In May 2007, an article in the New England Journal concluded that Avandia, a drug prescribed for those suffering from type 2 diabetes, increased the risk of heart attack, heart disease and possible death. The study involved nearly 28,000 patients and found the participants were 43% more vulnerable to suffer a heart attack after taking Avandia. The FDA itself stated that Avandia caused approximately 83,000 heart attacks between 1999 and 2007. The agency ordered a warning on Avandia’s label in 2007, saying that it might increase the risk of heart attacks even though the data on the risks was inconclusive.
Unfortunately, since the publication of the study, GlaxoSmithKline (“GSK”) has done nothing to publicize the risks involved in taking Avandia. In fact they have actively tried to downplay the danger of possible heart attacks. Their own analysis also showed at least a 30% injury rate increase. However, once again GSK failed to warn Avandia users.
Senate Investigates Heart Attack Risk in Avandia:
The Senate Committee on Finance investigated Avandia’s heart attack risk in a report released on February 22, 2010. The report said that based on its knowledge of the heart attack risks, GSK “had a duty to sufficiently warn patients and the FDA of its concerns in a timely manner,”
“Americans have a right to know there are serious health risks associated with Avandia and GSK had a responsibility to tell them. Patients trust drug companies with their health and their lives and GSK abused that trust,” Sen. Baucus said. “We will continue watching closely and working with the FDA to make sure patients and doctors are aware of the risks associated with Avandia and all drugs so they can make safe and informed decisions when choosing their medicines.”
GSK was also accused of intimidating scientists who wished to speak out against Avandia and the possibility of heart attack or heart disease.
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Class Action Lawsuit Filed Against Avandia Manufacturer GlaxoSmithKline:
Santa Clara county sued GSK in California federal court on February 26, 2010. The suit was filed directly after the Senate committee hearing which accused GSK of falsely advertising Avandia. The suit alleges that the company underplayed the risk of heart attacks and as a result violated state false-advertising statutes. The county claims that “The county itself has been especially affected by Avandia problems because of a county-run hospital that spent $2 million on Avandia between 1999 and 2007 for patients, and also floated the bill for numerous patients who suffered heart attacks and other side effects of Avandia.”
Avandia Lawyer:
If you or a loved one has experienced a heart attack, heart valve disease, edema, blood artery disease, pulmonary hypertension, or any other heart related illness while on Avandia you may be entitled to financial compensation. Avandia lawsuits are currently being filed. To find out more about an Avandia lawsuit, please contact one of our Avandia lawyers.
