Cancer Causing Agent Found in Diabetes Drug Prompts Recall
A widely used diabetes drug has been recalled after manufacturers found it contained unacceptably high levels of a cancer-causing contaminant.
Marksans Pharma Limited is recalling metformin hydrochloride extended-release tablets because their levels of NDMA, a "probable human carcinogen," were higher than the acceptable daily intake limit of 96 nanograms per day, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
Metformin tablets are used to treat type 2 diabetes and are designed to lower glucose levels. The recall applies to metformin tablets between 500 mg and 750 mg, sold under the brand name Time-Cap Labs, Inc.
Despite the recall, it’s important to remember that metformin positively impacts patients, especially in terms of cancer care.
“Metformin use in patients with diabetes has been associated with a lower risk for malignancy,” said Dr. Julie Hallanger-Johnson, an endocrinologist in the Department of Head and Neck-Endocrine Oncology at Moffitt Cancer Center. “So, despite the recall of the extended release version, it remains a beneficial medicine.”
Patients who have concern may want to ask their doctor about switching to a non-extended release version of the drug, which has not been included in the recall.
The recall expands an earlier recall from this summer. But it's just one of several metformin products that have been found to contain NDMA in the last year. Seven other pharmaceutical companies have issued recalls for metformin hydrochloride extended-release tablets due to their carcinogenic contents.
The FDA is still investigating where NDMA comes from and how it ends up in metformin products. Most levels found in medications are generally low and fall within the FDA's accepted daily intake, but recently recalled medications exceed that.
The recall applies to the following products, which can be identified by their National Drug Code numbers listed below. The tablets are either embossed with 101 or 102 on one side and are plain on the other.
Metformin Hydrochloride Extended-Release Tablets, USP 500mg:
90 counts: 49483-623-09
100 counts: 49483-623-01
500 counts: 49483-623-50
1000 counts: 49483-623-10
Metformin Hydrochloride Extended-Release Tablets, USP 750mg:
100 counts: 49483-624-01
