Victoza: Is Paula Deen Promoting a Dangerous Drug?

Paula Deen is known for her down-home Southern style cooking: barbecue wings, deviled eggs, potato salad with bacon, and most of all, glorious deserts. Recently Ms. Deen made news for something other than her cooking. Paula Deen announced that she has Type 2 diabetes and will be the paid spokesperson for the diabetes drug Victoza.

The announcement caused an uproar. Deen’s sumptuous cakes and pies aren’t exactly what the doctor ordered; even her salads are loaded with sugar, mayonnaise, cheese, and bacon. When eaten regularly, foods like these can contribute to obesity, high blood pressure, and type 2 diabetes. In fact, type 2 diabetes can often be prevented with a low-fat, low-sugar diet, and regular exercise.

Paula Deen is not alone. She is one of more than 25 million Americans who have diabetes. Another 79 million Americans have pre-diabetes. Complications of diabetes include stroke, heart disease, high blood pressure, blindness, kidney disease, nervous system dysfunction, and amputation. So, what is Paula Deen saying to the public? Is she promoting healthy eating and diabetes prevention?

In fact, Ms. Deen has announced that she will be a paid spokesperson for Novo Nordisk, a drug company. Deen will be promoting the diabetes drug Victoza.

Victoza has been on the market since 2010. Like the dangerous drugs Actos and Avandia, Victoza is intended to treat Type 2 Diabetes. And, like Actos and Avandia, Victoza can have dangerous side effects.

In June, 2011, the FDA announced that liraglutide, the active ingredient in Victoza, may increase the risk of pancreatitis and thyroid cancer. The FDA required that a “black box” label be placed on Victoza packaging. This label warns consumers of this risk and states that Victoza should not be prescribed to those with a family history of thyroid cancer or to those with certain forms of pancreatitis.

Ms. Deen didn’t warn her audience of the risks of fried food, butter-filled pies, and plenty of sugar. Will she warn the public of the dangerous side effects of Victoza?

Dallas drug injury attorney Kay Van Wey works to hold the drug companies accountable for injuries caused by medications. If you or a loved one has suffered from an Avandia heart attack, Actos bladder cancer, or Victoza thyroid cancer, Van Wey will fight for you. To learn more, request a copy of Kay Van Wey’s book, 7 Secrets the Pharmaceutical Industry Does NOT Want You to Know, or contact Van Wey Law at (214) 329-1350 or (800) 489-5082 and ask to speak to a Dallas drug injury attorney.

Don't hesitate to contact Kay Van Wey at (800)489-5082 for a free, no obligation consultation.

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