Avandia Recall: Researchers question continued use

Austin Kirk

By Austin Kirk
Posted September 3, 2008

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The diabetes drug Avandia has been associated with a 40% increase in the risk of heart attacks, as well as an increased risk of congestive heart failure, bone fractures and in some cases vision loss. A recent editorial in a medical journal questions the FDA’s decision not to issue an Avandia recall.

>>INFORMATION: Avandia Lawsuits

On August 29, 2008, an editorial was published on the website for the medical journal Heart which indicated that the jusitification for the continued use of thiazolidinediones, which are a class of drugs that include Avandia and Actos, is weak to non-existent.

Clinical trials have only shown that the type 2 diabetes drugs help control blood sugar levels, but the researchers indicate it is a “fallacy” to infer health efficacy for diabetics from this. Given the information that has developed over the past 18 months, the researchers strongly recommended that restrictions be placed on the use of tiazolidinediones and questioned the rationale for not issuing an Avandia recall.

Last summer, the FDA held advisory panel meetings to evaluate the heart risks associated with Avandia. Following the hearings, the FDA narrowly voted 8 to 7 against an Avandia recall, and allowed the diabetes drug to remain on the market with a black box warning about the increased risk of heart attacks.

The black box heart attack warning was designed to provide doctors and patients with information about the Avandia side effects, so that they could make an informed decision about whether to use the drug. In the editorial, Drs. Sonal Singh and Curt Furnberg indicate:

“It is clear that the benefit-harm balance has shifted strongly in an undesired direction. At this time, the justification for use of thiazolidinediones is very weak to non-existent.”

AVANDIA RECALL LAWYERS

The Avandia lawyers at Saiontz & Kirk, P.A. represent individuals throughout the United States who have suffered severe and life-changing injuries due to Avandia side effects. Lawsuits are being pursued to recover financial compensation for these injuries as a result of the failure of GlaxoSmithKline, PLC, the maker of Avandia, to adequately warn about the risks.

If you, a friend or family member have suffered a heart attack, stroke, congestive heart failure, fractures or vision loss after taking Avandia, request a free consultation and claim evaluation.

4 Comments • Add Your Comments

  • Robert says:

    I was put on avandia to help my body utilize the sugar I weighed 335 since then I put on over 50 lbs of water weight this drug might of worked in conjunction with another drug but if you have any chance of body swelling what so ever do not even trythis drug.since being on avandia I am now on 2 liters of oxygen 24-7and I never Smoked.

    Posted on November 12, 2009 at 8:49 pm

  • sheila says:

    I was put on avandamet to control my diabetes. After trying several other drugs without success. I have been on avandamet for abou 6yrs without any problems what so ever. Now my pharmacist calls me and tells me this drug will no longer be available due to recall.
    This is upsetting to me because of what I’ve been through to find a drug that works for me. I would like to know is it being recalled or will it still be available with black label warning? txs

    Posted on June 6, 2010 at 12:15 pm

  • Gene says:

    I started taking avandia in 2002. In late 2003 I had a heart attack and had to have 5 bypasses. In 2004 I had another heart attack. They did a catherization and said two of the bypasses had failed and two more had blockages again. Put me on meds and sent me home. In 2006 another heart attack. Put in a stent this time. In the meantime I have angina have had several fractures both ribs and spine. I took myself off of the drug in about june of 2010 and seem to be doing better. If this drug caused all this there is no excuse for it being on the market.

    Posted on August 27, 2010 at 10:55 am

  • Diana says:

    I took avandia for a brief time 8 or 10 years ago. It gave me a bad headache and I was switched to another drug.

    Posted on June 24, 2011 at 11:33 pm

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