A suspected cancer-causing element has been discovered in a common diabetic medicine, but health officials warn stopping its usage is more dangerous to patients than the drug component is.
Patients with type 2 diabetes typically take the medication to lower elevated blood sugar levels.
The FDA warns that this finding is based on laboratory tests and that there is a chance that the drug’s component could cause cancer.
“Although there is no data available to directly evaluate the carcinogenic potential of NTTP, FDA used information available on closely related nitrosamine compounds to calculate lifetime exposure limits for NTTP,” explained the FDA.
The agency, however, advises patients to consult their healthcare providers before taking any step.
“It could be dangerous for patients with this condition to stop taking their sitagliptin without first talking to their healthcare professional.”
“FDA recommends prescribers continue to use sitagliptin when clinically appropriate to prevent a gap in patient treatment,” said the FDA.
