Virginia Dangerous Drug Attorneys Discuss the Dangers of Avandia | Shapiro, Washburn & Sharp

Avandia, prescription, medication, drug, injury lawyer, pillDangerous drugs can sometimes be prescription medicine.  Avandia is a popular diabetes medication prescribed to treat Type-2 diabetes, the most common form of diabetes in the United States. This drug has been mired in controversy due to its potentially deadly side effects.

What are the most common Avandia side effects? The list is extensive. They include liver toxicity, severe chest pains, congestive heart failure, stroke, vision changes, trouble breathing, head ache, back ache, anemia, respiratory infections, and brittle bones in women.

The evidence of an increase risk of heart attacks is especially troubling. Over 40 studies and 28,000 patients show Avandia increased the risk of heart attack and heart-related death by 30 to 40 percent compared with a placebo or with another diabetes prescription drug.

The Public Citizen, a consumer advocacy group, performed an analysis which identified 14 cases of liver failure, 12 of which led to death.  The FDA nearly pulled Avandia off the market due to its dreadful side effects as well.

GlaxoSmithKline, the manufacturer of Avandia, has engaged in highly unethical practices to ensure Avandia remains on the open market and profitable. John Buse, a researcher at the University of North Carolina, provided written testimony to the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform regarding these questionable practices. He received phone calls from the company just after Avandia’s release, warning him that his critical comments about the drug “were scurrilous enough to attempt to hold [Buse] liable for a loss in market capitalization.” Buse later signed a statement, written by GlaxoSmithKline, attempting to decrease the concerns his comments had raised with GlaxoSmithKline stockholders.

What GlaxoSmithKline has done, and is currently doing, is wrong. The evidence indicates Avandia is a highly dangerous drug. If you’ve taken or are currently taking Avandia, check with your doctor to see if you’ve suffered any adverse side effects. You also need to consult with an attorney immediately. People have unknowingly put their health at risk with this medication and justice needs to be served.