Mississippi Victoza Lawsuit Attorneys
Victoza is used to help those struggling with type 2 diabetes better control their blood sugar levels. Those living with type 2 diabetes find that their bodies do not properly create insulin and are therefore unable to control the amount of sugar passed into the bloodstream. According to Victoza’s manufacturer, Novo Nordisk, the medication is designed to help the pancreas produce more insulin, which, in turn, breaks down the sugar in the patient’s bloodstream.
Although the medication is helpful to some living with type 2 diabetes, numerous studies and clinical trials have suggested that Victoza may not be entirely safe for patients. If you have suffered from an injury while taking Victoza, Mississippi Victoza lawsuit attorneys can help you to determine if you have a claim.
Victoza Side Effects
Victoza and other similar incretin mimetics function as glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) therapies. The GLP-1 is a hormone responsible for stimulating the production of insulin, which is needed to help the body breakdown sugar.
However, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Victoza in January 2010, allegedly against the direct advice of several safety reviews associated with the agency. The researchers supplied evidence from clinical trials that suggested that Victoza could be responsible for an increased risk of both pancreatitis and thyroid cancer. However, although the FDA decided to approve Victoza, the agency later issued a warning that stated that the medication could lead to thyroid tumors and death if the condition was left untreated.
Serious side effects alleged by plaintiffs and possible Mississippi Victoza lawsuit attorneys include:
- Pancreatitis: Often signaled by severe abdominal pain, the discomfort is typically mild but gradually develops into excruciating pain into the stomach which may or may not radiate into the back. Plaintiffs also allege that the pain may become worse after eating or when laying on the back.
- Pancreatic cancer: Unfortunately, pancreatitis, often a precursor to pancreatic cancer, does not often exhibit early warning signs of symptoms. However, as the disease progresses, patients report vomiting, nausea and pain in the upper stomach. A patient may also lose weight, feel weak and notice a yellowing of the eyes and skin and a change of consistency and color of urine and stool.
- Thyroid cancer: In its beginning stages, thyroid cancer typically does not have any warning signs. However, as the cancer grows, the patient may have difficulty swallowing due to an inflamed throat. He or she may feel as though there is a lump in the throat.
- Other side effects include diarrhea, constipation, migraines, appetite changes, stomach and back pain, heartburn, difficulty urinating, runny nose, heartburn, coughing, sneezing, rash, exhaustion and nausea.
- If you or a loved one have noticed any of these symptoms, it is advisable to notify your healthcare provider to determine if Victoza may be the cause of the side effects. If you have already consulted with a physician and have been diagnosed with a condition, Mississippi Victoza lawsuit attorneys can help to review your options. You could be eligible to file a case and hold Novo Nordisk accountable for its allegedly unsafe product.
Studies Suggest Concerns
According to a patient safety group, Public Citizen, the medication should not have been approved by the FDA as three reviewers suggested potential complications between Victoza and adverse health conditions. The group submitted a petition to the FDA to have the drug recalled, stating that the possible benefits did not outweigh the proven risks.
In 2011, a study found that a similar drug, Byetta, was associated with a 2.9-fold increased risk of pancreatic cancer in patients taking the medication. One of the authors of the study has begun to advocate for more research to analyze the link between these medications and pancreatic cancer. If you were diagnosed with pancreatitis or pancreatic cancer, Mississippi Victoza lawsuit attorneys can help to inform you of your legal rights.
Additionally, the team found that GLP-1 therapies may be associated with an increased risk of thyroid cancer as high doses caused thyroid tumors in rats and mice. However, the FDA reportedly stated that it was uncertain whether these drugs would cause the same effect in humans. Nevertheless, and although the FDA approved the drug, they also required Novo Nordisk to conduct a five-year study to evaluate whether Victoza was linked to thyroid cancer, pancreatitis and other medical conditions.
Considering Filing a Claim? Contact Professional Mississippi Victoza Lawsuit Attorneys Today
If you or a loved one have been taking Victoza and were diagnosed with cancer or other adverse health complication, consider seeking legal counsel from experienced Mississippi Victoza lawsuit attorneys as soon as possible. The time to pursue a claim in these cases is often limited, so to ensure the best chance of filing an eligible claim with Mississippi Victoza lawsuit attorneys, act sooner rather than later. At Attorney Group for Mississippi, we can provide you with a free consultation and help answer your questions. If you have a valid case, we will connect you with knowledgeable Mississippi Victoza lawsuit attorneys who will handle your claim and help you to seek compensation for your injuries.