Avandia Fracture Lawsuit: Risk of Problems Highlighted by Another Study
A new study released this month adds to the growing body of evidence pointing to an increased risk of bone fractures from Avandia side effects. In addition to claims for other problems caused by the popular diabetes drug, the Avandia lawyers at Saiontz & Kirk, P.A. have been reviewing potential lawsuits for individuals who suffered a serious bone fracture after taking Avandia.
>>INFORMATION: Avandia Fracture Lawsuits
The latest study, conducted by researchers at Detroit’s Henry Ford Hospital and published in the current issue of the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism involved an analysis of data on 19,000 people given oral diabetes medications. Researchers found that among users of Avandia and Actos, which are both part of the same class of medications, women faced a 50% higher risk of bone fractures, and women over 65 years-old faced a 70% higher risk.
Among prior studies and research on the risk of Avandia fracture problems:
In the December 2, 2007 issue of the journal Nature Medicine, a study provided information about the risk of osteoporosis and fractures from Avandia by evaluating mice. Researchers found that while the drug was known to inhibit the formation of new bone, it also increases bone resorption, or the breakdown of bone.
A study published in December 2008 by the Canadian Medical Association Journal, examined data on 14,000 patients from 10 prior drug trials. Researchers found that for women in their 70’s who took Avandia or Actos for at least a year, approximately one out of every 20 had a chance of suffering a fracture. For women in their mid-50s, approximately one out of every 55 women had a risk of fractures.
A study presented at a conference of the American Diabetes Association in June 2009 found a 43% increase in the risk of bone fractures among users of Avandia and Actos. Researchers also found that women were twice as likely as men to suffer bone fractures from Avandia and Actos.
In a study published in August 2009 in the Archives of Internal Medicine, researchers looked at nearly 85,000 patients and compared the bone fracture rates of patients taking Avandia or Actos with those taking another class of antidiabetes drugs known as sulfonylureas. Researchers found that users of Actos and Avandia faced a 28% increased risk of fractures.
According to a study published in September 2009 by the medical journal PLoS Medicine, which examined a database of 6 million patients from the U.K. to look at the rate of bone fractures among individuals over 40 who had been prescribed Avandia or Actos. After adjusting their findings for the likelihood of bone fractures due to age, researchers concluded that patients have a 1.5 times higher risk of bone fracture on Avandia or Actos.
AVANDIA FRACTURE LAWYERS
The risk of fractures from Avandia is a serious health concern, especially among older individuals who have taken the drug for the treatment of diabetes. Older individuals may have balance problems which make them more prone to falling and broken bones can have a much more severe effect on their health, impacting their quality of life and reducing the level of independence they are able to enjoy.
The lawyers at Saiontz & Kirk, P.A. are pursuing potential Avandia fracture lawsuits as a result of the drug makers failure to adequately research their medication or warn about the risk of this side effect. Potential Avandia cases are also being reviewed for injuries such as heart attacks, strokes, congestive heart failure, liver failure, macular edema (vision loss) and heart related death.
>>INFORMATION: Avandia Side Effects
If you, a friend, or a family member believes an injury may have been caused by the use of Avandia, request a free consultation and claim evaluation.
