A Rundown of the Potential Side Effects Linked to Victoza

Victoza, otherwise known by its key ingredient liraglutide, is an injectable medication prescribed to people suffering from a metabolic disorder known as diabetes mellitus type 2.  It belongs to a relatively new group of anti-diabetes medications known as incretin mimetics, agents that mimic incretin hormones that trigger the body to produce more insulin, which in turn, helps improve blood sugar levels, according to medical experts.  Victoza, being one of the few revolutionary diabetes medications available in the United States, has reportedly shown a steady rise in the number of its prescriptions following its release into the consumer market in January 2010.  In fact, it has earned $1.7 billion in sales for global healthcare products provider Novo Nordisk in 2012, according to a Bloomberg report.  However, mounting issues about its safety have also reportedly had numerous patients considering a potential Victoza lawsuit against the Denmark-based pharmaceutical firm.

Common Side Effects of Victoza

Victoza is a once-daily injectable drug that may also be used in combination with other blood glucose level controlling formulations including sulfonylureas, thiazolidinediones, and metformin.  Similar to other medications, Victoza is not devoid of unwanted effects.  Some of the most common side effects that may occur as a result of Victoza use include:

• Dizziness
• Headache
• Vomiting
• Nausea
• Loss of appetite
• Upset stomach
• Constipation
• Diarrhea
• Back pain
• Skin redness or rash at the injection site
•  Cold symptoms (sinus pain, sneezing, stuffy nose, sore throat)

Victoza, Other Incretin Mimetics Tied to Serious Pancreatic Complications

In March 2013, the US Food and Drug Administration released a drug safety communication indicating that it is conducting an investigation in relation to serious pancreatic health problems linked to incretin mimetics, according to online news reports.  The federal agency is evaluating unpublished scientific findings suggesting that patients taking incretin mimetics, such as Victoza, may stand at an elevated risk of inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis), and cellular changes that could develop into cancer.

As the federal agency has yet to reach new conclusions pertaining to the safety of incretin mimetics, patients were advised to continue taking their medications as instructed unless directed otherwise by their prescribing physicians.  On the other hand, some patients who may have encountered similar health problems from Victoza have reportedly begun consulting legal experts about a potential lawsuit against the manufacturer of Victoza, Novo Nordisk.  Personal injury attorneys who know more about legal issues and other concerns related to Victoza also maintain informative websites, similar to rotlaw.com by the Rottenstein Law Group.