Avandia problems continue for GlaxoSmithKline
GlaxoSmithKline, PLC was dealt two new blows last week from the Department of Veteran Affairs and the European Medicines Agency, which will ad to their Avandia problems. The V.A. has indicated that they will be severely limiting the use of Avandia among U.S. veterans and Europe’s drug regulators announced that they will be adding tougher warnings to the drug’s label.
>>INFORMATION: Avandia Heart Problems
Avandia problems began for Glaxo in May 2007, when independent researchers published a report in the New England Journal of Medicine which indicated users face a 43% increased risk for heart attacks and a 64% increased risk for a heart related death. Since then, sales have dropped over 60% in the United States, as many doctors have urged their patients to switch to other diabetes drugs.
An FDA advisory panel which met in July did not believe that there was sufficient evidence at this time to recommend an Avandia recall, but the FDA is not bound by this recommendation and many federal officials and independent researchers believe the diabetes drug should be withdrawn from the market. One FDA scientist estimated that over 200,000 heart attacks and strokes have been caused by Avandia since the drug was approved in 1999.
The Department of Veteran Affairs indicated late last week that they are going to remove Avandia from their formulary of medications which can be prescribed to veterans. The previously popular diabetes drug will only be available to those who are already using it, if the patient decides to continue taking the medicine after receiving information about the risks and benefits.
Avandia prescriptions made through the V.A. account for about 8% of all Avandia sales. Between September 2006 and August 2007, nearly 161,000 people were prescribed Avandia by the VA, which is responsible for caring for nearly 25 million veterans.
On Thursday, the European Medicines Agency indicated a stronger warning be added to Avandia’s label in Europe. The European equivalent of the FDA completed their review of Avandia and Actos, another diabetes pill, and determined that the prescribing information should indicate the heart problems associated with the drug. The agency also recommended that additional studies about problems with Avandia and Actos be conducted.
The two moves are expected to increase Glaxo’s Avandia problem and further decrease sales for the diabetes drug, which previously generated over $2 billion in sales in the United States alone.
AVANDIA LAWYERS
The lawyers at Saiontz & Kirk, P.A. are reviewing potential Avandia lawsuits throughout the United States. If you, a friend or family member suffered Avandia problems, such as a heart attack, stroke, congestive heart failure or death, financial compensation may be available. Request a free Avandia claim evaluation.
1 Comment • Add Your Comments
BRENDA RICHARDSON says:
I used avandia for awhile ,but ask my doctor to replace it with another because of the side affects. I am still having breathing problems and pains in my body.
Posted on October 25, 2007 at 12:09 pm