Avandia® Warning
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Made and distributed by GlaxoSmithKline, Avandia® is an oral diabetes medication that helps those with type-2 diabetes better control their blood glucose levels. However, since its release in 1999, Avandia® has been found increase patients' risk of:
- stroke
- bone fractures (particularly in the hands and/or feet)
- congestive heart failure
- heart attack
Although the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has yet to officially recall Avandia®, it has issued two national Avandia® warnings (on March 21, 2007 and May 23, 2007) to alert the public about the dangerous side effects associated with this medication (In 2008, Avandia® warnings weren't issued).
In the latest warning, the FDA required that the Avandia® drug warning label be upgraded to a "black box warning," the most serious type of warning label indicating the drug can cause life threatening side effects.
Information on the Avandia® Warning Label
To ensure that patients are aware of the risks associated with taking the Avandia® drug, warning labels include the following information:
- Avoid drinking alcohol when taking Avandia®, as alcohol consumption can increase patients' risk of developing severe cases of hypoglycemia (dangerously low blood sugar).
- Before taking Avandia®, tell your doctor if you have a history of stroke, heart problems and/or liver disease, as these conditions may affect your dosage (or prevent you from being able to safely take Avandia®).
- Do NOT take Avandia® if you are pregnant, breastfeeding or thinking of becoming pregnant, as the effects of this medication on unborn babies is currently unknown.
- Do NOT take Avandia® if you have type-1 diabetes, as this medication is only for the treatment of type-2 diabetes.
- Do NOT take Avandia® if you are in a state of diabetic ketoacidosis (a potentially fatal condition in which a severe lack of insulin results in dangerously high blood sugar levels).
Other Avandia® Warnings
In addition to the above precautions, the 2007 Avandia® warnings also alert patients to seek immediate medical attention should they start to develop any combination of the following symptoms:
- blurry vision
- chest pain
- dark urine and/or clay-colored feces
- frequent urination
- general information
- increased appetite
- nausea
- paralysis on one side of the body
- rapid weight gain
- sweating
- weakness
- breathing difficulties (particularly shortness of breath)
These symptoms can indicate that patients are developing serious Avandia® side effects. Emergency medical care will be necessary to prevent further, possibly life threatening complications.
Avandia® Lawsuits
Despite FDA Avandia® drug alerts and warnings, some patients will still be injured after using Avandia®. These individuals will likely have a legal claim against GlaxoSmithKline and may be entitled to compensation for their:
- past and future medical bills
- ongoing treatments and medications
- emotional pain and suffering
- living expenses, lost wages
To encourage affected individuals to evaluate and pursue their cases, experienced Avandia® attorneys offer free consultations and work on contingency, meaning there is no fees unless a settlement is awarded.
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.
