Although the popular type 2 diabetes medication Victoza has helped patients manage their blood glucose levels, others are filing claims against the drug’s manufacturer, Novo Nordisk, alleging that they suffered from several conditions including kidney failure, acute pancreatitis, pancreatic cancer and thyroid cancer while taking the medication.
You may consider seeking legal counsel to file an Arkansas Victoza lawsuit if you have been diagnosed with a life-threatening condition or suffered from adverse side effects while taking the medication. Contact an experienced attorney to learn more about your rights.
What is Victoza?
Approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in January 2010, Victoza belongs to a class of type 2 diabetes medications known as incretin mimetics. These drugs prevent sugar overproduction while relieving insulin deficiencies in those living with the condition. However, Novo Nordisk, the manufacturer of Victoza, is currently facing claims from plaintiffs alleging that the company used dangerous and aggressive marketing methods to promote Victoza and generate $670 million in sales in one year.
Although many patients with type 2 diabetes have reported success with Victoza, three safety reviewers for the FDA expressed concern prior to the drug’s approval. According to the researchers, Victoza increased the risk of pancreatitis and thyroid tumors in laboratory rats and mice.
Victoza May Cause Adverse Side Effects
The FDA reviewed 25 claims from those allegedly injured while taking Victoza between February 2010 and September 2011. Claims suggested a potential relationship between Victoza and thyroid cancer as demonstrated by evidence submitted by patients. You may be entitled to file an Arkansas Victoza lawsuit if you have been diagnosed with thyroid cancer as evident from the following symptoms:
- Persistent or frequent hoarseness
- Lump in the throat or neck
- Difficulty swallowing
- Trouble breathing
If your healthcare provider has diagnosed you with pancreatitis, you may also be entitled to file an Arkansas Victoza lawsuit claim to hold the manufacturer accountable for your condition. According to experts in the medical community, the most obvious signs of acute pancreatitis are:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Oily or smelly stools
- Indigestion
- Weight loss
- Abdominal pain or tenderness
In 2011, the FDA updated Victoza’s warning label to include a possible relationship between Victoza and renal impairment. Symptoms of kidney damage include nausea, diarrhea and dehydration. You may consider seeking legal counsel to learn more about filing an Arkansas Victoza lawsuit if you suffered from one or more of these side effects and were subsequently diagnosed with thyroid cancer.
Victoza Lawsuits
Pending lawsuits from plaintiffs alleging that Victoza and other incretin mimetics including Janumet, Januvia and Byetta caused serious and life-threatening complications have recently been consolidated. The multidistrict litigation (MDL) is located in the U.S. District Court, Southern District of California and includes lawsuits from allegedly injured patients claiming that they developed pancreatitis, thyroid cancer, pancreatic cancer and other complications while taking the medications.
While 60 claims were filed as of September 2013, court documents indicate a significant increase as over 150 claims were pending as of October 2013. Attorneys representing plaintiffs in these cases anticipate that the proceeding could see another increase in claims as additional patients come forward.
Considering Filing an Arkansas Victoza Lawsuit? We Can Help
If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with serious or life-threatening health complications such as pancreatitis or pancreatic cancer while taking Victoza, you may be entitled to pursue a claim. At Attorney Group for Arkansas, we can provide you with a free, no-obligation consultation and help you to determine if you have a valid case. We will connect you with attorneys experienced in handling Arkansas Victoza lawsuits who will assist you throughout the legal process. You may be eligible to recover damages including pain and suffering, lost wages and medical expenses. So contact Attorney Group for Arkansas today for your free consultation.
