Risks of Victoza Pancreatic Cancer
A recent study of pancreatic cancer among patients taking Victoza, a drug used in the treatment of Type 2 diabetes, reported by eHealthMe and based on FDA reports showed that as of June 14, 2013, 11,308 people have reported serious side effects while taking Victoza. Eighty-three of those patients have developed pancreatic cancer, with over 85% of those 83 people developing the pancreatic cancer within 12 months of beginning the drug. Of these 83 people, 40% were female, and 60% were male with an age range of 50-75.
It is worth noting that 11 of these 83 patients also suffered from hypertension, 5 from angina and 6 from obesity. One study published in 2011 in the journal Gastroenterology stated drugs similar to Victoza had a pancreatic cancer risk of 2.9 times higher than the norm among users of the drug. Unfortunately, pancreatic cancer is one of the most aggressive and least treatable forms of cancer, partly because it is generally not discovered until the disease has progressed to the advanced stage. A history of pancreatitis can significantly increase the risk of pancreatic cancer, altering the pancreatic cells. Dr. Peter Butler and his colleagues have published study results on Victoza in the journal Gastroenterology.
These doctors believe that Victoza affects the pancreas by activating the GLP-1 receptor proteins which stimulate the production of pre-cancerous cells. Further, those people who already have pancreatic abnormalities which would likely remain dormant, find those abnormalities stimulated by Victoza. GLP-1 receptors also live in thyroid tissue which could explain the higher-than-normal rates of Victoza thyroid cancer among patients taking the drug as well. After studying all FDA data and reports from patients, Butler concluded Victoza users have nearly three times the risk of developing pancreatic cancer when compared to those taking an older diabetic drug.
Victoza Diabetic Drug Dangers
In addition to the risks of pancreatic cancer, thyroid cancer, liver problems, respiratory infections, severe allergic reactions and acute or chronic pancreatitis are all health risks possible for those taking Victoza. A petition by the group Public Citizen called for a ban on Victoza in April, 2012. Sidney Wolfe, director of Public Citizen noted “We don’t just go after drugs casually…We only go after drugs when there is clear evidence of unique dangers or risks and when there is no evidence of a unique clinical advantage.”
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.
Do I Need Victoza Pancreatic Cancer Lawyers?
The manufacturer of Victoza, Novo Nordisk, disputes Dr. Butler’s findings, asserting that if pancreatic cancer were a risk they would have seen evidence of that in in-house animal studies. In fact, during these studies done on laboratory animals a rare type of thyroid cancer did show up in the animals given Victoza. Butler responds to the criticism from the manufacturer by chalking it up to financial greed. “The global market for Type 2 diabetes drugs is worth $20 billion…if they disappear, they’d have nothing.” Global sales of Victoza reached over $1.6 billion dollars since it gained FDA approval.
As instructed by the FDA Novo Nordisk has enrolled 9,000 people in a safety monitoring study for Victoza, however many feel this is not a large enough study to clearly demonstrate the safety of the drug. Those who have been harmed by Victoza should first see their physician to monitor their health and address any symptoms they have developed while taking Victoza. It could also be beneficial for these patients to speak with Experienced Victoza pancreatic cancer lawyers to discuss their options and their future.