Lawyers Reviewing Victoza Cancer Lawsuits
Research has suggested that the side effects of Victoza and other similar diabetes drugs may increase the risk of cancer, including pancreatic cancer and thyroid cancer. It appears that Novo Nordisk withheld important information about the risk of these serious and life-threatening health problems from Victoza.
The lawyers at Saiontz & Kirk, P.A. are reviewing potential Victoza lawsuits for individuals throughout the United States who have taken the popular type 2 diabetes drug and been diagnosed with:
- Thyroid Cancer
- Pancreatic Cancer
- Wrongful Death from Cancer
Financial compensation may be available through a Victoza cancer lawsuit as a result of the drug maker’s failure to provide adequate warnings. To review a potential case for yourself, a friend or family member, request a free consultation and claim evaluation.
Victoza Cancer Side Effects
Victoza (liraglutide) is a once-daily injectable type 2 diabetes drug known as a glucagon-like peptie-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist. It is used to help reduce blood sugar levels and treat type 2 diabetes.
It was approved by the FDA in 2010 and belongs to a class of drugs known as incretin mimetics, which also includes Byetta, Januvia and Janumet.
Since it was introduced by Novo Nordisk, serious concerns have existed about the risk of serious and life threatening Victoza side effects.
Although evidence has continued to emerge suggesting a link between Victoza and cancer, the manufacturer has continued to aggressively promote the medication as safe and effective.
There have been calls for the FDA to recall Victoza and questions have emerged about whether the drug is any more effective than other available diabetes medications, sales for Victoza have quickly grown. In 2011, the first full year it was on the market, more than $1 billion in sales were generated by Victoza prescriptions and the drug generated an estimated $1.6 billion in sales in 2012.
▸ Victoza Pancreatic Cancer Lawsuit
The entire class of diabetes drugs known as incretin mimetics have been linked to a potential risk of pancreatitis and pancreatic cancer. Victoza lawsuits are being evaluated for individuals throughout the United States who have developed cancer of the pancreas.
According to case reports, Victoza problems often start as pancreatitis, or inflammation of the pancreas, which may be asymptomatic and then develop into cancer if left untreated.
During the first 17 months the drug was on the market, more than 200 reports of acute pancreatitis with Victoza were reported to the FDA, which is a substantial risk factor for the subsequent development of pancreatic cancer, due to the chronic inflammation and increased cell turn over.
In 2013, the FDA announced that they were investigating the potential risk of pancreatic cancer with Victoza and other incretin mimetics, after a study of pancreas tissue of former users of the drugs suggested inflammation of the pancreas and pre-cancer cell changes called pancreatic duct metaplasia.
Pancreatic cancer lawsuits over Victoza allege that Novo Nordisk withheld information about the potential side effects of the medication, preventing users and the medical community from making an informed decision about whether the benefits provided justify the dangers. In addition, information about the Victoza pancreatic cancer risk may have allowed users to monitor for the first signs of changes to the pancrease.
▸ Victoza Thyroid Cancer Lawsuit
The potential for product liability lawsuits are also being evaluated for users diagnosed with thyroid cancer from Victoza.
In 2009, before the drug was ever introduced, concerns were raised about the link between Victoza and cancer. Data from an animal study suggested a potential risk for thyroid cancer with Victoza exposure.
According to adverse event reports submitted to the FDA during the 12 months ending June 2012, at least 17 Victoza thyroid cancer cases were identified by the Institute for Safe Medication Practices. This likely only represents about 1% to 10% of all actual users diagnosed with thyroid cancer on Victoza.
A black box warning about the Victoza risk for thyroid cancer was placed on the medication, but concerns exist about whether such warnings are sufficient and whether the medication should have ever been sold.
▸ Victoza Recall
When Victoza was first introduced, questions were raised about the need for it, since other diabetes drugs were already equally effective. Even FDA reviewers raised concerns about Victoza problems, but the medication was approved anyway.
In April 2012, a petition was filed by the consumer advocacy group Public Citizen calling for a Victoza recall. The petition asked the FDA to remove Victoza from the market.
In March 2013, after further concerns about the risk of pancreatic cancer with Victoza emerged, Public Citizen suggested that it would be a “reckless approach” to leave any medications from this class on the market, since it is increasingly clear that Victoza and other related drugs increase the risk of cancer. The group highlighted that there are no unique benefits for diabetics, but increasing evidence of a cancer risk.
Victoza Cancer Class Action Lawyers
The Victoza cancer lawyers at Saiontz & Kirk, P.A. are reviewing individual product liability injury lawsuits as well as potential Victoza class action lawsuits for individuals diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, thyroid cancer or other injuries associated with the use of the diabetes drug.
It appears that Novo Nordisk has chosen to ignore clear evidence about the connection between Victoza and cancer, including pancreatic cancer and thyroid cancer, failing to adequately warn consumers or the medical community. In addition, the drug maker should have recalled Victoza as soon as it became clear from post-marketing reports that any benefits were outweighed by the risk of health problems from Victoza.
All lawsuits are reviewed by the Victoza attorneys at Saiontz & Kirk, P.A. on a contingency fee basis, which means there are no fees or expenses unless a recovery is obtained. However, every case does have a deadline or statute of limitations, so it is important to review any potential Victoza case as early as possible.