Reviewed by Laurence P. Banville, Esq.Frequently asked questions
What were the metformin lawsuits in 2015 about?
The 2015 metformin litigation centered on claims that drug manufacturers failed to adequately warn patients and physicians about the risk of lactic acidosis, a rare but potentially fatal buildup of lactic acid in the bloodstream. In 2015, the FDA updated its safety communications requiring stronger warnings about contraindications for patients with impaired kidney function. Plaintiffs argued that earlier, clearer warnings could have prevented serious injuries and deaths.
Can I still file a metformin lawsuit in New York in 2025 or 2026?
In New York, personal injury claims are governed by a 3-year statute of limitations under CPLR §214, which typically begins running from the date of injury or the date you discovered (or reasonably should have discovered) the harm. If your injury occurred in 2015 or shortly after and you have not yet filed, the window may have closed — but the discovery rule and tolling exceptions can extend the deadline in some cases. Consult a New York personal injury attorney immediately to evaluate whether your claim is still timely.
What types of injuries are associated with metformin and lactic acidosis?
Lactic acidosis linked to metformin can cause severe muscle pain, weakness, difficulty breathing, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, and in serious cases, multi-organ failure and death. Patients with pre-existing kidney disease, liver impairment, or heart failure face elevated risk. If you or a family member suffered any of these complications while taking metformin, document all medical records, prescription history, and communications with healthcare providers as they will be critical to any legal claim.
What compensation could a metformin injury claim recover in New York?
A successful product liability or failure-to-warn claim in New York may recover damages for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and in cases of wrongful death, compensation for surviving family members under EPTL §5-4.1. New York does not cap compensatory damages in most personal injury cases, meaning recoverable amounts depend on the specific facts, severity of harm, and strength of the evidence. An attorney can assess the realistic value of your individual claim after reviewing your records.