Diabetes Drug Avandia Poses Serious Health Risks
Avandia (also known as "Rosiglitazone") the popular Type 2 Diabetes (i.e. adult onset diabetes) drug has been associated with serious side effects, including potential increases in heart attacks and heart-related chest pain. GlaxoSmithKlien manufactures the drug, which works by increasing insulin sensitivity. Avandia was approved by the FDA in 1999 and has been used by over six million people worldwide.
Among the serious health risks that have been linked to Avandia are an increased risk of heart attacks, strokes, aneurysms, congestive heart failure and arrhythmia. If you are taking Avandia, you should immediately contact your physician to determine whether it is safe for you to continue to do so. Anyone who has taken Avandia for at least twelve weeks and suffered a heart attack or other types of cardiovascular disease should contact an experienced Georgia Avandia lawyer to obtain a free case evaluation. Montlick and Associates, Attorneys at Law, represents individuals throughout Georgia who have suffered serious symptoms associated with unsafe drugs.
Avandia reduces glucose (sugar) level in the blood by increasing the level of insulin. It belongs to the antibiotic drug class called "thiazolidinediones" and is used to treat Type II Diabetes. Pioglitazone (Actos) is another member from this class. Avandia's drug class "thiazolidinediones" affects a gene called PPAR-gamma and helps the body to use insulin more effectively.
The health risks associated with Avandia were first widely reported in the New England Journal of Medicine in the June 14, 2007 edition. The results from 42 separate clinical trials found that patients taking Avandia were 43 percent more likely to suffer a heart attack. The study also indicated that individuals taking Avandia were 64 percent more likely to die from a cardiovascular disease. The FDA subsequently required a black box warning for Avandia indicating an increased risk of heart attack, cardiovascular disease and congestive heart failure. The risk of these side effects is even greater in patients with a history of heart disease or a high risk of suffering a heart attack.
If you or someone you love has suffered a heart attack, cardiovascular disease or congestive heart failure after taking Avandia, you may be entitled to financial compensation. An experienced Georgia Avandia side effects attorney can help you seek fair and just compensation for any injuries suffered from Avandia's dangerous side effects. Montlick and Associates represent clients throughout Georgia who suffer the adverse side effects of dangerous drugs. Our Georgia Avandia attorneys are available to assist clients throughout all of Georgia, including but not limited to Albany, Athens, Atlanta, Augusta, Columbus, Dalton, Gainesville, Macon, Marietta, Rome, Roswell, Savannah, Smyrna, Valdosta, Warner Robins and all smaller cities and rural areas in the state. Call us today for your free consultation at 1-800-LAW-NEED (1-800-529-6333) or visit us on the web at www.montlick.com. No matter where you are in Georgia, we are just a phone call away, and we will even come to you.