In January 2010, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Victoza to help promote insulin secretion and glucose metabolization in the pancreases of patients living with type 2 diabetes. While thousands have claimed that the medication has, in fact, helped them to manage their conditions, others are currently filing lawsuits against the manufacturer, claiming that Victoza causes adverse and potentially life-threatening conditions and side effects.
If you have been diagnosed with cancer or other adverse health complication and you feel that your condition is directly related to the medication, consider seeking legal counsel from knowledgeable Arkansas Victoza lawsuit attorneys to learn more about your rights.
Victoza’s Intended Purpose
According to the manufacturer, Novo Nordisk, daily administration of Victoza enables patients to use insulin more efficiently while helping the body to create more insulin in the pancreas. Greater insulin production can help patients to regulate potentially unbalanced sugar levels. With diabetes named as the leading cause of disability and death and with over 1.5 million new diagnosed cases annually, Victoza quickly rose to be one of the highest-selling type 2 diabetes medications.
Unfortunately, it has come to the attention of regulatory authorities, Arkansas Victoza lawsuit attorneys and plaintiffs across the country that the drug may share a relationship with the development of several adverse health conditions including cancer.
No Victoza Recall
As of July 2011, the FDA received reports of 28 claims from patients diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and 200 claims from individuals suffering from acute pancreatitis. As a result, plaintiffs may consider consulting with Arkansas Victoza lawsuit attorneys to learn more about filing a claim to receive compensation for their injuries.
The FDA issued new warnings in June 2011 after receiving numerous adverse event reports connecting the medication to pancreatitis, thyroid cancer and renal failure. The medical community alleges that the medication was unnecessarily approved against the direct advice of two FDA pharmacologist reviewers and an FDA clinical safety reviewer responsible for evaluating the mediation prior to its release. They claimed, along with other experts, that since there were already 11 other similar medications already publicly available, there was no need to rush an approval on Victoza if it would potentially cause harm to patients.
However, on March 14, 2013, the FDA issued a new warning alerting the public to a study that suggest Victoza and other incretin mimetics could potentially increase a patient’s risk for pre-cancerous cell changes, or pancreatic duct metaplasia, and pancreatitis. These risks were also allegedly found in medications similar to Victoza including Januvia, Janumet, Bydureon and Byetta.
At the time, the FDA maintained that they would not be changing the safety warnings of the drugs but that it would continue to review details of the study. If you or someone you love have been severely affected by Victoza, an Arkansas Victoza lawsuit attorney can help you to pursue a claim to seek compensation for your injuries.
Are There Side Effects?
While thousands of patients have successfully used Victoza with little to no complications, experienced Arkansas Victoza lawsuit attorneys and firms across the country are familiar with the side effects reported by plaintiffs currently filing claims against the drug’s manufacturer. Patients have reported symptoms that may indicate a thyroid cancer condition such as:
- Trouble breathing
- Difficulty swallowing
- A lump in the neck
- Hoarseness
Physicians have also been advised by the FDA to monitor patients carefully when first prescribing the drug or when increasing the dosage. The medical community should be aware of side effects that could indicate pancreatitis including low blood glucose levels, intense abdominal pain, kidney disease, hives, rashes, itching or signs of an allergic reaction. If you have noticed any one or more of these symptoms, consider contacting an Arkansas Victoza lawsuit attorneys to determine if you have a claim.
However, some of the more common, less serious side effects reported by patients include loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, head pain, indigestion and infrequent or incomplete bowel movements.
Watchdog Group Petitions the FDA
A consumer advocacy group known as Public Citizen sent a petition to the FDA to remove Victoza from the market. The group maintains that the potential risks and proven side effects of the medication greatly outweigh any noted benefits. Additionally, the drug allegedly puts patients at a higher risk of suffering from pancreatitis, severe allergic reactions, thyroid cancer and kidney failure. Public Citizen also alleges that the warning system currently in place by the FDA is not sufficient and that patients should not be put at a safety risk when safer alternatives are available to treat type 2 diabetes.
Injured While Taking Victoza? Contact Arkansas Victoza Lawsuit Attorneys Today
If you or someone you love suffered from serious side effects or fatal complications while taking Victoza, experienced Arkansas Victoza lawsuit attorneys may be able to assist you. The professionals at Attorney Group for Arkansas can review your case and answer your questions to the best of our ability. If we determine that you are eligible to pursue a claim, we will connect you with experienced Arkansas Victoza lawsuit attorneys who will further assist you.
