Diabetes Drug Saxagliptin Responsible for Increased Risk of Heart Failure

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is currently investigating a connection between the diabetes drug Saxagliptin and an increased risk of heart failure for its users, according to a statement made Tuesday.

The agency quoted that the probe was spurred by "a study published [last September] in the New England Journal of Medicine, which reported an increased rate of hospitalization for heart failure, when the heart does not pump blood well enough," according to U.S. News and World Report. 

The relatively new diabetes medication works by boosting the amount of insulin the body produces through each meal, as blood sugar levels typically remain high in those with diabetic health conditions. At this time, the drug is marketed under the name Onglyza and Kombiglyze XR.

For drug research, study authors examined around 16,500 patients with type 2 diabetes from 26 countries. Health officials note that "patients should not taking saxagliptin and should speak with their health care professionals about any questions or concerns."

According to Reuters, heart problems such as those associated with GlaxoSmithKline's Avandia pill, are a particular concern for this product, especially as diabetics in general have an elevated risk of heart troubles.

However, the pill, along with diet and exercise, can help lower blood sugar in adults with type 2 diabetes, which occurs when there is a high level of sugar in the blood and the body struggles to properly lower it through the hormone insulin.