March 9, 2010

In May 2007, an article in the New England Journal of Medicine 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 that a warning be placed on Avandia’s label in 2007, informing users that Avandia might increase the risk of heart attacks even though the data on the risks was inconclusive.

Unfortunately, since the publication of the study, GlaxoSmithKline 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. The company’s own analysis also showed at least a 30% injury rate increase.

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 GlaxoSmithKline’s knowledge of the heart attack risks, GlaxoSmithKline “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 GlaxoSmithKline had a responsibility to tell them. Patients trust drug companies with their health and their lives and GlaxoSmithKline 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.”

GlaxoSmithKline was also accused of intimidating scientists who wished to speak out about Avandia and the possible link to heart attacks or heart disease.

If you have 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 across the country.

Author

Although the author is not an attorney, this article was sponsored by the law firm of Bernstein Liebhard LLP and constitutes Attorney Advertising.  To learn more about Avandia Heart Attacks  or the Avandia Lawsuits please visit www.ConsumerInjuryLawyers.com