Those taking Victoza (liraglutide) and similar medications for Type 2 diabetes are 6 times more likely to develop pancreatitis, which may lead to pancreatic cancer. Public Citizen reports that 200 cases of pancreatitis have been linked to the drug.
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Of the 11,000 people who reported having side effects while on Victoza, 83 now have pancreatic cancer. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is now evaluating new reports by researchers that infer an increased risk of pancreatitis and pre-cancerous cellular changes called “pancreatic duct metaplasia.”
Victoza, as indicated on the drug’s black box warning, has shown indications of increasing the occurrence of thyroid C-cell tumors in lab rats. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration received 25 claims of thyroid cancer between 2010 and 2011 through its Adverse Event Reporting System.
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The lawsuits surrounding the medication Victoza allege that its manufacturer, Novo Nordisk, had withheld vital information in the past about the potential risks and side effects. This prevented doctors and patients from making an educated decision on whether or not to continue treatment with Victoza.
Similar type-2 diabetes medications (incretin mimetics) have also been linked to pancreatic cancer and adverse side effects. Lawsuits involve the development of pancreatitis, pancreatic cancer, and thyroid cancer. A motion was filed in April to consolidate lawsuits involving claims of pancreatic cancer linked to other incretin mimetics including Byetta, Januvia and Janumet. Currently there are 53 total plaintiffs who have filed personal injury lawsuits against any of these medications. As more patients come forward with pancreatic complications, the lawsuits are expected to grow.
