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Avandia Side Effects Can Occur Quickly
Seattle, WA: Patients taking Avandia do not necessarily have to wait a long time to feel the drug's negative effects. Some people are reporting that they suffered adverse reactions to Avandia within the first few months of taking the drug. Lawsuits have been filed both in the U.S. and internationally against the maker of Avandia, alleging the company knew about the risks associated with the diabetes drug but failed to warn the public or doctors about those risks.
 Earlier this month, the Daily Mail reported the story of a man who was diabetic for 18 years before his doctor switched him to Avandia. According to the article, after only one month on Avandia the man's feet, legs and thighs swelled to double their regular size and he was diagnosed with heart failure. Two months later, while he was still taking Avandia, the man passed out, spent 10 days in hospital, and was diagnosed with heart valve damage, fluid on the lungs, kidney failure, and a heart blockage. The man's doctor believes Avandia caused his health problems.
Recently, a study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (September 12, 2007) found that one in 30 patients taking Avandia developed heart failure and one in 220 such patients had a heart attack. The study's authors concluded that Rosiglitazone (Avandia) was associated with a "significantly increased risk of myocardial infarction and heart failure." In fact, Avandia is associated with a 42 percent increased risk of heart attacks, strokes and heart failure.
Researchers and consumer groups are now questioning whether Avandia should be allowed to remain on the market. So far, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has refused to pull Avandia off the market, opting instead for a black box warning to alert consumers to the risks associated with the drug. Critics note that safer, less expensive treatments are available for patients who are at an increased risk of cardiovascular events. Even some FDA officials argue that Avandia should be withdrawn.
Meanwhile, GlaxoSmithKline, maker of Avandia, faces lawsuits in the U.S. and internationally regarding its diabetes drug. A 66-year-old man in Canada filed a class action lawsuit, reportedly the third in recent weeks in Canada, alleging he suffered a heart attack that was directly related to his use of the drug. The suit names both GlaxoSmithKline and the Canadian federal government as defendants.
According to a CBC News article, the lawsuit argues that GlaxoSmithKline either knew or should have known about the risk of Avandia, and purposely did not carry out proper studies for its own financial benefit. Furthermore, the suit alleges that the Canadian government did not stop the sale of unsafe drugs and did not warn the public about harm caused by Avandia.
Avandia has also been linked to an increased risk of blindness and double the risk of bone fractures in women. Patients who are currently taking Avandia should not stop without speaking to their doctor first and discussing their options.
Consumers are now investigating class action lawsuits against GlaxoSmithKline, arguing Avandia caused them to suffer serious health problems. Additionally, family members whose loved ones died of heart problems after taking Avandia are filing wrongful death lawsuits against GlaxoSmithKline, alleging the company withheld important information regarding the drug's side effects.
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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