Produced by GlaxoSmithKline, Avandia is a tablet medication that increases the body’s sensitivity to insulin and, as a result, helps type-2 diabetics better control their blood sugar levels. Avandia is generically known asrosiglitazone. In 2006, its annual sales reached a record high of $2.5 billion, worldwide. When combined with metformin or glimepiride, Avandia is sold under the brand names Avandamet or Avandaryl.
Despite being an effective diabetes management drug, Avandia has been linked to severe, life-threatening side effects, including heart attack and cardiovascular disease.
Study Reveals Dangers of Avandia
In November 2008, the Archives of Internal Medicine published a study that found that patients are 15 percent more likely to suffer a wrongful death while taking Avandia than patients who take Actos, another type-2 diabetes medication. The study also revealed that Avandia patients have a 13 percent higher risk of sustaining heart failure than Actos patients. Led by Dr. Wolfgang C. Winkelmayer at the Harvard Medical School, the study involved medical records of over 28,000 diabetes patients who took Avandia or Actos between 2000 and 2005.
While GlaxoSmithKline stands behind Avandia and has yet to admit its serious risks, those who develop severe injuries after taking Avandia (or a related type-2 diabetes medication) will likely be eligible to seek and recover compensation for their medical bills, permanent disabilities, emotional suffering and other losses. At Gacovino, Lake & Associates, our highly trained defective drug attorneys are committed to aggressively standing up for the rights of victims of defective medications. Our defective drug lawyers are dedicated to putting our clients’ needs first and providing the best possible representation in all necessary legal proceedings.
Avandia Injuries & Risk Factors
Among the most serious side effects associated with Avandia are heart failure and heart attack. To reduce the risk of such complications, it’s vital that those interested in taking Avandia discuss their complete medical history with their doctor before starting a course of this diabetes medication. Those with the highest risk of sustaining potentially fatal Avandia side effects include patients with a medical history of:
- Allergies to rosiglitazone
- Diabetic ketoacidosis
- Heart disorders
- Ingesting nitrates, anticoagulants or insulin
- Liver problems, including jaundice
- Moderate to severe heart failure
- Swelling problems
Such patients will likely be prescribed alternative type-2 diabetes medications.
Symptoms
Symptoms of heart failure, heart attack and other severe Avandia side effects include (but aren’t limited to):
- Chest pain
- Dizziness
- Fainting
- Headaches (that are sudden and severe in nature)
- Limb numbness
- Shortness of breath
- Swollen hands, ankles or feet
- Sudden inexplicable weight gain
- Vomiting
Legal Help
If you or a loved one has been seriously injured after taking Avandia, contact Gacovino, Lake & Associates to schedule a free and confidential consultation. Our experienced Avandia side effect attorneys will thoroughly evaluate your case to determine the best way to proceed. We provide personalized attention and care to each and every client and will fight tirelessly to ensure you recover the maximum compensation you are entitled to.
For more information about your specific case, contact Gacovino, Lake & Associates today.
