Avandia® Heart Attack
(800) 722-0513
Published in the New England Journal of Medicine, a recent study indicates that taking Avandia®, an oral diabetes medication, can raise patients' risk of heart attack by as much as 43 percent.
Even more shocking, this same Avandia® heart attack study found that patients taking the Avandia® drug were up to 64 percent more likely (than patients taking other diabetes medications) to experience heart disease-related death.
Given the severity and prevalence of Avandia® heart attacks, it's vital that individuals taking the Avandia® drug:
- Understand the symptoms of Avandia® heart attacks (as well as the signs of other Avandia® side effects).
- Get emergency medical treatment, should they start experiencing Avandia® heart attack symptoms.
- Meet with an Avandia® lawyer, once their health has stabilized, to find out if they are entitled to compensation for their injuries.
Symptoms of Avandia® Heart Attacks
Avandia® heart attacks are marked by some combination of:
- chest and/or stomach pain
- feelings of anxiety
- lightheadedness
- nausea and/or vomiting
- shortness of breath
- sweating
Female Avandia® patients may also experience:
- heartburn
- jaw, neck and/or shoulder pain
- unexplained fatigue
Risk Factors for Avandia® Heart Attacks
According to a meta-analysis of more than 40 studies and 28,000 patients, Avandia® increases the risk of heart attack and heart-related death by 30 to 40 percent compared with placebo or other diabetes drugs. Patients facing the greatest risk of Avandia® heart attack are those with a history of heart disease or who are already considered at risk of heart attack.
Although taking the Avandia® drug does raise patients' overall risk of heart attack, some patients will be more likely than others to develop this potentially life threatening Avandia® side effect.
Factors that can increase patients' chances of developing an Avandia® heart attack include having a history of:
- congestive heart failure
- heart attack
- heart disease
- high blood pressure (hypertension)
- stroke
- blood clots and/or deep vein thrombosis (a condition in which blood clots get stuck in the body's deep veins and circulation is seriously impeded)
To minimize risk of Avandia® heart attacks, it's essential that patients discuss their complete medical history with their doctor before starting an Avandia® drug regimen. In some cases, high-risk patients will either need their Avandia® dose altered or switched to an alternative type-2 diabetes medication.
Other Serious Avandia® Side Effects
Unfortunately, Avandia® heart attacks aren't the only severe, potentially fatal side effect associated with this medication. Other serious Avandia® side effects include:
- congestive heart failure
- liver toxicity
- severe allergic reaction
- stroke
As with an Avandia® heart attack, immediate medical attention will be vital, should patients develop the symptoms of the above Avandia® side effects.
Following an Avandia® Heart Attack
Patients will need emergency care to save their lives. Once their health has been stabilized, patients should set up a legal consultation with an Avandia® lawyer. During these typically free consultations, injured Avandia® patients can:
- Find out if they have a legal claim against GlaxoSmithKline, the makers and distributors of Avandia®.
- Learn more about settlements in cases similar to their own.
- Get information about the process of building and pursuing a personal injury lawsuit.
- Decide whether they want to pursue an individual Avandia® lawsuit or join a class-action case.
By pursuing an Avandia® lawsuit, injured patients can win compensation for their:
- past medical bills
- necessary ongoing treatments (if Avandia® injuries require long-term care)
- living expenses (if Avandia® injuries prevent individuals from earning a living for any period of time)
- physical and emotional pain and suffering
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.
