Recent lawsuits and complaints from patients using the diabetes drug Avandia have called into question not only the drug itself but the testing it went through to gain approval. Avandia went on the market in 1998 after gaining FDA approval. The drug is used to treat type-2 diabetes by helping to control blood sugar levels. Since being introduced in 1998, millions of diabetics have used Avandia, but in recent years the safety of the drug has come into question amid slumping sales of the product.
Avandia’s safety was first called into question in May 2007 when the analysis of 42 different clinical trials showed that users of the drug faced a 43 percent increase in the risk of heart attack. GlaxoSmithKline, the makers of Avandia, now face several thousand lawsuits filed by users who say that the drug maker’s failure to adequately research the side effects of Avandia have led to serious injuries. The drug maker and scientists on its payroll stand accused by many of questionable behavior regarding studies conducted that attempted to downplay the risk of life threatening health problems. Reports suggest that the side effects of Avandia have resulted in tens of thousands of heart attacks and deaths.
The Journal of the American Medical Association has called for a reform in all scientific publications as a result of the behavior of GlaxoSmithKline and its scientists. The criticism being levied against Avandia, its producer, and the scientists allegedly covering up side effects are the result of an investigation by the Mayo Clinic. The investigation discovered that a disturbing number of scientists and medical experts who had undeclared financial ties to GlaxoSmithKline continued to support Avandia even after it was found to increase the risk for heart attack. It is believed 87 percent of scientists that downplayed the risks of Avandia had links to its maker.
Just last month Avandia was thrust back into the spotlight after a U.S. Senate report blasted GlaxoSmithKline for deceiving the FDA and pressuring scientists to support the drug in an attempt to cover up the heart attack risk faced by users of Avandia. The fallout from the allegations against Avandia are now likely to force scientific publications to look much closer at studies they publish in an effort to avoid cases similar to that of Avandia.
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.