As a relatively new prescription medication, Victoza (generic: liraglutide) is a non-insulin treatment for those diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. When diet and exercise are insufficient, Victoza assists in lowering elevated blood sugar levels. However, recent concern has begun to circulate regarding the prolonged use of Victoza. Patients who receive Victoza treatment may significantly increase their risk of developing several life-threatening conditions, one of which is kidney failure.
If you or a loved one has suffered from kidney failure after taking Victoza, you should contact our lawyers immediately for a free confidential case evaluation. You may be entitled to compensation for your injuries and we can help.
Victoza Kidney Failure Lawsuit Overview
As a product of Novo Nordisk, Victoza received U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval on January 25, 2010. Shortly after gaining the FDA’s approval, Victoza was released into interstate commerce and indicated to assist in the treatment of type 2 diabetes. This once-daily injection is combined with diet and exercise to lower elevated glucose levels, therefore assisting in the treatment of type 2 diabetes.
Liraglutide, the active ingredient found in Victoza, is in a class of medications called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists. It initiates a process in which the pancreas releases insulin. The release of regulated amounts of insulin helps to control blood sugar levels that have been elevated beyond that of which is considered to be safe. Accordingly, increased insulin ratios assists in lowering high blood sugar levels onset by type 2 diabetes.
While Victoza has demonstrated an increased propensity for the regulation of blood sugar levels, it may coincide with serious side effects. Of significant concern, are the recent associations between Victoza and the development of a rare condition. Patients who receive Victoza treatment, even at the recommended dosage, may significantly increase their risk of experiencing kidney failure. Due to the severe nature of this condition, patients may contact a lawyer from The Senators (Ret.) Firm, LLP for a free case evaluation regarding their potential Victoza kidney failure lawsuit.
Victoza Kidney Failure
Kidney failure, otherwise known as renal failure, describes a medical condition in which the kidneys fail to adequately filter toxins and waste products from the blood. The severity of this condition is directly correlated to the extent of the dysfunction and the duration that is witnessed. Subsequently, kidney failure may come in one of two forms, acute (acute kidney injury) and chronic (chronic kidney disease).
Acute kidney failure is the sudden loss of the ability of the kidneys to remove waste and concentrate urine without losing electrolytes. Acute kidney failure is potentially life-threatening and may require intensive treatment. However, the kidneys usually start working again within several weeks to months after the underlying cause has been treated.
In some cases, chronic renal failure may develop. Death is most common when kidney failure is caused by surgery, trauma, or severe infection in someone with heart disease, lung disease, or recent stoke. Old age, infection, loss of blood from the intestinal tract, and progression of kidney failure also increase the risk of death. Symptoms of both acute and chronic kidney failure include:
- Swelling of the legs and feet
- Little to no urination
- Thirst accompanied by dry mouth
- Rapid heart rate
- Feeling dizzy upon standing
- Loss of appetite
- Confusion
- Anxiety
- Nausea
- Pain on one side of the back, below the ribcage and above the waist
Public Citizen Requests Victoza Recall
According to a petition filed with the FDA, Public Citizen has officially requested the removal of Victoza from the market because it puts patients at higher risk of thyroid cancer, pancreatitis, serious allergic reactions and kidney failure that outweigh any documented clinical benefits.
In her statement against the approval, the clinical safety reviewer, Dr. Karen Mahoney, said, “The clinical safety reviewer does not recommend approval of liraglutide at this time … In the United States, there are already 11 classes of drugs approved for glycemic control in type 2 diabetes … The need for new therapies for type 2 diabetes is not so urgent that one must tolerate a significant degree of uncertainty regarding serious risk concerns.”
Do I Have a Victoza Kidney Failure Lawsuit?
The trial lawyers at The Senators (Ret.) Firm, LLP have decades of experience navigating through complex legislative and regulatory issues and litigating high stakes cases all over the nation. Our law firm focuses on the representation of plaintiffs in Victoza kidney failure lawsuits. We are currently accepting new cases in all 50 states.
Again, if you or a loved one has suffered from kidney failure after taking Victoza, you should contact our lawyers immediately by clicking the link below or calling toll free 1-(949) 557-5800. You may be entitled to compensation for your injuries and we can help.