Avandia Information Now Includes Risk of Heart Attacks and Disease

Introduced in 1999 by GlaxoSmithKline, one of the largest pharmaceutical companies in the world, one diabetes drug is still under scrutiny due to reports of dangerous or even life-threatening side effects. Now armed with more accurate Avandia information, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has required stricter warning labels on the patient direction sheets. The government agency also mandated that the manufacturing giant continue with clinical trials and research, in the hopes of comparing the incidence of contraindications such as heart attack and failure to those of other diabetes drugs.

The drug is the brand name version of rosiglitazone, and is used in many cases to treat patients of type II diabetes. Unlike some other therapies, this medication does not alter blood sugar levels. Rather, it is designed to make natural insulin levels more effective. The rosiglitazone also comes in two other Glaxo products. One is called Avandamet, and is combined in a single pill with the popular diabetes drug metformin. The other version on the market is Avandaryl, which is offered with glimepiride.

Although many of these are mild, the Avandia information available with a prescription lists all of the following as possible adverse reactions:

Upper respiratory infections
Headaches
Back pain
Hyperglycemia (very high blood sugar)
Hypoglycemia (very low blood sugar)
Fatigue
Sinusitis
Diarrhea or other bowel irritations
Nasopharyngitis
Arthralgia (joint pain)

But these are not the issues that caused the FDA to require more research into the rosiglitazone products. Two studies released in 2007 reported Avandia information that linked the drug with major cardiovascular and bone difficulties. While the bone density problems were mostly reported in post-menopausal women, and included fractures and broken bones in the extremities, those that developed heart complications developed life-threatening issues, such as:

Angina (chest pain from a lack of oxygenated blood)
Myocardial infarction (heart attack)
Congestive heart failure (with or without hospitalization)
Needing higher doses of existing cardiovascular medications

It is important to note that these complications can be pronounced, or more severe, since type II victims are already at an increased risk for cardiovascular issues. Patients currently receiving rosiglitazone therapies should be on the lookout for the following precursors to heart failure, and death.

Excessive, rapid, unexplained weight gain
Dyspnea (shortness of breath, especially while lying down or sleeping)
Edema (unusual collection of fluid in skin and tissues)

If you have ever taken either of the drugs listed above, are feeling ill, or feel that you may be exhibiting any of the symptoms described, contact your health care professional immediately. If your doctor or physician diagnoses you with any of the problems outlined above, they may have been caused by the rosiglitazone medications, and you may be eligible to start or join a lawsuit. To determine the recompense that you may be owed, contact one of our top Avandia law firms immediately.