Produced by GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) and first approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1999, Avandia (generically rosiglitazone) is a thaiazolidinediones (TZD) medication that helps type 2 diabetics control their blood glucose levels. Avandia is not indicated for the treatment of type 1 diabetes, and, in most cases, it should not be prescribed in conjunction with insulin. Typically, Avandia should be taken in the morning and evening, and patients are strongly advised to eat healthy and exercise while taking this drug.
Some studies have indicated that use of Avandia can increase the risk of developing heart disease or heart attack by as much as 43 percent, despite Avandia’s effectiveness at treating type 2 diabetes. The FDA has yet to pull the drug off the market, and the FDA’s Associate Director of Drug Safety, David Graham, has publicly stated that he favors an Avandia recall.
Mr. Graham stated that Avandia caused 800 more reported heart attacks and heart failures than its competitor, and that it also caused approximately 83,000 heart attacks from 1999 through 2007.
Symptoms of Heart Disease and Heart Attack
Because Avandia is still prescribed in the U.S., it is crucial that patients familiarize themselves with the symptoms of heart disease and heart attacks so they know when to seek emergency medical attention to prevent potentially fatal Avandia health complications. Symptoms of heart disease and heart attack include:
- chest pain
- difficulty breathing and shortness of breath
- dizziness
- irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia)
- numbness, weakness or pain in the extremities.
Compensation for Avandia Injuries: Avandia Lawsuits
Avandia patients diagnosed with heart disease or who have sustained a heart attack may be entitled to compensation from GSK for their injuries, losses, permanent disabilities, diminished quality of life, pain, and suffering. Experts estimate that about 13,000 lawsuits have already been filed against GSK. GSK reportedly earned approximately $1.2 billion in the worldwide sales of Avandia in 2009.
Injured parties are welcome to attend a complimentary initial consultation with an experienced products liability lawyer to learn more about their legal rights and to receive a comprehensive evaluation of their case.
If you or a loved one have used Avandia and suffered from heart disease or heart attack you should contact us immediately for a free and confidential case review. You may be entitled to compensation and we can help.
