Heart Attack Among Possible Rosiglitazone Side Effects

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has strict regulations regarding the information that is displayed on drug packaging, and in the patient information provided with the prescription. Regulations designate certain warning levels based on several risk factors, including the severity of the adverse reactions, and the percentage of people that have actually exhibited those same symptoms. Recently, GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) was required to revise the warning information about Rosiglitazone side effects that accompanies their brand name medications.

Current FDA regulations require manufacturers to prominently display warnings with a complete description of issues that may arise. In the most extreme cases of life-threatening problems, the FDA requires what is called “black box” labeling, which is the most extreme warning label that can accompany a legal drug. Unfortunately, in 2007, two studies were published that forced the FDA to reexamine the possible dangers, and require GSK to revise the warning on prescription information to include bolder warnings about the life-threatening risks of using the popular diabetes therapy.

The most prominent study that was published in the New England Journal of Medicine concluded that patients taking the drug experienced a dramatic increase in the risk for a heart attack. In fact, their chances increased by as much as 43%. While the FDA mandated that GSK conduct more studies, and alert consumers of the potential adverse effects, Canadian officials said that the therapy could only be used with other drugs that help control the risks. They also warned that previous heart failure victims should avoid using it.

The fact that these possible complications include heart attack and heart failure is especially troubling considering that it is a prescription medication typically prescribed to treat patients of type II diabetes. While most people know that this malady does require a lifetime of maintenance and possibly insulin injections, many people do not know that, due to the complications of their disease, diabetics are already at an increased risk of heart problems.

If you are a patient currently taking Avandia, pay close attention to the following issues, even if they are mild, but especially if they are severe or last for several days, as they may be a sign of future cardiovascular problems.

Shortness of breath (dyspnea), breathlessness at any time, but especially while resting or lying flat
Coughing and wheezing, particularly if it produces white or pink mucus
Edema, or the unusual buildup of fluid under the skin or other tissues
Fatigue or tiredness
Lack of appetite due to nausea
Confusion and impaired thinking
Drastically increased heart rate

If you have ever taken any of the GlaxoSmithKline drugs mentioned here, you may have an increased Avandia cardiovascular risk , and should 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 start or join an existing lawsuit, or pursue one of your own. To determine the recompense that you may be owed, contact one of our top attorneys immediately.