Reports of Avandia heart attacks increase sharply
According to the Associated Press, the number of reported heart problems associated with Avandia has jumped significantly since a study published May 21 in the New England Journal of Medicine demonstrated an increased risk of heart attacks and death associated with the diabetes drug. With knowledge of the increased risk, doctors are more aware of the cause of their patient’s heart problems and those who suffered an injury are now turning to Avandia lawsuits to pursue compensation .
>>INFORMATION: Avandia heart attack risk
Approximately 6 million people around the world have taken Avandia to treat Type 2 diabetes. Those with this kind of diabetes already face an increased risk of heart attacks, which makes it even more devastating that Avandia could further increase the risk by 43%.
The Associated Press was able to obtain reports of Avandia adverse effects from the FDA through the Freedom of Information Act. According to the data, during the 35 days prior to the May 21 New England Journal of Medicine Avandia study, there were 121 adverse events reported. Over the same period after the study was published, approximately 357 Avandia adverse events were reported, including 38 deaths. The number of reported Avandia heart attacks was even more pronounced, with 5 reported during the 35 days before the study, compared with 90 in the 35 days after.
The Avandia heart attack risk has recently been widely publicized and discussed in the medical community and media, which has made doctors more likely to associate their patients’ heart problems with the medication. The FDA reporting system relies on physicians voluntarily notifying them of adverse events, which does make it susceptible to under-reporting when doctors are unaware of potential side effects associated with a medication.
According to a survey by GfK Market Measures, internists indicated that they now intend to switch more than half of their patients to a different Type 2 diabetes treatment due to the risk of Avandia heart attacks. The GfK Market Measures study reflects the views of 200 doctors who treat at least 10 patients per week with Type 2 diabetes.
AVANDIA LAWSUITS
Experts have estimated that over 100,000 heart attacks and heart related deaths could have been caused by the popular diabetes drug. The Avandia lawyers at Saiontz & Kirk, P.A. are reviewing potential lawsuits against the manufacturer, GlaxoSmithKline PLC, for failing to warn about the risk of heart problems. If you, a friend or family member suffered an Avandia heart attack, stroke, congestive heart failure or death, compensation may be available.
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