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Avandia PPH

Avandia is a widely prescribed drug used to help patients with diabetes control blood sugar levels. In May 2007, however, concerns started mounting in the healthcare community about the devastating side effects of the drug—some of which were known since 2000. One of the most serious health effects associated with Avandia is the onset of primary pulmonary hypertension, or PPH. A rare condition that causes the narrowing of blood vessels and consequently high blood pressure, PPH is a precursor to heart failure.

If Avandia use caused you or a loved one to develop PPH, an experienced defective drug attorney may be able to help you hold GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) responsible for your damages.

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Black Box Warning

In June 2007, the Food and Drug Administration ordered GSK to add a black box warning—the strongest level of warning—to Avandia's label alerting consumers and medical professionals of the increased risk of heart failure. PPH is considered a precursor to heart failure, and early symptoms are usually minor. Consequently, diagnosis of PPH in Avandia patients may be delayed. Avandia patients should seek medical attention immediately if they begin to experience any of the following:

  • Extreme fatigue
  • Shortness of breath
  • Chest pain
  • Swelling in the ankles
  • Dizziness, weakness, or loss of consciousness
  • Bluish coloring of the skin or lips

Depending on the extent of the illness at the time of diagnosis, an Avandia PPH patient may require a heart-lung transplant. In the most severe cases, Avandia PPH may result in death.

Avandia, PPH, & Other Side Effects

In addition to PPH, Avandia has also been linked to liver toxicity, low blood pressure, and a 30 to 40 percent increased risk of heart attack. According to one expert's estimate, thousands of type 2 diabetes patients who have taken Avandia have suffered severe side effects such as heart attack and death .

Avandia is the world's top-selling diabetes drug and has been prescribed to more than 10 million Americans. If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with PPH while taking Avandia or suffered some other adverse health effect, an attorney can help you understand your legal options. You may be entitled to reimbursement for your losses.

More Avandia Resources