Avandia® PPH
(800) 722-0513
Since 1999, Avandia® has been prescribed to type-2 diabetes patients as a way of helping control their blood glucose levels. However, despite being on the market for just over a decade, Avandia® has been found to cause a number of serious side effects, including primary pulmonary hypertension (PPH).
PPH is a form of high blood pressure that affects the lungs' arteries, as well as the arteries on the right side of the heart (right ventricle). When pulmonary (lung) arteries are damaged or blocked, they cause the right side of the heart to work harder to pump blood to the lungs.
Over time, the stress that Avandia® PPH adds to the heart can result in the following, potentially fatal complications:
• a weakened heart muscle and/or arrhythmias
• bleeding in the lungs (usually marked by coughing up blood, hemoptysis)
• blood clots
• congestive heart failure
• heart attack
• pulmonary embolism (a life-threatening condition in which blood clots lodge in the lungs and dangerously impair proper breathing)
• stroke
Symptoms of PPH
Because primary pulmonary disorder is the precursor to more serious, life-threatening conditions, it's vital that Avandia® patients are aware of the symptoms of PPH so they know when to seek medical attention.
PPH symptoms include:
• chest pain
• cyanosis (a bluish tint to the skin caused by poor circulation)
• dizziness
• fainting
• fatigue
• increased heart rate or arrhythmia
• inflammation of the ankles, legs and (in late stages) the abdomen
• shortness of breath (regardless of physical activity)
Should Avandia® patients develop any combination of the above symptoms, they should see their doctor for a proper diagnosis. Those diagnosed with PPH will likely need to:
• Stop taking Avandia®.
• Find an alternative type-2 diabetes medication.
• Start taking blood-thinning medication (among other prescriptions) to combat possible complications of primary pulmonary hypertension.
Risk Factors for Avandia®-Related PPH (and Other Avandia® Side Effects)
Avandia® patients with the highest risk of developing PPH (and other Avandia® side effects) include those with a history of:
• blood clots
• deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a condition in which blood clots impede healthy circulation in the body's deep veins (particularly those in the legs)
• heart attack
• heart disease
• high blood pressure
• smoking
• stroke
To properly assess and minimize your risk of PPH and other Avandia® side effects, it's crucial that you talk to your doctor about your complete medical history, including any medications or supplements you may be currently taking.
Avandia® Primary Pulmonary Hypertension Lawsuits
Due to the severity of PPH complications and Avandia® side effects, injured Avandia® patients will likely have a legal claim against GlaxoSmithKline, the maker of the Avandia® drug.
If you have been injured after taking Avandia®, set up an initial legal consultation with a personal injury lawyer who specializes in Avandia® lawsuits. During this free meeting, you can find out if you are entitled to compensation for your:
• past medical bills
• necessary ongoing treatment costs
• pain and suffering
• living expenses, should your Avandia® injuries prevent you from earning a living for any period of time
If You Have Been Injured by Avandia®
Have you or a loved one been injured after taking Avandia®? If so, contact us to speak with an experienced Avandia® attorney who specializes in drug recall litigation & lawsuits. Let us help you win the compensation you need and deserve.
