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Avandia Death Risk

According to an analysis of clinical data published May 21, 2007 in The New England Journal of Medicine, the diabetes drug Avandia may significantly increase the risk of death due to cardiovascular problems. A meta-analysis of more than 40 trials indicated that diabetic patients treated with Avandia faced a greater risk of heart-related death than those treated with other diabetes drugs or a placebo. The analysis also revealed a 43% increased risk of heart attack among Avandia-treated patients.

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History of Avandia Death Risk

Documents uncovered after the NEJM published its May 2007 report reveal that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration was aware of the potentially fatal cardiovascular risks associated with Avandia as early as 2000. GlaxoSmithKline, however, downplayed the risks at the time and was allowed to continue marketing the drug. The risks surfaced again in 2005, but again, no action was taken.

Avandia Side Effects

Since its approval in the early 1990s, Avandia has become the world’s top-selling diabetes drug. Despite its widespread use, Avandia has been linked to a number of serious side effects. In addition to Avandia death risk and heart attack, the drug has been associated with:

  • Low blood pressure
  • Liver toxicity
  • Congestive heart failure (including related effects such as edema)

FDA Safety Alert

People with Type 2 diabetes, the most severe form of diabetes, already have a higher-than-normal risk of cardiovascular problems. Use of a diabetes drug that may boost the risk of heart attack and other heart problems such as Avandia is consequently considered controversial.

Immediately after the NEJM released the Avandia findings, the FDA issued a safety alert to physicians and consumers. According to the safety alert, patients with a history of cardiovascular problems or with an increased risk of heart attack face the highest risk of suffering a heart attack or heart-related death while taking Avandia and are thus encouraged to discuss alternative treatments with their medical providers.

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More Avandia Resources

MedLine Plus Drug Information - Guide to prescription and over-the-counter medications provided by the United States Pharmacopeia.

Avandia - Offical site of Avandia diabetes drug.