Dallas Fort Worth Injury Lawyer Blog
Avandia, an oral medication produced by GlaxoSmithKline, improves control of blood glucose levels in individuals with type-2 diabetes. Despite its ability to make insulin receptors more sensitive, Avandia does have some serious associated risks, as it can increase the chances that patients’ develop:
* stroke
* congestive heart failure
* heart attack
* liver toxicity
* severe allergic reactions
According to an analysis of clinical data published May 21, 2007 in The New England Journal of Medicine, the diabetes drug Avandia may significantly increase the risk of death due to cardiovascular problems. A meta-analysis of more than 40 trials indicated that diabetic patients treated with Avandia faced a greater risk of heart-related death than those treated with other diabetes drugs or a placebo. The analysis also revealed a 43% increased risk of heart attack among Avandia-treated patients.
Findings of these Avandia side effects prompted the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to issue two national Avandia warnings that:
* Publicized the life threatening conditions patients could develop after taking the Avandia drug
* Highlighted the risk factors for Avandia side effects
* Indicated that patients should seek emergency medical treatment should they develop symptoms of severe Avandia side effects.
Although the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has yet to officially recall Avandia, it has issued two national Avandia warnings (on March 21, 2007 and May 23, 2007) to alert the public about the dangerous side effects associated with this medication (In 2008, Avandia warnings weren’t issued).
In the latest warning, the FDA required that the Avandia drug warning label be upgraded to a “black box warning,” the most serious type of warning label indicating the drug can cause life threatening side effects.
Patients with the highest Avandia death risks include those who have a history of:
* stroke
* diabetes-related vision problems
* heart problems (including congestive heart failure, heart attack and/or heart disease)
* high blood pressure (hypertension)
* liver disorders
Individuals taking certain medications may also be at risk of developing severe cases of hypoglycemia (dangerously low blood sugar levels). Specifically, medications associated with this Avandia risk include:
* anti-seizure medications
* asthma drugs
* contraceptive pills
* diet pills (diuretics)
* steroids
* thyroid medications
Have you or a loved one been injured after taking Avandia? If so, contact us to speak with an experienced medical doctor attorney who specializes in drug recall litigation & lawsuits. Let us help you win the compensation you need and deserve.
If you or a family member has been personally injured because of the fault of someone else: by the use of dangerous drugs, bad products, or toxic injury etc then please contact the Fort Worth Texas Defective Drugs Product Liability Attorney Dr. Shezad Malik. For a no obligation, free case analysis, please call 817-255-4001 or Contact Me Online.
The Dr. Shezad Malik Law is currently evaluating and accepting Avandia Side Effect cases.