Those living with type 2 diabetes may be prescribed Victoza as a way to better manage their blood sugar levels. While the drug received approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in January 2010, the medication has allegedly been linked to an increased risk of pancreatitis, pancreatic cancer, kidney failure, and thyroid cancer.
If you have been diagnosed with an adverse health condition or suffered from serious side effects while taking Victoza, you may be entitled to file a Florida Victoza lawsuit to seek compensation for your injuries. Contact an experienced attorney to learn more about your legal rights.
Overview of Victoza
Manufactured and marketed by Novo Nordisk, Victoza was initially intended to relieve insulin deficiencies and prevent the body from overproducing sugar in those living with type 2 diabetes. In 2011 alone, the manufacturer brought in over $670 million in sales from Victoza, according to court records.
However, despite the popularity of the medication, several safety reviewers working for the FDA cautioned the agency against approving Victoza for release to the public. According to the researchers, laboratory rats and mice taking Victoza were at an increased risk of thyroid cancer and pancreatitis. The FDA apparently disagreed, claiming that such side effects would not necessarily be apparent in humans.
Plaintiffs Allege Victoza Side Effects
In 2011, the FDA acknowledged that there could potentially be a link between Victoza and thyroid cancer. The conclusion came after review of 25 separate claims from patients who had been diagnosed with the condition while taking Victoza between February 2010 and September 2011. You may be entitled to seek compensation by filing a Florida Victoza lawsuit if you have noticed any of the following side effects or symptoms of thyroid cancer:
- Trouble swallowing
- Frequent or persistent hoarseness
- Lump in the neck or throat
- Difficulty breathing or catching breath
Those suffering from pancreatitis while taking the drug may also be entitled to file a Florida Victoza lawsuit and hold the manufacturer accountable for their condition. Medical experts maintain that, while acute pancreatitis is often difficult to diagnose, the most common symptoms include:
- Weight loss
- Abdominal pain
- Indigestion
- Oily or smelly stools
- Vomiting
- Nausea
The FDA updated the warning label on Victoza in 2011 to include the potential link between the medication and renal impairment. Adverse event reports submitted to the FDA by patients allegedly suffering from the condition include claims of symptoms including dehydration, vomiting, diarrhea and nausea. If you are suffering from kidney damage or renal impairment, consider seeking legal counsel to learn more about filing a Florida Victoza lawsuit and seeking compensation for your injuries. You may be entitled to recover damages such as pain and suffer, loss of earning capacity, lost wages or medical expenses incurred as a result of your condition.
Pending Victoza Lawsuits
Court documents report that 60 claims pertaining to incretin mimetics such as Victoza, Janumet, Byetta and Januvia had been filed as of September 2013. In October 2013, there were over 150 pending lawsuits from plaintiffs alleging injuries while taking these medications.
The cases have been consolidated into a multidistrict litigation (MDL) to be held in the U.S. District Court, Southern District of California. Attorneys anticipate that additional plaintiffs may come forward, and that the number of claims will continue to increase over the next few months.
Our Affiliated Attorneys Can Help You File a Florida Victoza Lawsuit
Have you been diagnosed with pancreatitis, kidney failure, pancreatic cancer, thyroid cancer or other adverse health condition while taking Victoza? You may be entitled to file a Florida Victoza lawsuit and hold the manufacturer responsible for your injuries. At Attorney Group for Florida, we can evaluate your claim at no cost or obligation and help you to determine if you have a valid case. We will connect you with attorneys experienced in handling Florida Victoza lawsuits who will help you to seek the compensation to which you may be entitled.
