June 17, 2016 — A major study has found that twice as many patients on Victoza developed pancreatic cancer compared to a placebo.
The good news is that the LEADER clinical trial found a 13% reduced risk of heart attack, stroke, and death in patients on Victoza.
However, pancreatic cancer developed in 15 patients on Victoza, compared to 5 on a placebo. There were roughly 4,670 patients in each group.
The risk was not significant, but patients were only tracked for 3.5 to 5 years. Pancreatic cancer develops slowly in its early stages and can take decades to become lethal. It is usually too late to cure by the time it causes symptoms.
Victoza and other GLP-1 agonists have been linked to pancreatitis in other studies, which is a risk-factor for pancreatic cancer. However, the LEADER study found that pancreatitis was actually less common among patients on Victoza.
Victoza was also associated with more cases of gallstones and gallbladder disease. The side effect occurred in 145 patients on Victoza (3.1%) vs. 90 patients on a placebo (1.9%). Other studies have confirmed an increased risk of gallbladder side effects.
Novo Nordisk completed the LEADER study to meet requirements set by the FDA in 2008, after the diabetes drug Avandia was linked to a significantly increased risk of heart attacks. LEADER involved 9,340 patients over 50 years old who had type-2 diabetes and at least one pre-existing cardiovascular problem.
Do I have a Victoza Lawsuit?
The Schmidt Firm, PLLC is currently accepting Victoza induced injury cases in all 50 states. If you or somebody you know has been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, you should contact our lawyers immediately for a free case consultation. Please use the form below to contact our Defective Drug Litigation Group or call toll free 24 hours a day at (866) 920-0753.
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