Metformin Cancer Risks: What Injury Victims Should Know

What Types of Cancer Does Metformin Cause?

If you or someone you love has taken the medication Metformin, there are risks of developing the following types of cancer:

Liver Cancer

Kidney Cancer

Intestinal Cancer

Stomach Cancer

Pancreatic Cancer

Colon Cancer

Esophageal Cancer

Ovarian Cancer

Testicular Cancer

Bladder Cancer

Other popular medications, both prescription and over the counter (OTC), were recalled earlier this year as well for high levels of NDMA.

The likelihood of developing cancer from medications that are contaminated with trace amounts of NDMA is low, however, with that being said, if you’re taking Metformin, it’s quite crucial to speak to your primary care physician about other possible treatments.

NDMA is classified as a ‘probable human carcinogen’ – which means that it could potentially cause cancer.

For years, it’s been found in everything that we consume from vegetables to meat, dairy, soil, our air, and our water.

Scientists suggest that the acceptable intake limit for a human being is 96 nanograms of NDMA a day.

Dr. Guy Mintz, the Director of Cardiovascular Health & Lipidology at Northwell Health’s Sandra Atlas-Bass Heart Hospital in New York says that “the FDA does not expect” NDMA to cause harm at levels below or equivalent to 96 nanograms.

However, in high-dose-cases, NDMA may cause a person’s liver, lung(s), and/or kidney(s) to have severe problems. Mintz also went to say that NDMA has “been shown to increase the incidence of cancer in animals” via liver fibrosis and tumors, most notably in rats.

The World Health Organization has also publicly stated that it can cause gastric and/or colorectal cancer.

Should I Stop Taking Metformin Right Now?

Despite what you may think, Mintz says no, don’t abruptly stop taking Metformin without speaking to a doctor.

Any abrupt stoppage of Metformin use in a person could lead to impacted blood-sugar levels and potential hospitalizations for those who are hyperglycemic and/or struggle with ketoacidosis.
Mintz went on to say that while there are no short-term risks with ingesting the product, there are many alternative options out there.

What We Know About Metformin and NDMA:

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) publicly announced that the popular type-2 diabetes medication Metformin was now found to contain high levels of a cancer-causing contaminant known as N-Nitrosodimethylamine or NDMA.
The FDA went on to state that they found high levels of this harmful substance in the extended-release tablets of Metformin and asked for it to be voluntarily recalled nationwide.
Numerous U.S. health experts have warned people to not abruptly stop taking Metformin as it could have negative impacts.
There’s no short-term risk involved in taking Metformin, at the moment.
Human beings should only ingest 96 nanograms per day of NDMA.
Speak to your primary care physician immediately to make a change in medication.

Have You Been Diagnosed with Cancer After Taking Metformin?

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Written By David Russotto

Partner

David began his legal career as an attorney with the U.S. Navy JAG Corps. David’s long familiarity with the military and respect for the sacrifices made by U.S. veterans has been instrumental in his decision to represent disabled veterans and their families.

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