Avandia (rosiglitazone) works by lowering blood sugar levels, which can cause complications such as kidney and eye damage by increasing the body's sensitivity to insulin. However, recent studies have linked its use to congestive heart failure, hepatitis and liver failure.

A May 2007 study published in the New England Journal of Medicine concluded that the drug raises the risk of heart attack by 43 percent. Based on those results, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a safety alert on the drug. The FDA subsequently asked for a black-box warning about congestive heart failure be added to the labels of Avandia and a related drug, Actos.

In its May safety alert, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration said patients taking Avandia, especially those with heart disease or at high risk of heart attack, should talk to their doctor about the risks. Lawsuits concerning Avandia have resulted because of the serious side affects associated with its use.

Avandia, manufactured by GlaxoSmithKline Plc, was approved by the FDA in 1999, generates billions of dollars in sales. The New England Journal of Medicine study detailed a recent analysis of clinical trials that suggested that the drug significantly increases the risk of heart attacks and cardiovascular death. The study was conducted by doctors at the renowned Cleveland Clinic. The trials compared patients taking Avandia with those not using the drug. The results indicate that Avandia users had an increase of cardiac-related deaths by 64 percent and 43 percent increase in heart attacks.

The consumer group Public Citizen has said that it had repeatedly warned the Glaxo and the FDA about the dangers of Avandia, stating that the drug should only be a “last-choice” option for the treatment of type 2 diabetes because studies have shown it to cause serious cardiac problems.

Type 2 diabetes affects more than 20 million Americans, and is a leading cause of coronary heart disease, blindness, kidney failure and limb amputation. According to the American Diabetes Association, in type 2 diabetes, either the body does not produce enough insulin or the cells ignore the insulin. Insulin is necessary for the body to be able to use sugar. Sugar is the basic fuel for the cells in the body, and insulin takes the sugar from the blood into the cells. When glucose builds up in the blood instead of going into cells, it can cause two problems:

• Right away, your cells may be starved for energy.
• Over time, high blood glucose levels may hurt your eyes, kidneys, nerves or heart.

People who have taken Avandia may not know if they have been harmed. If you or a loved one has taken Avandia and no side effects were noticed, it is still possible the drug will have an adverse effect. The defect of the drug is latent and can manifest itself at any time. If you are currently taking Avandia, of have taken any form of it in the past, we urge you speak with a medical professional immediately. Then, contact the Virginia law firm of Epperly & Follis, P.C. Our firm handles product liability cases, which includes pharmaceutical drugs like Avandia, as well as medical devices.

Contact Epperly & Follis today for a free consultation at 1-888-703-0109 or (804) 648-6480, or contact us via our online Contact Form.