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News Articles >> Link Between Avandia and Canadian Deaths..
Link Between Avandia and Canadian Deaths Explored
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| June 18, 2007. By Heidi Turner |  RSS  Del.icio.us  Seed Newsvine  Facebook |
Toronto, ON: Health Canada has confirmed that 19 people have died from heart related problems while they were taking Avandia.
Initially, Health Canada reported that since 2000, twenty-eight people who were taking Avandia had heart attacks but it did not say at the time whether or not those people died. There is not enough information in 12 of the deaths to determine whether or not Avandia had a part in the victim's death; however, in six cases there is the possibility of a link between Avandia and the heart attack.
The announcement from Health Canada came after a study was released in theNew England Journal of Medicine that found a link between Avandia and a risk of heart attacks. The study found that patients taking Avandia had a 43 percent higher risk of heart attacks.
A Health Canada advisory notes that some of the studies included in the Journal's study included patients who used Avandia in combinations with other diabetic treatments that are not approved for use in Canada.
Avandia, which is made by GlaxoSmithKline, was approved for use by Health Canada in March 2000. On November 13, 2001, GlaxoSmithKline released an advisory that Avandia can cause fluid retention that can progress to congestive heart failure.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has asked GlaxoSmithKline to put a black box warning on Avandia to alert patients about the risk of congestive heart failure. The agency has also set an advisory panel meeting for July 30. The meeting will focus on the risk of heart problems associated with Avandia and another drug in its class called Actos. So far, there has been no indication if Health Canada will release a stronger warning about Avandia or conduct any hearings related to the drug.
Patients who are taking Avandia and have had acute heart failure, liver disease or shortness of breath should consult their doctor about whether or not to continue taking Avandia. Patients who do not have those problems but are still concerned about the risks associated with taking Avandia should discuss their options with their doctor.
Avandia, known generically as rosiglitazone, is used for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. According to IMS Health Canada, an organization that provides statistics to researchers, almost two million Avandia prescriptions were filled last year. In addition to a risk of heart problems, Avandia has been linked to a higher risk of bone fractures.
If you have taken Avandia and suffered from heart problems while on the drug, contact a lawyer to discuss your options.
Avandia Canada Legal Help
If you or a loved one live in Canada and have suffered a heart attack or liver damage after taking Avandia, please contact a lawyer involved in a possible [Avandia Canada Lawsuit] who will review your case at no cost or obligation.
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