 nanograms per day, but exposure to more than that can significantly increase the risks of developing certain types of cancers, including:

• Stomach cancer
• Cancer in the small and large intestine
• Colorectal cancer
• Bladder cancer
• Prostate cancer
• Liver cancer
• Esophageal cancer
• Pancreatic cancer
• Leukemia
• Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma
• Kidney cancer
• Multiple myeloma

NDMA and Metformin

Prior to the recall, FDA testing revealed potentially high levels of NDMA in Metformin. Further testing, however, did not appear to reveal high enough levels to lead to a recall. Then, Valisure, which conducts its own testing in all the medications it sells, uncovered high levels of NDMA in multiple samples taken from Metformin products.

This testing led to further investigation and, ultimately, recall of the Metformin products. In some cases, the drugs contained as much as 16 times the amount the FDA mandates as the daily maximum limit.

Further testing has not revealed high levels of NDMA in immediate-release Metformin products, the most commonly-prescribed form of Metformin. It has, however, revealed extensive problems with extended release (ER) metformin by Marksans Pharma and Sun Pharmaceutical Industries.

What Should You Do If You Have Taken Metformin?

If you have taken extended-release Metformin, take steps immediately to protect your health. You should:

1. Stop taking the affected medication as soon as possible.

Check the FDA website to learn whether the Metformin you take falls under the recall. If you have a recalled batch of Metformin, you should follow the steps recommended by the manufacturer.

2. Contact your doctor immediately.

Before you make any changes to your medication, you should contact your doctor to discuss its potential impact on your diabetes. Metformin usually gets prescribed for diabetics who cannot control their blood sugar levels through diet and exercise alone, which means that you may need to have your doctor prescribe another medication as soon as possible to help you continue to control your blood sugar. Your doctor will recommend the steps that make the most sense for your personal health.

You should also have your doctor evaluate you for any symptoms of the types of cancers potentially caused by NDMA exposure, especially if you have any early symptoms. Many cancers, including liver, bladder, kidney, and prostate cancers, may have few to no symptoms in their early stages. If your doctor knows that you have been exposed to potential cancer-causing chemicals, however, you can take steps to receive the testing and diagnosis you need, leading to earlier treatment. The sooner you receive treatment for those potential types of cancer, the better your overall prognosis. Have your doctor continue to monitor you for any signs of cancer.

3. Contact an attorney.

Once you have discussed your condition with your doctor and taken any steps needed to protect your health, get in touch with a Metformin attorney. Ideally, you want to work with an attorney who understands the potential challenges represented by NDMA consumption or taking a drug that has been recalled. An attorney can:

• Help you understand the compensation you deserve or whether you have grounds for a claim related to NDMA exposure.
• Assist in the collection of evidence that will show how long you took Metformin and what impact it may have had on your overall health, including your risk of developing cancer.
• Help you file a lawsuit that will provide you with much-needed funds after your diagnosis, if needed.

Are You Entitled to Compensation After Taking Metformin?

High levels of NDMA contained in Metformin products can lead to the development of cancer. If you suffer damages as a result of taking a specific medication, you may have the right to compensation. Consult an attorney to learn more about your legal rights following NDMA exposure through taking the diabetes drug Metformin. You may have grounds for compensation for:

Your medical expenses related to NDMA exposure. NDMA exposure can substantially increase the risk of developing certain types of cancers. Cancer can lead to a host of medical expenses, including costs for chemotherapy, radiation, and surgical treatment. You may have grounds for claim that will help you seek compensation for those expenses and make it easier for you to pay your medical bills.

Your lost wages due to a diagnosis. Many cancer patients cannot work while undergoing treatment. Others may lose the ability to work at their usual capacity. You can include compensation for your lost wages as part of your claim.

Your pain and suffering. A cancer diagnosis can lead to substantial pain and suffering, including both physical and emotional anguish. Consult an attorney to learn more about the compensation you deserve for pain and suffering related to Metformin consumption.

Do You Need a Metformin Attorney?

If you took Metformin for your diabetes and your Metformin fell under the recall recently issued by Marksans Pharma and Sun Pharmaceutical Industries, you need an experienced Metformin attorney to help you navigate your claim and understand your legal rights. Contact Allen Berger & Associates at 504-526-2222 to learn more about your right to a claim following the recall of your diabetes management medication.