Become a Member ![\\"snopes](\\"/design/images/logo-main.png\\"/) Search My Profile Logout Submit a Rumor Latest Trending News & Politics Entertainment Fact Checks Quiz Sections Latest Trending Fact Checks News Collections More Contact Us Submit a Rumor Archives Quiz FactBot Newsletters About Us Categories News & Politics Entertainment Science & Technology Lifestyle Free accounts support our journalism Become a Member Login My Profile Logout ![\\"republican_symbol\\"](\\"/design/images/republican_symbol.png\\"/) Snopes fact-checked the vice presidential debate live! Read more here ![\\"democrat_symbol\\"](\\"/design/images/democrat_symbol.png\\"/) Fact Check # Were Metformin Drugs Recalled Due to Cancer-Causing Compound? ## The FDA recommends that patients prescribed Metformin continue taking the drug until consulting with their health care provider. ### Nur Ibrahim ### Published June 5, 2021 ![\\"](\\" Image courtesy of Scott Olson/Getty Images Claim: The Metformin drug for diabetes patients has been recalled due to an excessive amount of NDMA compound in it, which could increase risk of cancer. Rating: Mixture About this rating What\'s True Some laboratories voluntarily recalled certain lots of the prescription drug Metformin Extended Release (ER) because it may contain N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA) above an acceptable intake limit. According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), \"NDMA may increase the risk of cancer if people are exposed to it above the acceptable level and over a long period of time.\" What\'s False The FDA did not find NDMA in Immediate Release (IR) Metformin products (the most commonly prescribed type of metformin). This does not mean people should stop taking the drug. The FDA recommends that people prescribed metformin should continue taking it until their doctor prescribes an alternative. Advertisement: A voluntary recall of Metformin, a prescription medication for type 2 diabetes patients, has caused alarm among some Snopes readers, with many asking if the drug could cause cancer. We learned that through 2020 and early 2021, a number of pharmaceutical companies and laboratories voluntarily recalled the Metformin drug that was set for extended release (ER), due to the possibility that they contained the N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA) compound above an acceptable limit. If people are exposed to this particular compound above that acceptable limit over a long period of time, it could increase the risk of cancer. But this should not be cause for panic according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). According to the latest FDA update on the situation in January 2021: > Patients taking recalled ER metformin should continue taking it until a > doctor or pharmacist gives them a replacement or a different treatment > option. It could be dangerous for patients with type 2 diabetes to stop > taking their metformin without first talking to their health care > professional. FDA recommends that health care professionals continue to > prescribe metformin when clinically appropriate. Advertisement: FDA testing did not find NDMA in immediate release (IR) metformin, which according to the FDA is the most commonly prescribed drug. The FDA published a list of the recalled drugs here. According to the FDA, NDMA is classified as a “probable” human carcinogen and is a known environmental contaminant that is also found in water and foods, including meats, dairy products, and vegetables. If you are a type 2 diabetes patient and your drug is on the recall list, the FDA recommends you continue taking it until consulting with a doctor. At the moment, the recalls are due to the possibility of higher levels of NDMA in ER metformin. Consult your health care provider about your specific case. We thus rate this claim a “Mixture.” ### By Nur Ibrahim Nur Nasreen Ibrahim is a reporter with experience working in television, international news coverage, fact checking, and creative writing. ## Article Tags Recall Recommendations Advertisement: ![\\"Snopes.com\\"](\\"/design/images/logo-main.png\\") Company About Us FAQs Contact Us Submit a Topic Navigate Home Search Archive Newsletters Random Sections Latest Top Fact Checks News Account Join Login Game FactBot Like Us on Facebook Follow Us on Twitter © 1995 - 2024 by Snopes Media Group Inc. This material may not be reproduced without permission. Snopes and the Snopes.com logo are registered service marks of Snopes.com Terms of Use Privacy Policy DMCA Policy
The Metformin drug for diabetes patients has been recalled due to an excessive amount of NDMA compound in it which could increase risk of cancer