Victoza Study: Drug May Raise Glucagon Levels

Victoza lawyers note a July 2015 Victoza study that suggests the drug may increase glucagon levels in type 2 diabetes patients. Glucagon raises the blood glucose levels, so an excess of this hormone can cause very high blood glucose levels (hyperglucagonemia), if it is not counteracted by insulin. Victoza is a type 2 diabetes drug that is taken to reduce blood glucose levels and aid weight loss in patients.

If you or a loved one took Victoza and are now suffering from side effects, including thyroid cancer, renal failure or other health conditions that you feel are caused by the medication, contact Attorney Group for more information. We offer free, no-obligation consultations and can inform you of your options. If you decide to pursue a claim, we can connect you with an affiliated Victoza lawsuit attorney.

Important: The time you have to pursue a claim is limited. Contact us for more information.

Researchers Caution That Further Study Is Required

Glucagon is a hormone, produced by alpha cells of the pancreas, which raises the concentration of glucose in the bloodstream. Its effect is the opposite to that of insulin, which lowers the glucose concentration. According to Healio.com, the July 2015 study, published in the Journal of Endocrinology and Metabolism, the long-term treatment with Victoza in patients with early type 2 diabetes can result in an escalation of glucagonemia that persists over the course of treatment. The results of the Victoza study also revealed lower glucagon levels during fasting periods when patients continued taking Victoza.

The researchers note that the glucose-lowering effects of Victoza may not be directly attributed to post-meal glucagon suppression, as has previously been understood. As glucagon works by helping the body to shed body fat, researchers state that it may not be so surprising that Victoza, which is known to aid weight loss, should be linked with higher glucagon levels. The report concluded by cautioning that further studies will be needed to confirm why longer periods of Victoza therapy is linked with higher glucagon levels and whether this may increase the risks associated with the diabetes drug. Victoza has been linked to serious side effects such as thyroid cancer, pancreatitis, renal failure and allergic reactions.

Affected Patients May Be Entitled to Compensation

Drug companies have a duty to manufacture medications that are safe and to warn of any known sever side effects. Failure to do this can result in the manufacturer being held liable for damages to patients that are caused by the drug, including:

  • Pain and suffering
  • Medical expenses
  • Mental anguish

If a patient dies as a result of taking Victoza, family members may be able to pursue wrongful death claims. These kinds of damages can include:

  • Pain, suffering, and mental anguish
  • Medical expenses attributable to the injury
  • Conscious pain and suffering of a loved one prior to death

Affected families are encouraged to speak with a Victoza lawsuit attorney to learn more about their rights and remedies.

Contact Us For More Information

If you or a loved one took Victoza and suffered complications, contact Attorney Group for more information. You can fill out the form on this page, call us at the number listed at the top of the page, or email us at info@attorneygroup.com.

When you contact us, an attorney will follow up with you to speak with you about your case or answer questions that you may have. There is no cost or obligation to speak with us, and any information you provide will be kept confidential.

Please note that the law limits the time you have to pursue a claim for an injury. If you think you have a case, you should not delay taking action.

See our Frequently Asked Questions page for more information, and contact Attorney Group today.

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