Avandia

The Nature of the Drug: GlaxoSmithKline plc developed Avandia (generic name rosiglitazone maleate) as a treatment for Type 2 (adult-onset) diabetes. It belongs to the class of drugs known as thiazolidinediones, or glitazones. The FDA approved the drug as a diabetes treatment in 1999, because it lowers blood sugar by sensitizing diabetics to their own insulin. Avandia has been prescribed millions of times.


The Hazards of Avandia: Many of the drug’s side effects are moderate. But research has connected the drug to a 43% greater-than-normal risk of heart attack. Chest pain (angina) is another common side effect; so is congestive heart failure. Avandia users are at increased risk of stroke and heart disease. And bone fracture is associated with the drug.

Over 100,000 Avandia users have reported stroke, heart disease, or heart failure. Because of those known hazards, in 2010 the FDA restricted Avandia to Type 2 diabetics who could not control their blood sugar with other medications. The FDA removed that restriction in 2013; but other drugs in the same class of drugs as Avandia have been removed from the market because they pose serious health risks.
Avandia can also cause moderate side effects, including edema (swelling), yellowing eyes or skin, impaired vision due to swelling behind the eyes, abdominal pain, nausea or vomiting, shortness of breath, and dark urine.

To Obtain Legal Relief: Persons who have taken Avandia and have suffered a heart attack, angina, or stroke or who suspect that the drug has caused other medical problems, may have valuable legal rights.Attorney Stephen A. Katz is available at (800) 251-3529 for a free consultation, or for legal representation.