Victoza is an injectable prescription medicine used to improve glucose levels and lower A1C in adults diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. The drug is manufactured by Novo Nordisk and was approved by the Federal Drug Administration (FDA) in January 2010.
The most common side effects with the drug are headaches, nausea and diarrhea. Although some experience minor side effects, others experience more serious side effects including:
The FDA required a Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS) due to the risks involved with taking the drug. The REMS is a patient Medication Guide and Communication plan.
Over a year after the drug was approved, the FDA released a warning for thyroid cancer after clinical trials showed thyroid C-cell tumors in mice and rats.
In March 2013, the FDA released a Drug Safety Communication for all incretin mimetic class of diabetes drugs, including Victoza with a study showing they could cause pancreatic cancer. The findings are still under review causing patients to be unaware of the chances of developing pancreatic cancer from the drug.
Patients are beginning to take action against Novo Nordisk, makers of Victoza, for the various serious side effects of the drug. If you or someone you love has taken the drug and experienced these side effects, you may have a case. Contact one of our offices for a free consultation with one of our attorneys if this has happened to you.