In combination with diet and exercise, Victoza (generic: liraglutide) is indicated as an injectable prescription medication that assists in the improvement of blood sugar levels in adults with type 2 diabetes. Unfortunately, a recent association between Victoza and serious complications has served as a catalyst for concern in the medical community. Patients undergoing Victoza treatment may significantly increase their risk of developing a severe, life-threatening condition known as pancreatitis.
If you or a loved one has suffered from pancreatitis after taking Vicotza, you should contact our lawyers immediately for a free confidential case evaluation. You may be entitled to compensation for your injuries and we can help.
Victoza Pancreatitis Lawsuit Overview
As a prominent figurehead in the global healthcare industry, Novo Nordisk is credited with developing and distributing Victoza throughout the United States. Prior to its release, however, Victoza was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to assist in the regulation of glucose (blood sugar) levels in those diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. Having received approval in early 2010, Victoza has already helped millions of people manage their diabetes.
Liraglutide, the active ingredient found in Victoza, is in a class of medications called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists. It initiates a process in which the pancreas releases insulin. The release of regulated amounts of insulin helps to control blood sugar levels that have been elevated beyond that of which is considered to be safe. Therefore, increased insulin ratios assists in lowering high blood sugar levels onset by type 2 diabetes.
Unfortunately, exposure to Victoza may coincide with catastrophic complications. Subsequently, patients receiving the suggested dosage may significantly increase their risk of developing a severe condition known as pancreatitis. Due to the severity of this condition, patients may contact a lawyer at The Senators (Ret.) Firm, LLP for a free case evaluation regarding their potential Victoza pancreatitis lawsuit.
Victoza Pancreatitis
Most often, pancreatitis occurs when pancreatic enzymes are activated within the pancreas and not the small intestine. Subsequently, Victoza treatment may also serve as a catalyst for the development of this condition. Normally, digestive enzymes secreted by the pancreas do not become active until they reach the small intestine. However, inflammation caused by pancreatitis causes the enzymes inside to attack and damage the tissues that produce them. Pancreatitis can also be acute or necrotizing. Either form is serious and can lead to complications. Symptoms of pancreatitis may include the following:
- Upper abdominal pain
- Abdominal pain that radiates to your back
- Abdominal pain that feels worse after eating
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Tenderness when touching the abdomen
- Indigestion
- Losing weight without trying
- Oily, smelly stools (steatorrhea)
Acute pancreatitis is inflammation of the pancreas that occurs suddenly and usually resolves in a few days with treatment. While it can be a life-threatening illness with severe complications, early treatment has produced good results. Each year, about 210,000 people in the United States are admitted to the hospital with acute pancreatitis. However, if it should progress, it may become what is known as necrotizing pancreatitis. In very severe cases of necrotizing pancreatitis, the pancreatic tissue begins to die, and bleeding increases. The presence of this bleeding proves to be severe and problematic, resulting in severe, life-threatening complications. In serious cases, bleeding, infection, and permanent tissue damage may occur. If you have taken Victoza and are worried about pancreatitis, you should speak with an attorney about a possible Victoza pancreatitis lawsuit.
FDA Safety Communication
According to an FDA Safety communication, liraglutide causes dose-dependent and treatment-duration-dependent pancreatitis at clinically relevant exposure. In clinical trials studying Victoza, there were more cases of pancreatitis in patients treated with Victoza than in patients treated with comparators. Furthermore, this condition has caused patients to file their own Victoza pancreatitis lawsuit in hopes of finding compensation for their pain and suffering.
Public Citizen Requests Victoza Recall
According to a petition filed with the FDA, Public Citizen has officially requested the removal of Victoza from the market because it puts patients at higher risk of thyroid cancer, pancreatitis, serious allergic reactions and kidney failure that outweigh any documented clinical benefits.
In her statement against the approval, the clinical safety reviewer, Dr. Karen Mahoney, said, “The clinical safety reviewer does not recommend approval of liraglutide at this time … In the United States, there are already 11 classes of drugs approved for glycemic control in type 2 diabetes … The need for new therapies for type 2 diabetes is not so urgent that one must tolerate a significant degree of uncertainty regarding serious risk concerns.”
Do I Have a Victoza Pancreatitis Lawsuit?
The trial lawyers at The Senators (Ret.) Firm, LLP have decades of experience navigating through complex legislative and regulatory issues and litigating high stakes cases all over the nation. Our law firm focuses on the representation of plaintiffs in Victoza pancreatitis lawsuits. We are currently accepting new cases in all 50 states.
Again, if you or a loved one has been diagnosed with pancreatitis after taking Victoza, you should contact our lawyers immediately by clicking the link below or calling toll free 1-(949) 557-5800. You may be entitled to compensation for your injuries and we can help.