Avandia (rosiglitazone) is an ant-diabetic drug introduced to the market in 1999 by its manufacturer, GlaxoSmithKline. The medication has been somewhat controversial for about four years because of evidence that it may lead to increased risk of heart attack. Studies have been conducted that connect the medication to cardiac problems; studies have also been published that show there is no conclusive evidence of a connection.
A Drug with Known Serious Side Effects
Avandia is designed to treat patients with type 2 diabetes. There is agreement that the drug can cause fluid retention which can lead to an increased risk of heart failure; the boxed warning on the medication states that Avandia can increase risk of congestive heart failure in patients with existing cardiac problems. The FDA’s communiqué on Avandia issued in February of 2008 states that diabetics who take Avandia should watch for signs of swelling or shortness of breath associated with fluid retention.
In the June 2007 edition of the New England Journal of Medicine the results of a “meta-study” on the relationship of Avandia and heart attacks were reported. A meta-study is a look at a compilation of individual studies on the subject, conducted with various numbers of patients and an assortment of criteria. The meta-study looked at 42 such clinical reports and concluded that there is significant evidence: “Rosiglitazone was associated with a significant increase in the risk of myocardial infarction and with an increase in the risk of death from cardiovascular causes that had borderline significance.”
Also in that edition of the NEJM there is a rebuttal to the study, challenging its methodology and the thoroughness of the evidence that was utilized. Since that time however, the FDA issued its additional cautionary paper and patients using Avandia have continued to experience edema, heart problems and associated health difficulties that may accompany diabetes and are being exacerbated by the use of Avandia.
Avandia Use Plummets
Since the potential for medical complications with Avandia became public knowledge, sales of the drug have dropped significantly, approximately 50% in 2007 of what was sold in 2006. It remains in use however, and the pace of lawsuits associated with the medication has accelerated. One federal court district has consolidated all of its Avandia cases with a single judge, to be handled en masse. That is a sure sign of expanded legal activity regarding the serious side effects from Avandia.
Your Legal Options for Avandia Side Effects
If you or a relative has taken Avandia for diabetes treatment and has subsequently developed heart problems, you should consult with an experienced drug liability attorney about prospects for compensation. Contact us today and we will connect you with an attorney who knows the history of Avandia lawsuits. You’ll receive a free, in-depth analysis of your legal case.
