FDA investigating Metformin for Carcinogens

[sharoncrayn]

The investigation by the FDA of Metformin (probably the most investigated drug of all time given its long history for use with Type 2 diabetes) for the carcinogen NMDA is of some concern given the plethora of generic manufacturers of this drug, especially from India and China.

NDMA or NMN is usually classified as a type "B2" carcinogen which means human data on its effects are minimal or non-existent, but animal studies are available.

Another very popular drug, Zantac, as well as some BP drugs, also contains amounts of NMDA (in nanograms somewhere above 70 or as high as 96 nanograms per day which is considered by some experts the upper limit for pharmaceutical drugs).

Of course, chlorination of water creates NDMA as well but usually at levels well below that found in some drugs (usually at a 7-15 nanogram level). Somewhat different for almost all processed meat using sodium nitrate. These contain NDMA equivalent to the upper levels considered safe to ingest on a daily basis.

As a bio chemist, I would suggest that the incidence or prevalence of NDMA is related to the QC of the "specific" manufacturing process. Why it is even used in making certain drugs by certain companies is a question the manufacturers have to answer. Similar to the use and abuse of Fluoride? Very likely.

Sharon

[sharoncrayn]

a couple of typos. It is NDMA