Avandia Affected Quality of Life

July 31, 2007. By Jane Mundy

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Simpson, PA: "Right after I took Avandia I got edema in my legs," says Pauline S. "Then I started to get skipped heartbeats but never associated these symptoms to this drug." Fortunately for Pauline, one doctor did know about Avandia's side effects and took her off the drug, maybe in the nick of time.

"The doctor who first prescribed Avandia thought I had edema because of my job," says Pauline (not her real name). She worked as a nurse's aid and was on her feet for many hours at a time. (Edema is a swelling of soft tissues as a result of excess water accumulation, and a common side effect of Avandia. It usually occurs in the lower legs and feet toward the end of the day as a result of pooling of fluid from being in an upright position during the day.)

"In the meantime I started to get skipped heartbeats and went to a cardiologist," says Pauline. "I had a bunch of tests and was diagnosed with an enlarged heart. I am now taking medication for this heart problem--if I lie down on my left side, I can feel my heart skipping a beat.

"My original doctor, the one who prescribed Avandia, moved away and about three months ago I found another doctor because my edema was bad again. He said edema has been associated with Avandia.

Then I looked up Avandia online and read some articles on your site. I went to my pharmacy and got a print-out to see how long I have been on this drug. It surprised me that I was on it for so long—since it first came out in 1999.

I have been off Avandia for more than three months and the swelling in my feet isn't so severe. My heart issue also seems better: that could be due to this new medication I am taking and it could also be due to not taking Avandia. I think I am feeling better for the latter reason.

When I found out about how dangerous this medication is, I was really shocked—I could have had a big problem. I never associated my heart issue with Avandia. I thank my doctor for taking the time to read up on my medical history and recognize Avandia's side effects.

I never had any heart issues before taking Avandia and I am certain this drug has caused irreparable damage. It doesn't make me happy. I get out of breath and can't even go for a long walk. Sometimes I even get short-winded after having a shower. My quality of life has really been affected. Medicine can really do a number on you.

I'm not crazy about doctors being in such a hurry to prescribe these drugs. I believe there hasn't been enough research and the older drugs, those that were on the market for a long time, might have been better. At least they were around long enough to know they weren't going to kill you."

Avandia Legal Help
If you or a family member have used Avandia and have suffered heart attack or liver damage after taking Avandia, please contact a lawyer involved in a possible [Avandia Lawsuit] who will review your case at no cost or obligation.
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