Harmful Side Effects of Avandia

Lawsuits filed on behalf of people after taking Avandia have increased dramatically since the FDA warnings were issued and recalls of been issue in other countries. Published reports show filings in numerous states with the highest concentrations in New York and New Jersey. The Avandia lawsuits claim harmful side effect from taking the drug for extended periods of time.

Potential Dangers of Avandia

Avandia, like other thiazolidinediones, can cause fluid retention which may lead to heart failure. Potential Avandia side effects can include:

• congestive heart failure or heart damage
• heart blockages or cardiovascular ischemia
• heart attack
• hemorrhagic stroke
• ischemic stroke
• sudden cardiac death

Avandia is taken to treat type 2 diabetes by decreasing insulin resistance to aid regulation of blood sugar level. Thiazolidinediones, including Avandia, have been linked to liver and cardiovascular complications. Avandia was introduced to the U.S. market on April 4, 2000 after receiving FDA approval. Current warning labels on Avandia state the increased risk of congestive heart failure and significant liver problems. The first thiazolidinedione, Rezulin, was pulled from the U.S. market in 2000 after more than 60 deaths. In May 2007, the New England Journal of Medicine published an analysis linking Avandia to increased risk of heart attacks. The meta-analysis reviewed 42 studies and found patients taking Avandia® to be at a 43% higher risk of heart attack or other cardiovascular-related risk.

Avandia FDA Alert

An FDA alert was issued following the data from clinical trials that showed the propensity for significant increase in the risk of heart-related deaths and heart attacks in patients taking Avandia. The FDA advised patients to ask their doctor of alternative treatment options if they are taking Avandia.

FDA Restrictions on Avandia

On July 14, 2010, a federal medical advisory panel recommended that Avandia have sales restricted and additional warning labels added or be removed from the market because the increased risks associated with heart attacks. The FDA is considering regulatory options.