Victoza Issues: Thyroid Cancer and Other Problems

Victoza Pancreatic Cancer

New evidence suggests a definitive link between the injectable Type 2 diabetes drug, Victoza, and pancreatic cancer. On March 14^th, 2013, in a Drug Safety Communication, the FDA stated samples of pancreatic tissue taken from a number of Victoza patients showed significant levels of inflammation and cellular changes, known to precede pancreatic cancer. These tissue samples were taken from patients taking Victoza who died from “various causes.” Victoza is one of several drugs used to treat Type 2 diabetes which mimic the natural hormones which stimulate insulin production following a meal.

Pancreatitis causes inflammation of the pancreas, and, in some cases, can lead to fatal complications. Because pancreatic cancer is often not detected until it is in the advanced stages, the recovery rates for this type of cancer are extremely low. A study published in the journal Gastroenterology, placed the risks of pancreatic cancer among those taking drugs similar to Victoza at nearly three times the risk of those taking older diabetic drugs. This same study placed the risks of pancreatitis at nearly six times that of those taking an older diabetic drug, and those who suffer repeated bouts of pancreatitis are at a much greater risk of developing pancreatic cancer.

Victoza Thyroid Cancer

Victoza received FDA approval in 2010 yet the agency began receiving adverse health reports from those taking the drug only a few short months after that approval. A group known as Public Citizen filed a petition with the FDA in 2012 against Victoza, citing a high risk of thyroid cancer, severe allergies, renal failure and chronic or severe pancreatitis. The members of Public Citizen asked that Victoza be pulled from the market however the FDA has declined to issue a recall for the drug at this point. At the time Victoza was approved by the FDA, two pharmacologists and one clinical safety reviewer advised against approving the drug pending further studies and stated that “The approval (of Victoza) was a huge blow to the health and safety of diabetics in this country.”

Public Citizen based their request to pull Victoza off the shelves on the results of a study done on laboratory rats and mice linking the drug to medullary thyroid cancer. Although the FDA did approve Victoza they asked the manufacturer, Novo Nordisk, to engage in a five year study regarding Victoza dangers as well as to provide a Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy. While the human risk of thyroid cancer has not been definitively linked to Vitctoza, neither has it been ruled out. Those with a personal or family history of thyroid cancer should not take Victoza until further studies have been conducted.

Victoza Safety Concerns Leading to a Victoza Lawsuit

The FDA did require a black box warning on Victoza packaging in 2011 warning about the risks of thyroid cancer and pancreatitis among Victoza patients. Those who have suffered from adverse health risks after taking Victoza should consult their doctor to ensure their health is protected.

What are Victoza Dangers? A Discussion on Pancreatic Cancer and Thyroid Cancer

Victoza Diabetic Drug Dangers

Victoza is a drug manufactured by Novo Nordisk and used in the treatment of Type 2 diabetes. Victoza is injected once-daily, with or without food. The dosage is not dependent on what you eat or how active you are. Other injectable drugs of this type must be injected twice-daily, before breakfast and before dinners, so many of those with Type 2 diabetes enjoy the flexibility of Victoza. Unfortunately, after gaining FDA approval in 2010, adverse reports began coming into the FDA regarding serious side effects from the drug. While only about 200 such reports were sent to the FDA in the first year, it is generally agreed that only about 10% of those who suffer negative health symptoms from a drug or medical device will contact the FDA. This means there are significantly more Victoza users who have had adverse health effects from using the drug.

Victoza Pancreatic Cancer and Victoza Pancreatitis

Several studies have pointed to much more serious side effects among Victoza users, primarily pancreatitis and pancreatic cancer as well as thyroid cancer and kidney problems. A study which was reported in eHealthMe and was based on statements sent to the FDA showed that as of June 14, 2013, 11,308 people have reported adverse side effects from Victoza. Eighty-three of those patients developed pancreatic cancer which is widely considered one of the most difficult cancers to treat. A study reported in Gastroenterology places the risk of pancreatic cancer among users of drugs similar to Victoza at 2.9% higher than among those taking an older diabetic drug.

Doctors believe Victoza activates the GLP-1 receptor proteins which in turn stimulates the production of pre-cancerous cells. Those people who had pancreatic abnormalities which otherwise would have remained dormant could have those abnormalities stimulated by Victoza. A history of acute pancreatitis or chronic pancreatitis makes patients much more likely to develop pancreatic cancer; studies show a risk factor of six times the norm among Victoza users.

Victoza Thyroid Cancer

The same GLP-1 receptors also reside in thyroid tissue, a possible explanation for the higher-than normal rates of thyroid cancer among Victoza users. At this juncture only studies on laboratory animals have been conducted regarding an increase in thyroid cancer. The FDA has asked Novo Nordisk to engage in a five-year study regarding risks of thyroid cancer, pancreatitis and pancreatic cancer among Victoza users, and while the drug company is complying with that request, many believe the 9,000 patients currently enrolled in the study are simply not enough to ensure valid results.

Victoza Diabetes Medication Side Effects

“Normal” Victoza side effects include gastrointestinal issues such as nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, constipation, abdominal pain, pancreatitis, anorexia, headaches, dizziness and decreased appetite. More serious side effects which require you to seek emergency medical care include: a lump in the throat regions, changes in urination, shortness of breath, weakness, confusion, fluttering heart or pounding heartbeat, unusual swelling, signs of infection or flu-like symptoms, and any unusual bruising or bleeding.

Victoza Side Effects

Side effects of Victoza which are considered normal include nausea, diarrhea, headaches, dizziness, loss of appetite, abdominal pain, diarrhea or constipation, vomiting, pancreatitis and anorexia. Other potential side effects of Victoza which require doctor’s care include hoarseness, throat lumps, shortness of breath, excessive urination or a lack of urination, flu-like symptoms or signs of infection, a pounding heart or fluttering heartbeat, unusual swelling or any type of bruising and bleeding which does not seem normal. Any of these side effects should be taken very seriously.

Victoza Pancreatic Cancer Lawyers

If you or a loved one has experienced any adverse health effects after beginning Victoza, it is important that you speak to your doctor immediately. After speaking with your physician, it could be to your benefit to contact a Victoza lawyer who can look out for your future and pursue compensation to cover your medical expenses, lost wages and any pain and suffering you have experienced.