Victoza (generic: liraglutide) is characterized as a non-insulin injectable medication whose indications are for those struggling to regulate the symptoms of type 2 diabetes. Subsequently, Victoza treatment assists in the lowering of blood sugar in as little as two weeks. However, recent associations between Victoza and serious side effects have cause a great deal of concern within the medical community. Patients who have been exposed to clinically relevant doses of Victoza may significantly increase their risk of developing thyroid cancer.
If you or a loved one has suffered from thyroid cancer 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 Thyroid Cancer Lawsuit Overview
As a product of Novo Nordisk, Victoza was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in early 2010. It has since been indicated to assist in the treatment of type 2 diabetes for millions of Americans. Subsequently, Victoza helps regulate blood sugar levels in those who have been unable to do so with diet and exercise alone.
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.
While Victoza has demonstrated an increased propensity for the regulation of blood sugar levels, it may coincide with serious side effects. Of significant concern, are the recent associations between Victoza and the development of a rare form of cancer. Patients who receive Victoza treatment, even at the recommended dosage, may significantly increase their risk of developing thyroid cancer. Due to the severe nature of this condition, patients may contact a lawyer from The Senators (Ret.) Firm, LLP for a free case evaluation regarding their potential Victoza thyroid cancer lawsuit.
Victoza Thyroid Cancer
Thyroid cancer occurs in the cells of the thyroid, a butterfly-shaped gland located at the base of your neck, just below the Adam’s apple. This condition is characterized by the uncontrolled growth of cancerous cells. As they metastasize across the thyroid, these abnormal cells consume what is left of the healthy ones remaining. Eventually, if left untreated, cancerous cells will outnumber healthy ones, leading to the death of the thyroid. The thyroid produces hormones that regulate your heart rate, blood pressure, body temperature and weight. Without the thyroid to regulate these actions, life-threatening complications may occur. If you developed thyroid cancer following Victoza treatment, you may be entitled to compensation by filing your own Victoza thyroid cancer lawsuit.
The following symptoms may be indicative of thyroid cancer:
- A lump in the neck
- Trouble breathing
- Trouble swallowing
- Hoarseness
Thyroid Cancer Treatment
Thyroid cancer treatment is directly correlated to the type and stage of the condition. The following is a comprehensive list of the treatment options available:
- Surgery
- Thyroid hormone therapy
- Radioactive iodine
- External radiation therapy
- Chemotherapy
Thyroid cancer may come back despite treatment, even if the patient’s thyroid has been removed. This could happen if microscopic cancer cells spread beyond the thyroid before it’s removed. Thyroid cancer recurrence can occur decades after thyroid cancer treatment.
FDA Safety Communication
According to an FDA Safety communication, liraglutide causes dose-dependent and treatment-duration-dependent thyroid C-cell tumors at clinically relevant exposures in both genders of rats and mice. It is unknown whether Victoza causes thyroid C-cell tumors, including medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC), in humans, as human relevance could not be ruled out by clinical or nonclinical studies.
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 Thyroid Cancer 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 thyroid cancer lawsuits. We are currently accepting new cases in all 50 states.
Again, if you or a loved one has been diagnosed with thyroid cancer 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.