Mississippi Man Blames Victoza for Wife’s Pancreatic Cancer

The decedent was initially prescribed Byetta on August 9, 2011 to treat her type-2 diabetes. She continued taking the medication through September 2012. Sometime between the decedent’s prescription of Byetta and her diagnosis of pancreatic cancer, she had also been prescribed Victoza. Linda was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer on November 2, 2012.  

Medical records indicate that the pancreatic cancer was related to Victoza, and that taking it in combination with Byetta significantly increased the decedent’s chances of contracting the disease. Linda died from pancreatic cancer complications on January 26, 2013.   

At no point in time, was the decedent, the plaintiff, or their physician made aware of this possibility while taking either medication.  There were no warnings or indications on the drug’s label, nor did the company notify them of this possibility.

Francis is suing Novo Nordisk for the wrongful death of his wife, claiming that the company was directly responsible for manufacturing, selling, distributing and marketing a dangerous drug. The allegations include negligence, false advertising, concealing information, and misrepresenting a product.

Overview of Victoza Complications

Victoza is a recently approved type-2 diabetes drug, manufactured by the European drug company Novo Nordisk. It was approved for the United States market by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) on January 25, 2010.  Victoza is a part of a group of drugs called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists. In less than two years, Victoza has become one of the best-selling drugs in the United States.

Like other GLP-1 drugs, Victoza works by incretin receptor signaling, telling the body whether or not it needs to make more insulin. This function has shown to be efficient in its purpose, preventing diabetic attacks and helping control blood sugar levels. While widely praised for its efficiency, there have been recent reports of adverse effects that have forced the FDA to take notice. These reports indicated that like other type-2 diabetes treatment medications, Victoza may also be causing patients to develop pancreatic cancer.

Much like the other type-2 diabetes treatment medications, such as Byetta, scientific experts are unsure as to what exactly is causing this possible reaction in some patients. In February 2011, the online version of the journal Gastroenterology published a study which observed the reactions of patients taking Byetta and Victoza. The study concluded that Victoza and Byetta were associated with a higher likelihood of pancreatic cancer when compared to other type-2 diabetes treatment drugs.

Francis claims that had his wife known about the possibility of developing pancreatic cancer, she would have opted for a different medication. He is seeking damages for medical compensation, pain and suffering, and other punitive charges.

This Victoza Pancreatic Cancer Lawsuit is Francis Yanok v. Novo Nordisk Inc., Case No. 3:13-cv-02414-AJB-MDD, in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of California.

File a Victoza Lawsuit Today

If you believe that you or a loved one have been the victim of Victoza complications, you have legal options. Please visit the Type-2 Diabetes Drugs Januvia, Byetta, and Victoza Class Action Lawsuit Investigation. There, you can submit your claim for a free legal review and if it qualifies for legal action, a seasoned Victoza lawyer will contact you for a free, no-obligation consultation. You will be guided through the litigation process at no out-of-pocket expenses or hidden fees. The pancreatic cancer attorneys working this investigation do not get paid until you do.