Rosiglitazone Maleate Linked to Heart Failure
In the 1990’s the pharmaceutical giant GlaxoSmithKline began
rolling out several medications intended to treat the effects of type II
diabetes. In all, they created three separate drugs, each containing varying amounts
of Rosiglitazone maleate. The most basic version is known as Avandia, which
contains no other medications. However, the two additional versions, Avandamet
and Avandaryl, are combined with other chemicals that are intended to help
control the various issues with diabetes. Avandamet contains metformin, which
is actually the world’s most popular anti-diabetes therapy. Avandaryl contains
glimepiride. Rosiglitazone maleate falls under the class of
thiazolidinedione medications. It works to control diabetes side effects by
attaching itself to peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors, which are tiny
spots inside of each cell nucleus that control the ways a cell operates. When
Avandia and other medications enter the cell and attach to these receptors, it
reduces insulin resistance in the cells, meaning that smaller amounts in the
blood stream will be more effective. Although many people have reported drastic improvements in
their overall quality of life while taking Rosiglitazone maleate, there are
some painful side effects that may result from use. In fact, anyone that has
ever taken a medication that contains the drug should be aware of some recent
information indicating that it may not be completely safe. The unfortunate
truth may be that these drugs come with painful, even life-threatening
complications. Some of these side effects include, but are not limited to: - 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)
The side effects listed above are painful, but they are
relatively mild, especially when compared to the life-threatening heart issues
that have been positively identified in many patients. The following maladies
and ailments are especially troubling, considering that people turn to these
medications to solve the issues surrounding a disease that they must live with
for the rest of their lives. - Angina
- Myocardial infarction
(heart attack)
- Congestive heart failure
- Confusion or impaired
thinking
- Drastically increased
heart rate
In fact, these side effects become so prevalent that the
Food and Drug Administration (FDA) now requires GlaxoSmithKline to place “black
box warnings” on all packaging and information provided with prescriptions. To
understand why this is such a serious issue, patients need to understand that
this is the most severe warning that can come on a prescription that is legally
distributed in the Unites States. Drugs that have more serious complications
are considered illegal, and must be recalled and destroyed. If you have ever taken any of these medications, and are
feeling ill, contact your health care professional for more information
immediately. If your doctor or physician diagnoses you with any of the problems
outlined above, they may have been caused by the medications, and you may be
eligible to join an existing lawsuit, or pursue one of your own. To determine
the recompense that you may be owed, contact one of our experienced Avandia attorneys immediately.
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