Oklahoma Victoza Lawsuit
Scientific studies have shown that specific diabetes medications that directly affect the GLP-1 metabolic pathway, including Januvia, Byetta, Janumet and Victoza, can increase patients’ risks of developing pancreatitis and pancreatic cancer.
If you or someone you love have been diagnosed with a health condition that you feel is the result of your type 2 diabetes medication, consult with Oklahoma Victoza lawsuit attorneys to determine if you have a valid claim.
Studies Suggest Possible Relationship Between Victoza and Cancer
In 2011, researchers reviewed adverse event reports submitted to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and found that those who were taking incretin mimetics were three times more likely to develop pancreatic cancer. Additionally, other studies have provided evidence that those living with diabetes are already at risk for this condition.
According to experts, Victoza has the following effects on the body:
- Reduces normal cell degradation
- Reduces normal cell death
- Increases chronic inflammation
- Encourages cell proliferation
- Changes cell responses
- Inhibits the immune system’s ability to fight off cancerous cells
All of the above effects can increase the risk of a patient developing cancer. While many healthcare experts agree that each individual is at a certain degree of risk for pancreatic cancer, it has been suggested that Victoza and other incretin mimetics accelerate that risk.
If you have been diagnosed with a condition after a healthcare provider has noted one or more of these changes in your body, Oklahoma Victoza lawsuit attorneys can review your case to determine if you are eligible to pursue a claim against the manufacturer and seek compensation for your injuries.
Victoza Background
Victoza was approved on January 25, 2010 by the FDA as a way for those living with type 2 diabetes to better manage their blood sugar levels. While many have successfully taken the drug with little to no side effects, hundreds of others are filing lawsuits against the manufacturer to seek compensation for their injuries. In several cases, surviving family members are filing wrongful death lawsuits, alleging that Victoza directly resulted in the death of a loved one. If you feel that you have a case and are considering filing a claim, Oklahoma Victoza lawsuit attorneys can discuss your claim in greater detail.
Oklahoma Victoza lawsuit attorneys and lawyers across the country feel confident about pending and future litigations and trials. However, discovery is still progressing and firms continue to review thousands of pages of documents on behalf of plaintiffs and injured individuals.
Aside from pancreatic cancer, thyroid cancer and kidney failure, patients may experience less common side effects such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, difficulty producing bowel movements and headaches. More serious side effects include intense abdominal pain, hives, itching, rashes, kidney disease, low blood glucose levels and severe allergic reactions.
No Victoza Recall
Despite the mounting studies and clinical trials suggesting a link between Victoza and pancreatic cancer, thyroid cancer, kidney failure and other severe health complications, the FDA has not recalled the medication from the public market. Public Citizen, a patient safety group, petitioned the FDA to pull the drug, citing the increased risk for cancers and other serious side effects. The group maintained that the possible benefits of the drugs did not necessarily outweigh the alleged side effects and risks.
Additionally, plaintiffs and potential Oklahoma Victoza lawsuit attorneys cite the manufacturer’s desire for placing profits ahead of consumer safety as a reason to why the company did not issue warnings as soon as they had evidence of potential complications. In fact, according to court documents, Victoza brings in annual sales over $1 billion, allowing the manufacturer to pay large sums of money for celebrity endorsements such as those provided by Paula Deen.
Unfortunately, plaintiffs allege that the FDA sometimes takes an “approve first, ask questions later” approach when it comes to approving medications. The agency allegedly went against the direct advice of several of its safety reviewers in approving the medication, even though its employees stated that there were already 11 similar medications on the market; there was no need to approve one more that could potentially cause harm to patients.
Diagnosed with Cancer? Contact Oklahoma Victoza Lawsuit Attorneys Today
If you or a loved one have been diagnosed with thyroid cancer, pancreatic cancer, pancreatitis, kidney failure or other serious health condition after taking Victoza, you may be able to work with Oklahoma Victoza lawsuit attorneys to file a lawsuit and seek compensation from the drug’s manufacturer. At Attorney Group for Oklahoma, we can work to answer any questions you may have to the best of our ability and review your case at no cost to you. Should we feel that you have a valid claim, we will connect you with experienced Oklahoma Victoza lawsuit attorneys who will be able to help you to pursue compensation for your injuries. You may be entitled to receive damages including lost wages, medical expenses and pain and suffering.
