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.