Yet another NDMA (N-nitrosodimethylamine) contamination announcement is upon us. Many in the type 2 diabetes community have already been impacted by prescription drug recalls of blood pressure medications commonly prescribed to those who suffer from the illness. The FDA reports that is has become aware of NDMA detected in Metformin in countries outside of the United States, and is currently investigating NDMA levels in Metformin dispensed in the United States. The FDA’s most recent statement claims that there is currently no plan to recall Metformin.
N-nitrosodimethylamine has been identified as a probable carcinogen. The FDA sets acceptable levels of NDMA in foods and drugs. As of now, the FDA claims that Metformin being dispensed in the United States is safe, and that type 2 diabetics who currently take the drug should continue to do so. More than 80 million patients have been prescribed Metformin in the United States, and according to the American Diabetes Association each year the country adds 1.5 million new cases of type 2 diabetes.