Victoza Lawsuits: You Should Have Been Warned

Victoza (liraglutide) is a widely prescribed medication used to manage type 2 diabetes and reduce the risk of major cardiovascular events. Like other GLP-1 receptor agonists, it works by mimicking the body’s natural hormones to regulate blood sugar, slow digestion, and curb appetite. But behind its clinical benefits lies a growing wave of legal scrutiny.

Thousands of patients have reported serious side effects from Victoza, ranging from gastrointestinal issues to pancreatitis and even certain types of cancer. 

These adverse outcomes have prompted lawsuits against manufacturer Novo Nordisk, with plaintiffs alleging that the company failed to properly warn users and healthcare providers of the drug’s risks. In some cases, patients were prescribed Victoza off-label for weight loss, despite the drug not being FDA-approved for that purpose.

If you or a loved one took Victoza and suffered complications, you may be entitled to compensation. With over 35 years of experience and over $25 billion recovered in compensation as the nation’s largest personal injury law firm, Morgan & Morgan is here to help you make sense of the path forward.

Hiring one of our lawyers is easy, and you can get started in minutes with a free case evaluation.

What Is Victoza and How Does It Work?

Victoza is the brand name for liraglutide, a glucagon-like peptide‑1 (GLP‑1) receptor agonist approved by the FDA in 2010 to treat type 2 diabetes. It’s a daily injectable medication, typically starting at 0.6 mg and titrating up to 1.8 mg. Victoza helps:

• Stimulate insulin release in response to high blood sugar
• Suppress excessive glucagon secretion
• Slow gastric emptying, reducing post-meal glucose spikes
• Aid modest weight loss through decreased appetite
  
   

FDA Warnings and Black Box Labels

While studies and research are ongoing regarding the diverse side effects of new drugs, the following have already come to light:

Pancreatitis Risk

The FDA has flagged GLP‑1 agonists like Victoza for potential acute pancreatitis. Clinical trials noted cases of pancreatitis, prompting a formal warning.

Thyroid Tumors & MTC

Animal studies (rats and mice) showed the risk of thyroid C‑cell tumors and medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC). Although human risk remains unclear, the FDA requires warnings and contraindicates Victoza in those with a personal or familial history of MTC or MEN 2 syndrome.

REMS Violation & Legal Pressure

In 2017, Novo Nordisk paid ~$58.7 million to settle claims that it failed to comply with the FDA’s Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS), allegedly misinforming doctors about thyroid risk.

Comparison: Victoza vs. Other GLP‑1 Drugs

While sharing many similarities to other weight loss drugs, such as Ozempic, Victoza has a unique formula and therefore unique side effects.

Here’s a quick reference of key differences.

Victoza vs. Ozempic (semaglutide)

• Active ingredients: Victoza’s active ingredient is liraglutide; Ozempic’s is semaglutide.
• Dosing frequency: Victoza is once-daily; Ozempic is once-weekly
• Side effects & tolerability: Ozempic may cause fewer GI issues and offers longer-lasting effects due to a longer half-life.
• Cost: Victoza now has generic versions, making it cheaper; Ozempic remains brand-only and more expensive.
  
   

Victoza vs. Saxenda

Both are liraglutide-based, but Saxenda is approved for weight loss in adults and adolescents, with doses up to 3 mg daily, while Victoza maxes at 1.8 mg for diabetes.

 

Victoza vs. Others (Trulicity, Byetta, Bydureon)

Victoza is daily; Trulicity (dulaglutide) and weekly exenatide options offer convenience. Comparative weight and metabolic benefits between the two can vary. Victoza has proven cardiovascular benefits, and others may not.

 

Medical Risks of Long-Term Victoza Use

Ongoing use of Victoza over an extended period of time can heighten potential health risks linked to the drug.

Pancreatitis & Pancreatic Cancer

GLP‑1s are linked to rare cases of acute pancreatitis. Observational studies are mixed, with some showing increased risk and others, such as a BMJ study, finding no significant increase.

Thyroid Cancer

Research for thyroid cancer linked to Victoza use suggests a risk in test animals, while human trials remain inconclusive. Additionally, post‑market reporting includes rare cases of MTC. The drug label advises monitoring thyroid nodules.

Gastroparesis & Digestive Effects

Victoza slows gastric emptying, beneficial for glycemic control but potentially problematic long-term: gastroparesis, nausea, bloating, diarrhea, and possibly intestinal blockage.

Cardiovascular & Other Risks

While Victoza may reduce cardiovascular risk in diabetics, real-world use has occasionally led to increased heart rate and rare acute kidney injury. Continuous monitoring is encouraged.

Victoza in Diabetes Management vs. Off‑Label for Weight Loss

Victoza is approved for glycemic control and reducing cardiovascular risk in type 2 diabetes; not for weight loss. Yet, some off-label use occurs, drawing parallels with Saxenda and Ozempic/Wegovy. Victoza’s lower doses yield modest weight loss (~5 lbs vs. semaglutide’s ~5.1–10%).

Cost-effective generic versions may increase off-label use. Legal claims often highlight deceptive marketing and push toward off-label prescribing, including physician kickbacks.

Legal History & Timeline of Victoza Lawsuits

The legal history surrounding Victoza dates back to its early clinical trials, when concerns began to emerge about the drug’s safety profile. During pre-approval testing in 2008 and 2009, animal studies revealed an increased risk of thyroid C-cell tumors, and some early human trials flagged incidents of pancreatitis. Despite these concerns, the FDA approved Victoza in 2010 for the treatment of type 2 diabetes, with the condition that Novo Nordisk include a Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS) to monitor and communicate risks related to thyroid cancer and other serious side effects.

In the years following its release, reports of severe complications, including pancreatitis, pancreatic cancer, and thyroid tumors, began to surface, prompting growing scrutiny from both regulatory agencies and the legal community. By 2011, concerns about Victoza’s marketing practices were mounting, particularly around how Novo Nordisk communicated the risks to healthcare providers. The company was later found to have failed in its REMS obligations. 

Specifically, it did not adequately inform prescribers about the risks of medullary thyroid carcinoma, a rare but aggressive form of cancer. This culminated in a major legal settlement in 2017, when Novo Nordisk agreed to pay approximately $58.7 million to resolve claims that it had misrepresented the drug’s safety and downplayed the required FDA warnings.

Around the same time, individual lawsuits against Novo Nordisk began to mount. Plaintiffs alleged that they had suffered serious injuries, including pancreatic cancer, gastroparesis, and thyroid tumors, after using Victoza. Many of these lawsuits were consolidated into multidistrict litigation (MDL) in the Southern District of California, streamlining the pretrial process for hundreds of similar claims. Although some high-profile cases were dismissed on appeal due to insufficient scientific evidence linking Victoza to certain cancers, litigation remains active, particularly in cases involving gastroparesis, kidney failure, and off-label marketing.

In recent years, the introduction of generic versions of Victoza has reinvigorated concern about its widespread use, especially as its affordability may increase off-label prescribing. Legal teams continue to evaluate new claims and are actively representing clients who have experienced serious side effects. The timeline of Victoza lawsuits reflects an evolving legal landscape that began with animal trials and regulatory oversight, expanded into large-scale settlements and MDL proceedings, and now persists through ongoing individual litigation and increased consumer awareness.

How Victoza Interacts With Other Diabetes Medications

Diabetes patients combining Victoza with other medications should watch for the following:

Risk of Pancreatitis

Using Victoza with other pancreatitis-risk treatments (e.g., DPP‑4 inhibitors) may compound the risk of pancreatitis.

Gastroparetic Synergy

Combining Victoza with metoclopramide or opioids can cause or worsen delayed gastric emptying.

Renal Considerations

Dehydration or any GI upset can strain the kidneys. Victoza may also contribute to acute kidney injury if unmonitored.

Cardiovascular Synergy

Could enhance cardiovascular benefits when combined with ACE inhibitors, statins, but may also increase side effect profiles.

Patients on multiple glucose-lowering meds should be closely observed for GI, renal, or thyroid effects.

Medical Records Needed to File a Victoza Claim

For potential litigation and to increase your chance of success, essential documentation includes:

• Prescription records: Dates, dosages, duration.
• Medical history: Diabetes, pancreatitis, thyroid conditions.
• Adverse event documentation: Hospital visits, imaging, labs noting pancreatitis, pancreatic cancer, thyroid nodules, gastroparesis, and kidney injury.
• Family history: Especially of MEN 2 or thyroid cancer.
• Physician notes: Highlighting suspected link between Victoza and injury.
• Treatment follow-up: Surgeries, ongoing therapies, and long-term complications.
• Financial records: Medical bills, lost wages, travel for treatment, etc.
  
   

Common Symptoms Indicating Potential Victoza Injury

Patients should seek medical advice if they experience:

• Abdominal pain, especially upper-left or radiating to the back (pancreatitis)
• Persistent nausea, vomiting, dark urine, or pale stools
• Neck swelling, hoarseness, difficulty swallowing/breathing (thyroid issues/MTC)
• Heartburn, bloating, early satiety, constipation (linked to gastroparesis)
• Sudden fatigue, confusion, dizziness (due to GI or renal effects)

Documenting these symptoms is essential when consulting a lawyer.

How Long Do I Have to File a Victoza Lawsuit in Florida?

Florida’s statute of limitations for defective drug or negligence claims is two years from the date of injury or discovery, per updated law as of March 24, 2023. That’s why time is of the essence, and anyone experiencing side effects to Victoza shouldn’t delay. An experienced attorney at Morgan & Morgan can help you to file your claim correctly and on time.

Are Victoza lawsuits part of a class action?

Victoza lawsuits are currently not a part of an ongoing class action suit—yet. To understand your legal options and get the most up-to-date information regarding Victoza lawsuits, contact Morgan & Morgan for a free case evaluation.

How Can Morgan & Morgan Help?

Victoza has proven benefits for type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular risk reduction, but it carries serious long-term risks: pancreatitis, gastrointestinal disorders, renal issues, and potential thyroid cancer. 

While rodent data drive concerns, case reports and legal filings document human harm. With generic versions now available, exposure may rise, making awareness and legal preparedness crucial.

At Morgan & Morgan, we have fought For the People for over 35 years, and our army of over 1,000 trial-ready lawyers nationwide has the resources and expertise to take on even the biggest pharma companies and to fight for the compensation you need and deserve to move forward with your life.

If you or a loved one took Victoza and developed symptoms such as acute pancreatitis, thyroid lumps, digestive disorders, or kidney issues, contact Morgan & Morgan today for a free, no-obligation case evaluation to learn more about your legal options.