Avandia Lawsuit

The popular diabetes medication Avandia is being considered for recall by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration today after several complaints by patients were fielded concerning the potentially fatal side effects of the prescription drug. Over four million diabetes patients have utilized the drug since its introduction in 1999. This figure includes some 2.6 million prescriptions that were written for the drug last year alone.

Manufactured by GlaxoSmithKline, Avandia (Rosiglitazone) was marketed as a safer option for people affected by Type-II diabetes. Avandia is implemented as part of a treatment plan which includes diet and exercise. The drug works by facilitating the natural use of the insulin produced within the body of Type Two diabetes sufferers in an attempt to lower blood sugar levels.

A class action lawsuit has been opened following several patient complaints of serious side effects including congestive heart failure, heart damage, heart attack, hemorrhagic or ischemic stroke, sudden cardiac death, primary pulmonary hypertension, liver toxicity, and increased cholesterol levels. Additionally, reports of bone fractures in female patients have also been identified. Despite the recent updates to the risks associated with Avandia, safety alerts were issued for Avandia just over three years ago for side effects including potentially fatal heart problems. Doctors and patients were made aware of the potential problems and the warning label was updated to include the new findings.

As the FDA contemplates the possibility of removing Avandia from the market, many Type-II diabetes patients and doctors will likely begin searching for alternative medications. For Type-II diabetes patients, a reportedly safer alternative to Avandia is the Takeda Pharmaceutical drug Actos. Actos has become the market leader in Type Two diabetes prescription drugs over the past five years as after the decline of Avandia’s popularity since 2005.

If you or a loved one has experienced serious side effects, a heart attack or other health complications from using Avandia, contact Newsome Law Firm and fill out a case evaluation form today. Our team of attorneys has experience specific to complications associated with prescription medication. Not only can they give you the legal guidance you need, they can help you get the compensation you deserve.