W&L Expands Type 2 Diabetes Drug Blindness Litigation to Include Victoza and Saxenda Liraglutide

Weitz & Luxenberg is expanding our litigation involving type 2 diabetes drugs leading to blindness to include Victoza and Saxenda liraglutide. Our ongoing litigation focuses on the dangers of semaglutides. Our expanded litigation now includes the dangers of liraglutides. 

Both semaglutides and liraglutides are intended to treat type 2 diabetes. According to studies, both can potentially lead to an irreversible type of vision loss called Nonarteritic Anterior Ischemic Optic Neuropathy (NAION). ^{(1) (2)}

Weitz & Luxenberg has filed a petition for our Ozempic & Wegovy lawsuits to be grouped together so the litigation can be resolved more quickly. In our “Request for Multicounty Designation of NAION Ozempic/Wegovy Litigation,” we are claiming the manufacturer of semaglutide medications “failed to adequately warn of the risks, failed to design a safe product and failed to conduct adequate testing.” 

Attorney Danielle Gold, part of our firm’s Drug and Medical Device Litigation unit, states, “We believe Novo Nordisk knew or should have known about the dangers of blindness due to NAION that its drugs can cause, but there is no warning about this risk. Large corporations cannot get out of taking responsibility for their actions when they cause people harm.” 

What Is Nonarteritic Anterior Ischemic Optic Neuropathy (NAION)?

If you develop NAION, you typically notice sudden vision loss. You do not experience pain. In all likelihood, you wake up one morning and notice significant loss of vision in just one of your eyes. ⁽³⁾

NAION is due to an injury to your optic nerve. The damage means your optic nerve is not able to send information to your brain. ⁽⁴⁾

Unfortunately, there are currently no treatments for NAION. Also, wearing glasses does not correct your vision loss. ⁽⁵⁾

Semaglutides and Liraglutides Can Lead to NAION Blindness

Originally, Weitz & Luxenberg previously was pursuing litigation against the manufacturer of Ozempic and Wegovy, Novo Nordisk. The active ingredient in the medications is semaglutide. 

We now know liraglutide, sold as Victoza and Saxenda, can lead to NAION blindness. Novo Nordisk also manufactured these drugs. Two recent studies have found that patients taking Victoza or Saxenda face an increased risk of loss of vision or blindness. ^{(6) (7)}

Researchers of one study found that taking a glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1RA), such as liraglutide, is linked to a 19% greater risk of developing NAION just in the first year of using it. Researchers of another study found that people with type 2 diabetes who take liraglutide face a 179% greater likelihood of developing NAION. ^{(8) (9)} 

NAION occurs when your optic nerve is damaged. Taking liraglutide can reduce blood flow carrying nutrients and oxygen to your optic nerve. ⁽¹⁰⁾

Multicounty Designation Can Fast-Track Your NAION Lawsuit

Multiple lawsuits across the country have been filed against this manufacturer of medications that can damage your optic nerve. In New Jersey state court alone, over 30 cases are already in the works. The cases involve not just residents of New Jersey, but plaintiffs from multiple states. 

A multicounty litigation (MCL) designation is helpful when there are many people who suffered similar injuries, due to the same drug, against a common defendant. This means that only one judge oversees all the cases, if the MCL is granted.

All of the cases filed so far involve the same basic complaints: failure to warn, design defect, and breach of warranty. All also claim the manufacturer violated New Jersey’s Consumer Fraud Act, as well as other product liability statutes. 

Weitz & Luxenberg believes having the litigation designated as an MCL should simplify the process. Instead of having many cases litigated in many different courts, everything can be handled in one court.

How Do I Know if I Qualify for a Victoza or Saxenda Blindness Lawsuit?

You may be able to join our Victoza or Saxenda blindness lawsuit. Reach out to us if you used Saxenda at any time from January 2015 until now. Or if you used Victoza at any time from February 2010 until now. You must have been diagnosed with NAION after using one of these medications.

If so, you may be entitled to compensation. We are currently pursuing litigation against the manufacturer of these medications.

Free Case Evaluation for Your Victoza or Saxenda Blindness Lawsuit

If you or a loved one developed vision loss or blindness after taking Victoza or Saxenda liraglutide, we encourage you to contact us. You may be able to join our lawsuit. If so, you may be able to receive significant financial compensation.

Weitz & Luxenberg can help. Our team of attorneys that handles dangerous pharmaceuticals can talk with you to consider your legal options. Your initial consultation with us is free.

Weitz & Luxenberg is recognized nationally as a leading firm when it comes to complex litigation. One of our specialty areas is defective drugs. To find out more, contact us at (917) LAWYERS. Another option is filling out the form on this page. A W&L representative is standing by and can assist you.