Since the drug entered the market in 2010, Victoza has been under intense scrutiny due to its harmful and often deadly side effects. Most prominently, Victoza has been associated with pancreatitis, thyroid cancer, kidney failure and serious allergic reactions. However, even in the face of these dangerous risks, Victoza has continued to churn massive sales, to the tune of $670 million in 2011 alone.
Most concerning is that Novo Nordisk was aware of these pitfalls even before the drug was accepted by the FDA in 2010. Nevertheless, despite these safety concerns, and despite many safety warning issued not only by the FDA but other health safety groups, Victoza continues to be sold to unassuming consumers. The Victoza attorneys at Downtown L.A. Law Group is currently accepting claims relating to injuries incurred as a result of the drug.
Victoza Side Effects
Victoza has been linked to several serious side effects, prompting FDA black box warning as a well as consumer backlash against the drug. Below is a list of the most common and harmful dangers associated with VictozaVictoza Pancreatitis:
Pancreatitis is the inflammation of the pancreas, which is a large organ located behind the abdomen and near the small intestine. In the FDA’s own clinical trials, pancreatitis formed in 7 users and a June 2011 FDA Safety Communication indicated that 200 cases of acute pancreatitis and 28 cases of pancreatic cancer had been reported. This does not account for instances that remained unreported. It is estimated that only a small fraction (as low as ten percent) are actually reported, indicating that the risk of pancreatitis is far more prevalent than reported. Clinical trials have further indicated that users of Victoza are three to four times more likely of suffering from pancreatitis compared to patients taking other type 2 diabetes drugs.Victoza Thyroid Cancer:
Thyroid cancer occurs as a result of abnormal cell formation in the thyroid gland. Initial studies of Victoza, conducted on animals, suggest that patients are two to three times more likely of suffering from thyroid cancer when compared to other diabetes drugs. In response, the FDA has required Novo Nordisk to conduct a five year study on the potential of thyroid cancer on humans. Unfortunately, however, the true risk of thyroid cancer in Victoza patients will not be known for several years, when the potential harm has already escalated. Symptoms of thyroid cancer in patients of Victoza include:- A lump on the outer body
- Breathing problems
- Inability or trouble swallowing
- Other Victoza Side Effects
- In addition to pancreatitis, pancreatic cancer, and thyroid cancer, Victoza has been linked to other serious side effects, including:
- Renal failure
- Kidney failure
- Allergic reaction (often with fatal outcomes)
- Vomiting
- Abnormal heart rate