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Avandia Linked to Heart Attacks

Avandia (rosiglitazone maleate) is a GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) drug developed to treat type 2 diabetes mellitus. First approved by the FDA in 1999, the agency reported eight years later a significant increase in the risk of heart attack in those patients to whom Avandia had been prescribed. And many deaths have been linked to Avandia. More recently, two independent studies showed that bone fractures, particularly in female patients, have been associated with this popular diabetes drug, while a third study has found a link between Avandia and liver failure.

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Avandia Associated with Bone Fractures, Heart Attack, and Death

cipro tendon ruptureAvandia works by reducing insulin resistance and helping the body use the insulin it produces. Approximately 21 million Americans suffer from diabetes, a disease responsible for nearly 300,000 deaths every year. In 2006 almost four million people in the US took Avandia. This diabetes medication was designed to replace Rezulin, a similar drug that was pulled from the market in 2000 after studies revealed it causes severe liver failure. At that time, the FDA conducted studies to test the effects of Avandia and concluded it did not carry the same risks associated with Rezulin.

Now, ongoing evidence suggests that this popular diabetes drug can do a great deal of harm. Safety concerns and side effects that have been associated with Avandia include the following:
  • hypersensitivity
  • cardiac failure
  • hepatic impairment
  • macular oedema
  • bone fracture
In addition to these serious side effects, several other risk factors associated with consuming Avandia include: weight gain, cold, cough, headache, inflammation of sinuses, back pain, swelling, fluid retention and cardiac arrest.

Heart Attack and Death

In May 2007 the FDA announced that information obtained from clinical trials demonstrated that Avandia has the potential to increase the possibility of heart attack by 43 percent and may increase fatalities from general heart disease by 64 percent. Reports have found an increase of heart problems and congestive heart failure in particular occurring as a result of using Avandia.

Bone Fractures

Recent studies have shown that the risk of bone fractures in patients taking Avandia may be almost twice that of those not prescribed the drug. For those who have been taking Avandia for more than two years, the risk of bone fracture is nearly tripled.

In April 2008 the Archives of Internal Medicine determined that patients who had been prescribed Avandia for at least twelve months were almost twice as likely to suffer a bone fracture as those who did not take the drug. More disturbingly, among patients who had treated their diabetes with Avandia for at least two years, bone-fracturing levels had almost tripled.

In another report, The Canadian Medical Association Journal determined that female patients undergoing long-term treatment could double their risk of bone fracture. The study reviewed 10 previous clinical trials, and for every 20 women in their 70s with type 2 diabetes who took the drugs for at least one year, one has a chance of suffering a fracture. In women in their mid-50s, the figure equals one fracture in every 55 women. That’s more than double the normal risk for those age groups.

Liver Failure

A study recently published in the journal Pharmacoepidemiology and Drug Safety (July 22, 2009) has reportedly found a link between the use of Avandia and a risk of liver failure. The study, conducted by researchers from the public advocacy group Public Citizen, found that 11 deaths due to liver failure were reported to the FDA in patients who used Avandia. Those deaths occurred between 1997 and 2006. Public Citizen notes that because of a low incidence of adverse event reporting to the FDA, the actual incidence of liver failure in Avandia patients is more likely around 1 in 44,000 patients.

Avandia History

On June 28, 2001 the FDA requested that GSK discontinue distribution of misleading informational materials that minimized the alleged risks of Avandia.

In April 2002, the FDA sent a letter to healthcare providers telling them of changes in the Avandia warning label that now would include the possibility of excess fluid retention and congestive heart failure.

In December 2002, the FDA again asked GSK to revise their warning label to include reports of unusual, rapid increases in weight.

In 2003, a study published in the September 9 issue of the Mayo Clinic Proceedings reported that congestive heart failure can occur in Avandia patients. Already known to cause fluid accumulation, Avandia is being discouraged from use amongst anyone with a history of congestive heart failure or chronic renal insufficiency.

A report in 2008 stated that a government-run diabetes trial involving 10,000 patients was halted 18 months early after a safety analysis revealed an increased risk of death in patients whose blood sugar levels dipped too low.

Avandia Lawsuits

The Wall Street Journal reported in June 2007 that a class-action shareholder lawsuit was filed against GlaxoSmithKline, arguing that the company failed to disclose the heart attack risk that may be associated with Avandia. One month previously, the New England Journal of Medicine published an analysis suggesting that Avandia increases the risk of heart attack. And Glaxo itself had already compiled a similar analysis, which also showed a potential danger. However, the findings weren't reflected on the US label, which is supposed to give a comprehensive review of the drug's risks.

Meanwhile, hundreds of drug safety cases are being filed against Avandia as a result of life-threatening side effects.

Although Avandia has repeatedly been in the spotlight for the controversy surrounding its use, it remains a blockbuster drug for manufacturer GlaxoSmithKline and it remains on the market. Researchers have determined that Avandia needs stronger warnings about potential side effects. Also, the consumer group Public Citizen never recognized Avandia to be a safe alternative.


Avandia Legal Help

If you or a family member have used Avandia and have suffered heart attack or liver damage after taking Avandia, please click the link below to send your complaint to a lawyer who will review your claim at no cost or obligation.


Last updated on Mar-7-10

AVANDIA ARTICLES AND INTERVIEWS

GlaxoSmithKline Denies Avandia Allegations
GlaxoSmithKline Denies Avandia Allegations Washington, DC: GlaxoSmithKline (GSK), maker of diabetes drug Avandia, is now defending itself against accusations that it failed to adequately warn the public about known risks associated with Avandia. The company responded that the allegations, which were released in a Senate finance committee report, were based on information that was inaccurate and taken out of context. [ Read More ]

First Lawsuit Against Avandia Maker by Government Entity
First Lawsuit Against Avandia Maker by Government Entity San Jose, CA: Things seem to be going from bad to worse for the makers of Avandia. Late last week Santa Clara County in California filed suit against GlaxoSmithKline (GSK), alleging violations against state false advertising statutes. It is believed to be the first lawsuit filed by a government entity over allegations that GSK knew about the various risks and side effects of Avandia but suppressed the evidence. [ Read More ]

Reports Allege GSK Knew About Avandia's Risks
Reports Allege GSK Knew About Avandia's Risks Washington, DC: Government reports allege GlaxoSmithKline knew about the cardiac risks associated with Avandia but waited years before alerting the public. The confidential reports, made public in The New York Times (02/19/10) recommend that Avandia be removed from the market. [ Read More ]



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