AVANDIA (or its generic name, rosiglitazone or rosiglitazone maleate), was developed by GlaxoSmithKline. It has been prescribed to help individuals suffering from Type-II diabetes mellitus (also referred to as adult-onset diabetes and non-insulin diabetes).
Type-II diabetes is caused when a person’s body does not make enough insulin or when their body cannot respond appropriately to its insulin production. Along with exercise and a good diet, Avandia was designed to help lower blood sugar. However, ingestion of AVANDIA has several serious side-effects. These side effects include:
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Development of Primary Pulmonary Hypertension (PPH). PPH is a cardiovascular disease associated with a higher than normal blood pressure in the pulmonary artery. PPH may cause the development of
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heart valve disease and
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heart valve defects.
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Heart attacks (myocardial infarction)
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Other cardiovascular problems / complications.
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A decrease in female bone density. This leads to an increased risk of bone fractures among women.
Aside from the loss of loved ones and the serious injuries caused by AVANDIA, the most disturbing information is that GlaxoSmithKline ignored the warning signs. As early as 1999, GSK was warned of the potential safety concerns by Dr. John B. Buse -- a prominent doctor and incoming president of the American Diabetes Association. However, GSK responded by attempting to "quiet" Dr. Buse.
After the safety concerns regarding AVANDIA were made public, the F.D.A. ordered a "black box" warning for Avandia on June 14, 2007, warning consumers of the risks of cardiovascular probelms. A "black box" warning is the most serious warning available and is considered the closest step to a recall.
Following the New England Journal of Medicine's study on Avandia which linked the drug to a 43% increase of heart attacks among persons taking AVANDIA, the F.D.A. issued another "black box" warning for heart attacks.
If you or a loved one have suffered from a heart attack, congestive heart failure, primary pulmonary hypertension, fractured bones (women), or any other cardiovascular problems while taking AVANDIA, please contact The Law Office of Todd & Todd, PLLC.
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FOR ARTICLES RELATED TO AVANDIA AND ITS RISK, PLEASE VIEW THE LINKS BELOW:
Senate Committe Staff Report. A U.S. Senate staff report prepared for the Chairman of the Finance Committee.
F.D.A. Issues Safety Alert on Avandia.
U.S.A. Today - "Avadia to Carry Stronger Warning Label"
New York Times - "Doctor Says Drug Maker Tried to Quash His Criticism of Avandia"
Washington Post - "Doctor Says Avandia Maker Intimidated Him"
Boston Globe - "Scientist Says Executive of Avandia Firm Tried to Bully"
LEX18 - "...Avandia Increases Risk of Heart Failure..."
MedPageToday - "At the Center of Rosiglitazone Storm, Steve Nissen, M.D., Focuses on Safety"
