Some Frequently Asked Questions about Victoza Answered

Those who take Victoza are likely anxious regarding whether the drug is truly safe. Recent reports of patients taking the drug who developed serious adverse health symptoms and a call by an advocacy group, Public Citizen, for the removal of the drug have created anxiety among users regarding their own health. Victoza was approved by the FDA in 2010, against the protests of three members of the panel. Like other new drugs used in the treatment of Type 2 diabetes, Victoza mimics GLP-1 in the body—a naturally-occurring hormone.

GLP-1 is responsible for stimulating the pancreas, triggering cells to absorb sugar from the bloodstream and allowing the pancreas to release insulin. Unlike the other similar drugs, Victoza has also been found to slow the emptying of food from the stomach, thereby causing weight loss. Novo Nordisk, the manufacturer of the drug is currently attempting to have Victoza approved as a treatment for obesity by 2014, however in light of the adverse health effects related to the drug, that approval may not occur.

Victoza and Pancreatic Cancer

A study published in the journal Diabetes in May, 2012, concluded that Victoza could be responsible for stimulating the production of precancerous cells in the pancreas. It is believed that those patients who have abnormalities of the pancreas are then more likely to develop pancreatic cancer. Pancreatic cancer is also more likely among those who have repeated bouts of pancreatitis which causes inflammation of the pancreas. Public Citizen, a consumer advocacy group, reported twenty-eight cases of pancreatic cancer among Victoza users as opposed to only one case among a group taking another drug.

EHealthMe, reported just this April that 11,308 people have suffered significant side effects while taking Victoza. Of those, eighty-three developed pancreatic cancer. The Stanford University publication, High Wire, printed an article discussing acute pancreatitis and the relationship to Victoza in 2012. One case detailed a 53-year old man who came into the ER with symptoms of acute pancreatitis after having his dosage of Victoza doubled. After Victoza was discontinued, his symptoms ceased within eight days.  

Victoza and Thyroid Cancer

On April 19, 2012, Lawyers and Settlement reported the risk of thyroid cancer among those taking Victoza. At the time Victoza was approved in 2010, animal studies showed a significant correlation between Victoza and the development of a rare type of thyroid cancer known as medullary thyroid cancer. Those same studies linked Victoza to thyroid gland tumors, particularly at higher dosages. Researchers at the time were unable to statistically prove significant risk to humans, therefore while the drug was approved the FDA required Novo Nordisk to include a black box warning label which cautioned those with a personal or family history of thyroid cancer to avoid Victoza.

Is a Victoza Recall on the Horizon?

Despite Public Citizen’s demand for a recall of Victoza, there is currently no such recall in the works. But it is possible a recall could be issued if the number of adverse reports coming in to the FDA increases. If you or a loved one has been injured by Victoza, it could be beneficial for you to speak with a knowledgeable personal injury attorney and discuss the options for your future.