Victoza, approved in 2010 by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), is an injectable medication designed to help type 2 diabetes patients’ bodies more efficiently use insulin. The manufacturer of Victoza, Novo Nordisk, reports that type 2 diabetes patients can better manage their conditions with the help of Victoza. However, some Victoza patients allege that the product can cause organ failure, permanent disability, pancreatitis, pancreatic cancer, and thyroid cancer.
If you or someone you love is taking Victoza and you were diagnosed with cancer or you suffered from renal failure or other complications, you may be entitled to file an Iowa Victoza lawsuit and seek compensation for your injuries. Attorney Group for Iowa can answer your questions, address your concerns, and help you determine if you have a case. Contact us today to learn more.
Risks and Side Effects of Victoza
As with any drug, Victoza can cause common side effects such as incomplete or infrequent bowel movements, diarrhea, loss of appetite, vomiting, nausea, indigestion, and headache. However, in June 2011, the FDA announced that the drug could increase a type 2 diabetes patient’s risk of developing thyroid cancer. Consider seeking legal counsel to file an Iowa Victoza lawsuit if you experienced the following symptoms associated with thyroid cancer:
- A lump in your neck
- Hoarseness
- Difficulty swallowing
- Trouble breathing
The consumer advocacy group Public Citizen sent the FDA a petition in which it requested that Victoza and other incretin mimetics such as Januvia, Janumet, and Byetta be removed from the market. According to Public Citizen and other medical experts, the reported benefits of these medications are not worth the risk of developing serious and life-threatening health conditions. While the FDA has since agreed to investigate these medications, it has not yet issued a recall.
The warning label on Victoza was updated in May 2011 to reflect the risk of nausea, vomiting, dehydration, renal impairment, and diarrhea. However, while such an update certainly helps new Victoza patients, it does little for those who are already suffering from kidney complications as a result of long-term Victoza use. If you suffered from kidney damage that resulted in additional health problems, you may be eligible to recover damages by filing an Iowa Victoza lawsuit.
As of July 2011, the FDA had reportedly received 200 claims of acute pancreatitis and 28 claims of pancreatic cancer from Victoza patients. As a result of the reported complications and side effects, patients throughout the U.S. are filing lawsuits against Novo Nordisk and the manufacturers of similar incretin mimetics.
According to the pending lawsuits, the manufacturers neglected to investigate the possible link between cancer and their products before making those products available for use. Additionally, manufacturers had the responsibility to warn consumers of any known risks, and several companies are accused of hiding these risks in an attempt to maintain their profits.
Contact Attorney Group for Iowa for More Information
If you or someone you love took Victoza and experienced complications that you believe were caused by the medication, you may be eligible to file an Iowa Victoza lawsuit. Attorney Group for Iowa is currently investigating potential lawsuits on behalf of individuals who were allegedly harmed by Victoza. We can provide you with a free evaluation of your Iowa Victoza case and, if you are eligible to file a lawsuit, put you in touch with an affiliated attorney. Depending on the specifics of your claim, you may be eligible to recover damages for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
