Avandia (Rosiglitazone) Litigation
The Brad Hendricks Law Firm wants to help if you or a loved one has been harmed by Avandia (also known as Rosiglitazone).
Marketed by pharmaceutical giant GlaxoSmithKline (GSK), Avandia is an anti-diabetic drug marketed as an insulin sensitizer that works by binding to the PPAR receptors in fat cells and making them more responsive to insulin. Recent studies have suggested that Avandia contributes to an increased risk of heart attack, heart failure, osteoporosis, stroke and other potentially life-threatening side effects. One study from 2007 found that the risk of heart attack may increase by as much as 43%. Another study from 2009 found that the rate of heart failure causing admission to hospital or death was significantly higher with rosiglitazone compared to metformin plus sulfonylurea. In February 2010, David Graham, Associate Director of Drug Safety for the Food and Drug Administration, recommended that rosiglitazone be taken off the market, citing the link between the drug and 500 more heart attacks and 300 more heart failures than its primary competitor. An estimated 83,000 heart attacks from 1999 to 2007 are believed to have been caused by the drug. Additionally, GSK has reported greater incidents of upper arm, hands and feet fractures in women diabetics, as compared to those given other medications. Rosiglitazone is also suspected of causing damage to the retina of the eye and partial blindness.
Despite these reports of harmful side effects, the FDA has not recalled Avandia, claiming a lack of sufficient evidence.
If you or a loved one are taking or have taken Avandia, and you experience any of these symptoms, please call a medical professional immediately to have your condition evaluated by a trained professional, particularly if you suffer any discomfort, pain or loss of functionality. Ask your medical professional whether Avandia could be the cause of the problem.
Regardless of the FDA's stance, the harmful effects of Avandia have been well documented, and those taking the drug may have experienced the following complications:
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Heart Attack and Heart Failure (Symptoms of Heart Failure may include weight gain, swelling of the extremities, shortness of breath, fluid in the lungs, and high blood pressure, among others);
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Increased bone fractures and osteoporosis; and
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Liver Failure leading to the need for a transplant or death (Symptoms of liver failure may include jaundice (yellowing of the skin), nausea, stomach pain, vomiting and fatigue).
Other side effects that have been observed may include:
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Hypoglycema (lower than normal glucose level, characterized by shakiness, dizziness, sweating, headache, weakness, pale skin and hunger)
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Hyperglycemia (higher than normal glucose level, characterized by extreme thirst or hunger, frequent urination, weakness, blurred vision, dry mouth, upset stomach, shortness of breath, decreased consciousness, fruity-smelling breath). Patients who show signs of hyperglycemia should contact their physician immediately!
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Headaches
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Nausea
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Jaundice
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Back pain
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Fatigue
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Nasopharyngitis (common cold/inflammation of the nasal passages)
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Blurry Vision/Loss of Vision
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Anemia
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Changes in Menstrual Cycle
- Loss of Appetite
If you or someone you love have experienced any of these symptoms, you may be entitled to compensation. For a free consultation about your claim, please contact The Brad Hendricks Law Firm today at (501) 221-0444 or (800) 661-0196.
For all your legal needs, and for your peace of mind, you can count on us.
