GlaxoSmithKline's Alleged Failure to Disclose Heart Problems Prompt Avandia Lawsuits

In 1999, GlaxoSmithKline released three different drugs based on rosiglitazone, an anti-diabetic drug that falls under the thiazolidinedione classification of prescription medications. Thiazolidinediones are included in a variety of therapies used to treat type II diabetes.

Unfortunately, three versions of the drug are popping up in Avandia lawsuits. The brand name contains only rosiglitazone. The second version is called Avandamet, which contains metformin, which is actually the most popular diabetes drug used worldwide. The final version is Avandaryl, which contains glimepiride, a widely accepted blood sugar lowering agent.

Since the initial release of these drugs, GlaxoSmithKline has been under scrutiny from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), as their drugs have been positively linked to several painful ailments that have led to Avandia lawsuits. In fact, the FDA has subsequently required the giant drug manufacturer to include black box warnings on all packaging and medical information sheets. These warnings are the strongest ones that can be placed on any legally distributed medication.

Many diabetics taking the rosiglitazone drugs have experienced some of the following problems:

Liver problems
Upper respiratory infections
Broken bones in women, especially post-menopausal women
Headaches
Back pain
Anemia
Trouble breathing (due to pulmonary edema)
Vision changes
Skin rash
Hives
Heart failure

Many victims of these problems have brought Avandia lawsuits against the makers, alleging that they knew of the dangers before independent studies positively linked the drugs to the problems listed above. They allege in the cases that GlaxoSmithKline withheld information that linked the drug to the debilitating diseases, endangering their lives and leading to decreased quality of life or even death.

If you have ever taken any of the drugs listed above, it is possible that you may be eligible to begin a personal injury case, or take part in one of the cases currently waiting to be heard around the country. Determine if you are eligible to pursue recompense from GlaxoSmithKline, be sure to seek medical attention, and be sure to receive proper documentation for any occurrence of the following symptoms.

Patients with liver problems typically experience the following adverse effects as a result:

Nausea or vomiting
Stomach pain
Unusual or unexplained tiredness
Loss of appetite
Unusually dark urine
Yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes

Although it happens only in women, and primarily in post-menopausal women, fractures and bone breaks are also a common problem. These typically take place in the extremities, including the arms, hands, and feet.

If you ever have problems breathing, or experience chest pain, you should seek medical attention immediately. Additionally, if you have been taking the diabetes drug Avandia , you should be sure to tell your doctor when you arrive. Also make sure that you receive proper documentation of problems. If your doctor confirms that you are experiencing problems caused by your diabetic therapy, contact one of our attorneys immediately, to determine if you are eligible to take part in a suit.