The diabetes drug Avandia first hit the market in 1999 and became a popular drug to treat type II diabetes. However, Avandia research studies have tied Avandia to a variety of cardiovascular problems, and even an increased risk of death. Despite the studies pointing to the dangers of the drug, the FDA removed certain restrictions in November 2013.
If you have been prescribed Avandia and suffered adverse health effects as a result, or if a family member has suffered adverse effects or passed away because of the dangerous drug, you may be eligible to recover compensation by pursuing a lawsuit.
There have been tens of thousands of lawsuits and even some class action lawsuits filed in the United States over the last several years. If you suspect that this dangerous drug is the cause of your health problems, seek the counsel of an attorney familiar with dangerous drug cases.
What is Avandia?
Avandia is a prescription medication prescribed to help control high blood sugar in adults with type II diabetes. Unlike other diabetes drugs, Avandia is not intended to be taken while a person is also taking insulin. The active ingredient is rosiglitazone maleate, and is meant to be taken orally rather than by injection.
The Dangers of Avandia
Despite the fact that the FDA approved this drug, research indicates that it can be an extremely dangerous type of drug. There are various side effects associated with it, many of which can be quite serious.
According to the FDA, side effects include the following possible complications.
- new or worse heart failure.
- heart attack.
- liver problems.
- macular edema.
- fractures.
- low red blood cell count.
- low blood sugar.
- ovulation leading to pregnancy in women who do not have regular monthly periods.
Furthermore, the FDA conducted a study that involved 227,571 patients who started taking Avandia and Actos between July 2006 and June 2009 and were then followed for three years.
The study revealed the following frightening statistics about the patients taking Avandia rather than Actos.
- 27 percent more likely to develop stroke.
- 25 percent more likely to develop heart failure.
- and, 14 percent more likely to die.
Avandia is a potentially dangerous drug that can have serious health consequences for those who take it. If you’ve been prescribed this dangerous drug and suffered consequences such as heart attack or stroke as a result, an attorney can help you review the legal options you might have to file a lawsuit.
Get Help with a Lawsuit
If you want to pursue a lawsuit to recover compensation for damages related to taking this drug, talk to an attorney as soon as possible.
- medical bills.
- reduced earning capacity.
- and, pain and suffering.
An attorney can guide you through the process of filing your claim, and can help you compile the necessary medical documents you’ll need to prove the connection between taking Avandia and your health problems.
If you or a loved one was prescribed Avandia, the healthcare professional who wrote you the prescription might be liable if you had risk factors that should have precluded prescription in the first place. In many other cases, though, the drug manufacturer may be liable for any serious, adverse health events that arise.
For assistance pursuing your claim, the attorneys at Gacovino, Lake & Associates, P.C. are ready to help. For a free case consultation to discuss the process of filing your lawsuit call us immediately at 800-550-0000 or use our contact form to set up your consultation.
