Actos and Avandia heart failure risk confirmed
A new study confirms that the diabetes drugs Actos and Avandia increase the risk of heart failure. Both drugs previously received a “black box” warning about congestive heart failure in June, and they have been the subject of several studies since a report in published in May found that users of Avandia face a 43% increase in the risk of heart attacks and a 64% increase in the risk of heart related deaths.
>>INFORMATION: Avandia Heart Problems
Avandia, made by GlaxoSmithKline, and Actos, manufactured by Takeda Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd, are bother part of the same class of medications. They are prescribed for treatment of type 2 diabetes, but many experts and physicians are questioning whether the drugs provide sufficient benefits to justify the risk of heart problems.
The new study, published in the September 29 issue of The Lancet, does not reach any conclusions about the heart attack risk which has been the focus of most of the concerns. However, researchers did confirm that users of Actos and Avandia could face up to a 72% increase in the risk of congestive heart failure.
Heart failure is a chronic condition where the heart fails to pump blood efficiently. Those with milder cases may experience fatigue or a need to limit physical activities. However, those with severe cases of heart failure could have fluid build up in the lungs which can be fatal.
Researchers reviewed data from seven clinical trials involving more than 20,000 patients. The data included those with type 2 diabetes without cardiovascular disease, those with type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease, those with type 2 diabetes and a history of congestive heart failure, and those with “pre-diabetes”.
AVANDIA HEART FAILURE LAWSUITS
The lawyers at Saiontz, Kirk & Miles, P.A. are reviewing potential Avandia lawsuits for users of the diabetes drug who suffered a heart attack, stroke, congestive heart failure or death. If you, a friend or family member suspect that heart failure may have been caused by Avandia, request a free claim evaluation.
