Saxenda Weight Loss Drug Side Effects. Our firm is investigating potential class action lawsuits involving side effects associated with Saxenda (liraglutide [rDNA origin] injection), a drug used to facilitate weight loss. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved ‘Saxenda’ for chronic weight management when taken along with a reduced-calorie diet and exercise. The agency is monitoring ‘Saxenda’ for serious side effects, including thyroid cancer and breast cancer.
The agency indicates that ‘Saxenda’ is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist; the medication should not be taken with any other drugs in this class, such as the type 2 diabetes medication Victoza.
Saxenda and Thyroid Cancer
‘Saxenda’ contains a black boxed warning, the most serious type of warning mandated by the FDA, over potential increased risks of developing thyroid tumors when taking ‘Saxenda’. According to the FDA, rodent studies revealed that the drug is associated with an increased risk of thyroid tumors, although it is uncertain if the medication causes thyroid C-cell tumors, known as medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC), in humans. Individuals with a personal or family history of MTC or with multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2-a disease in which tumors occur in more than one gland in the body-should not take ‘Saxenda’.
FDA-Mandated Post-Marketing Saxenda Studies
The FDA is mandating several post-marketing studies for ‘Saxenda’, including:
- Clinical trials to assess Saxenda’s safety and efficacy in children
- A study to determine if ‘Saxenda’ has effects on growth, sexual maturation, and central nervous system development and function in mature rats
- Clinical trials to evaluate the risk of breast cancer with ‘Saxenda’
- A case registry of at least 15 years to identify if an increased incidence of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) occurs in people taking ‘Saxenda’
An ongoing trial will also be implemented to assess Saxenda’s cardiovascular safety,the FDA indicated.
Saxenda Side Effects
According to an FDA press release issued December 23, 2014, serious side effects reported in patients taking
‘Saxenda’ include:
- Pancreatitis
- Gallbladder disease
- Renal impairment
- Suicidal thoughts
Patients may also experience elevated heart rate when taking ‘Saxenda’. The FDA states that if this persists, the drug should be discontinued.
The most common side effects reported in clinical trials involving ‘Saxenda’ use included:
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Vomiting
- Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar)
- Decreased appetite.
Need Legal Help Regarding Saxenda Weight Loss Drug?
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