The possible side effects of Victoza are pancreatitis and thyroid tumors, both of which can be fatal. The Institute for Safe Medication Practices (ISMP) reported that the FDA’s clinical safety reviewer originally voted against approving the drug because of its link to thyroid tumors, insufficient study to rule out increased heart attack and stroke risk, as well as an increased risk for pancreatitis. In 2011, the FDA published a warning that doctors weren’t fully aware of thyroid risks associated with Victoza. That notice also mentioned that clinical trials suggested an increased risk of pancreatitis in Victoza patients.
http://www.drugwatch.com/victoza/
Every drug has the potential for side effects. Doesn’t mean you are guaranteed to experience them. A good doctor weighs the risks and the potential benefits and will order tests and monitoring to check for problems and to make sure the drug is working.
I take several drugs, all of which have some risk. But some of them are necessary to keep me alive. Only one drug made my already existing kidney disease worse and had to be discontinued. The rest are doing the job with no major side effects.