Metformin probed for carcinogen content in US; drug in Philippines safe, says DOH

The US Food and Drug Administration is investigating brands of the anti-diabetes drug metformin for possibly containing the carcinogen n-nitrosodimethylamine or NDMA.

According to Marisol Abdurahman's report on "24 Oras", three metformin brands in Singapore have been recalled after tests indicated they had high levels of NDMA.

The Department of Health, however, said diabetics in the Philippines need not worry about metformin brands in the country.

"Itong mga na-recall na 'to, mga particular brands ito sa Singapore at saka sa Amerika," Health Undersecretary Eric Domingo said.

"At yung mga brand na 'to, chineck na sa food and drug administration sa Pilipinas, wala. Hindi registered 'tong mga products dito," he added.

The DOH said metformin brands for sale in the Philippines are safe.

"'Yung FDA natin is in touch with parang FDA counterparts natin sa buong mundo. Kapag ganyan na may report, naghihintay din tayo dahil sinasabihan din tayo para makapag-ingat," Domingo said. —Ma. Angelica Garcia/NB, GMA News