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You may be entitled to compensation by filing a Victoza lawsuit against Novo Nordisk, and we can help.
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If you or a loved one experienced pancreatic cancer, pancreatitis, stomach paralysis (gastroparesis), or thyroid cancer following Victoza use, you may be entitled to pursue compensation.
At Schmidt & Clark, LLP, we are dedicated to helping individuals who have suffered due to Victoza side effects. Our experienced legal team is here to guide you through the process and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Contact Schmidt & Clark, LLP today for a free, no-obligation consultation.
Table Of Contents
- Victoza Lawsuit Overview
- Latest Victoza Lawsuit Updates
- What’s the Problem?
- FDA Reports and Statistics
- Do You Qualify for a Victoza Lawsuit?
- Statute of Limitations for Victoza Lawsuits
- FAQs
- 1. What is Victoza and what is it used for?
- 2. How does Victoza potentially cause cancer?
- 3. What is the black box warning for Victoza?
- 4. Has Victoza been recalled?
- 5. What is the difference between individual lawsuits and class action lawsuits?
- 6. How long does a Victoza lawsuit take to resolve?
- 7. What are the costs of filing a Victoza lawsuit?
- 8. Can I still file a lawsuit if I’m currently taking Victoza?
- 9. What is MDL No. 2452: In Re: Incretin Mimetics Products Liability Litigation?
- 10. What evidence shows Victoza’s link to pancreatic cancer?
- Get a Free Victoza Lawsuit Evaluation With Our Lawyers
Victoza Lawsuit Overview
Victoza (liraglutide) is a diabetes medication linked to serious health complications including pancreatic cancer, pancreatitis, and thyroid tumors. Lawsuits against manufacturer Novo Nordisk allege that the company failed to adequately warn patients about these risks.
Nearly 1,000 cases have been consolidated in Multidistrict Litigation (MDL) in California, with plaintiffs claiming Victoza increases pancreatic cancer risk by 2.9 times.
Latest Victoza Lawsuit Updates
- September 17, 2018 – 948 pending cases were reported in the reopened MDL for Incretin Mimetics Products Liability Litigation, which included Victoza lawsuits [1].
- 2015 – A trial judge initially dismissed all pending cases in the MDL, but an appeals court later reinstated the lawsuits in a major legal reversal [2].
How Victoza Works – And Why It May Be Dangerous
Victoza (liraglutide) is a GLP-1 receptor agonist that helps regulate blood sugar by stimulating insulin production. However, it has also been linked to abnormal pancreatic cell proliferation, which could increase the risk of pancreatic cancer.
A 2013 American Diabetes Association (ADA) study found that patients using GLP-1 receptor agonists had higher rates of pancreatitis compared to those taking other diabetes medications.
Specifically, Victoza users experienced pancreatitis at 2.7 cases per 1,000 patient-years, compared to 0.5 cases per 1,000 patient-years for those on glimepiride.
Pancreatic cancer diagnoses have risen sharply, with 60,000 new cases annually in the U.S. This increase has fueled concerns over diabetes drugs like Victoza contributing to higher cancer risks.
Lawsuit Implications and Future Litigation
Bjorklund’s case is expected to set a precedent for future lawsuits, with industry experts predicting a wave of similar claims that may be consolidated into multi-district litigation (MDL). She is seeking compensatory and punitive damages for inadequate warnings and breach of warranty.
As these cases gain momentum, patients using Victoza and related medications should stay informed and consult healthcare professionals to assess their risks.
What’s the Problem?
Recent studies have linked Victoza, a diabetes medication, to an increased risk of acute pancreatitis and pancreatic cancer.
These findings have raised concerns about its safety, the FDA approval process, and whether the drug’s benefits outweigh its potential risks.
FDA Reports and Statistics
The FDA has maintained ongoing safety monitoring of Victoza since its approval in 2010:
- January 2010 – Victoza received FDA approval despite opposition from two FDA pharmacologists and a clinical safety reviewer who recommended against approval due to cancer risks [3].
- April 2012 – FDA updated warnings to include risks of pancreatitis and thyroid cancer [4].
- June 2016 – FDA mandated a Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS) to ensure patient awareness of Victoza’s risks [5].
- 2017 – FDA required post-marketing studies on long-term thyroid cancer risks.
- 2020 – Additional epidemiological studies mandated to assess Victoza’s potential cancer risks.
Over 2,500 FDA complaints have been filed alleging that Novo Nordisk failed to warn consumers about Victoza’s dangers.
Victoza Injuries & Side Effects
Victoza use has been associated with multiple serious and potentially life-threatening side effects:
| Side Effect | Onset Timeframe | Frequency Statistics |
| Pancreatic Cancer | May develop over years | Rare; specific incidence rates not well-documented but linked to long-term use |
| Pancreatitis | Symptoms may appear within days to weeks after starting the drug | Occurs in approximately 1.1% of users (2.9 cases per 1,000 patient-years) |
| Life-Threatening Allergic Reactions | Can occur within hours to days of use | Rare; exact frequency not specified, but serious reactions are uncommon |
| Kidney Failure | May develop over weeks to months | Reported in about 1% of patients |
| Thyroid Cancer/Tumors | May develop over years | Rare; risk noted in animal studies but human data is limited |
| Increased Blood Sugar Levels | Can occur shortly after starting treatment | Reported in up to 5% of patients |
Do You Qualify for a Victoza Lawsuit?
You may qualify for a Victoza lawsuit if:
- You were prescribed and used Victoza for type 2 diabetes
- You were diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, pancreatitis, stomach paralysis (gastroparesis), thyroid cancer, or kidney failure after using Victoza
- You can provide medical documentation linking your injuries to Victoza use
Evidence Required for a Victoza Lawsuit
Strong cases typically include:
- Complete medical records documenting Victoza use and subsequent diagnosis
- Prescription history showing dates and dosages of Victoza
- Hospital bills and medical expenses related to treatment
- Expert medical opinions linking your condition to Victoza
- Communication between patient and doctor (emails and doctor’s notes) discussing the drug’s side effects
Damages You Can Recover
Victims of Victoza side effects may be entitled to compensation for:
- Medical expenses for treatment, hospitalization, and ongoing care
- Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
- Pain and suffering related to your injuries
- Punitive damages in cases of manufacturer negligence
Statute of Limitations for Victoza Lawsuits
Legal time limits to file a Victoza lawsuit vary by state, typically ranging from 1 to 3 years from the date of injury or discovery of the illness. Under the discovery rule, if symptoms appeared years after using Victoza, you may still be eligible if you file within the allowed time after diagnosis.
It’s critical to consult with an attorney as soon as possible to ensure your claim is filed before legal deadlines expire.
FAQs
1. What is Victoza and what is it used for?
Victoza (liraglutide) is a GLP-1 receptor agonist medication used to treat type 2 diabetes by helping regulate blood sugar and stimulating insulin production.
2. How does Victoza potentially cause cancer?
Victoza may overstimulate the pancreas, leading to inflammation (pancreatitis) and abnormal pancreatic cell growth, which can eventually progress into precancerous lesions or tumors. A 2013 study found that patients using drugs like Victoza had higher rates of pancreatitis compared to those taking other diabetes medications.
3. What is the black box warning for Victoza?
Victoza carries the FDA’s strongest warning (black box) for the risk of thyroid C-cell tumors, as observed in animal studies. Patients with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) or Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 are advised not to take Victoza.
4. Has Victoza been recalled?
Despite safety concerns and calls for recall from groups like Public Citizen’s Health Research Group, Victoza remains on the market with FDA warnings and monitoring requirements.
5. What is the difference between individual lawsuits and class action lawsuits?
Schmidt & Clark, LLP is pursuing individual claims rather than class action suits for Victoza cases. In individual lawsuits, each case is evaluated on its own merits, while class actions combine similar cases with damages divided among plaintiffs.
6. How long does a Victoza lawsuit take to resolve?
The timeline varies based on case complexity. Settlement negotiations can resolve some cases within months, while others may take years to reach trial and conclusion.
7. What are the costs of filing a Victoza lawsuit?
Most pharmaceutical injury attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing upfront and attorneys collect a percentage only if your case is successful.
8. Can I still file a lawsuit if I’m currently taking Victoza?
Yes, but you should consult with both your healthcare provider about your medical options and an attorney about your legal rights.
9. What is MDL No. 2452: In Re: Incretin Mimetics Products Liability Litigation?
This is the consolidated litigation in California federal court handling all lawsuits involving incretin mimetics, including Victoza, Januvia, and Byetta.
10. What evidence shows Victoza’s link to pancreatic cancer?
A 2011 study published in the journal Gastroenterology found that certain drugs in the same class as Victoza were associated with a 2.9 times increased risk of pancreatic cancer.
Related Article: Saxenda Weight Loss Medication Lawsuit
See all related dangerous drug lawsuits our attorneys covered so far.
Get a Free Victoza Lawsuit Evaluation With Our Lawyers
Time is limited to pursue legal action against Novo Nordisk for Victoza-related injuries. Most states allow only 1 to 3 years from the date of injury or diagnosis to file a claim.
Schmidt & Clark, LLP offers:
- Free, confidential consultations to evaluate your case
- No upfront costs or fees
- Payment only if we win your case
If you or a loved one suffered pancreatic cancer, pancreatitis, stomach paralysis, or other serious conditions after taking Victoza, contact us immediately to protect your legal rights.
References
- https://www.medlegal360.com/byetta-weight-loss-drug-lawsuits/
- https://www.thehealthlawpulse.com/2015/11/judge-in-diabetes-drug-mdl-tosses-750-cases-under-preemption-defense/
- https://www.novonordisk-us.com/media/news-archive/news-details.html?id=36952
- https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2017/022341s027lbl.pdf
- https://www.fda.gov/drugs/postmarket-drug-safety-information-patients-and-providers/questions-and-answers-safety-requirements-victoza-liraglutide