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Avandia Drug

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Produced by the drug maker GlaxoSmithKline, Avandia (generically known as rosiglitazone maleate) is an oral diabetes medication that increases the sensitivity of insulin receptors to improve control of blood sugar levels. Not indicated for the treatment of type-1 diabetes, Avandia can be used in combination with insulin and other medications for patients with type-2 diabetes.

However, despite its effectiveness at regulating type-2 diabetes, some studies have shown that the Avandia drug can put patients at risk of developing serious, potentially fatal side effects.

Avandia Uses

Although the Avandia drug is primarily used in the treatment of type-2 diabetes, ongoing studies have revealed other possible Avandia uses to include treating:

• Alzheimer's disease
• General inflammation (Avandia has anti-inflammatory properties)
• Ulcerative colitis, a condition in which ulcers (open sores) affect the health and function of the large intestines and/or colon

Clinical trials are still underway to find out how effective Avandia can be in the treatment of these and other conditions.

Avandia Side Effects

Severe Avandia side effects can include:

• Congestive heart failure
• Heart attack
• Hand or foot fractures (while the Avandia drug itself doesn't cause such fractures, it can make women more likely to experience bone fracture)

Patients affected by such serious Avandia side effects will likely begin to experience some combination of:

• Blurred vision
• Bone fractures
• Breathing difficulties (particularly shortness of breath)
• Chest pain
• Frequent urination
• Increased hunger and/or thirst
• Nausea
• Rapid weight gain (or bloating)
• Stomach pain
• Susceptibility to bruising

To prevent worse, potentially fatal complications, it's vital that patients seek emergency medical care upon developing the symptoms of serious Avandia side effects.

Avandia Information: Before Taking the Avandia Drug

Clearly, some patients will have a higher risk than others of developing one or more of the above. To appropriately assess a patient's risk, it's essential that people do the following before starting an Avandia regimen:

• Discuss their complete medical history with their doctors.
• Learn about the range of possible Avandia drug side effects.
• Consider alternative diabetes medications.

Factors that can increase an individual's risk of developing serious Avandia drug side effects include having or having a history of:

• Cardiovascular disease
• Congestive heart failure
• Diabetes-related eye problems
• Heart attack
• Liver disease
• Stroke

Avandia Study

In May 2007, the New England Journal of Medicine published a report suggesting that the widely-prescribed diabetes drug Avandia may significantly increase the risk of an Avandia heart attack and heart-related death--especially in those who have a prior history of heart disease or who are considered at risk for a heart attack. Immediately following the report, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued a safety alert encouraging patients taking Avandia to consult with their doctor about possible treatment alternatives.

The findings published by the NEJM, however, are raising new concerns about the extent of the heart risks associated with Avandia. In an analysis of 40 studies and more than 28,000 patients, researchers found that those taking Avandia were between 30 to 40 percent more likely to suffer heart attack and heart-related death than those taking a placebo or other diabetes drug. As of May 2007, the FDA said data analyses were ongoing to confirm the risks.

Avandia Drug Warning

Along with its potentially serious side effects, this drug is also known to have some notable interactions with other medications. Avandia interactions (and side effects) are likely to occur with the following drugs:

• Anti-epileptic drugs
• Birth control pills
• Diet pills
• Steroids
• Thyroid medications

Given the severity of possible Avandia side effects, on March 21, 2007, the Food and Drug Administration issued a national Avandia drug warning. Since this warning, many individuals injured after taking Avandia have filed personal injury Avandia lawsuits, seeking compensation for their injuries.

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.