Avandia heart attack risk confirmed among older diabetics
A new study released yesterday raises further concerns about Avandia heart risks, especially among older diabetics. Canadian researchers found that when compared with other treatments for type 2 diabetes, seniors using Avandia face a substantially higher risk of heart attacks, congestive heart failure and death.
>>INFORMATION: Avandia Heart Attack Risk
The findings are published in the current issue of JAMA, the Journal of the American Medical Association. Researchers from the Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences in Toronto looked at data from healthcare databases that included nearly 160,000 diabetics over 65 years old. The data contained about 4 years of information from 2002 to 2006.
Researchers analyzed at the impact Avandia and Actos had on the risk of heart failure, heart attack and death. The researchers found that when compared with diabetics taking other treatments, users of Avandia and Actos had a 60% increased heart failure risk, 40% increased heart attack risk and 30% increased death risk.
A lot of research this year has focused on the heart risks of Avandia and Actos. Both drugs received a “black box” warning earlier this year indicating that they increase the risk of congestive heart failure. Last month, an additional warning was added to the Avandia “black box” warning regarding the risk of heart attacks following data published in the May 2007 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine.
Both drugs are part of a class of medications known as TZDs, or thiazolidinediones. While the data looked at both Avandia and Actos, the researchers indicate that the increased heart attack risk appears to primarily related to the use of Avandia. More than twice as many of the seniors in the study were taking Avandia, and the data provides strong real-world evidence.
Last month the FDA and Health Canada announced that they were not requiring an Avandia recall, despite the risk of heart attacks. Instead strong warnings were placed on the drug and the use was strictly limited in Canada. Researchers indicate that their study provides further compelling evidence that the Avandia heart risks may outweigh the benefits, especially for older diabetics.
According to a statement released late yesterday by the FDA, the agency will review the results from the Canadian study, but they indicate that more evidence would likely be necessary before they change the current recommendations and reconsider an Avandia recall.
AVANDIA HEART ATTACK LAWSUITS
The Avandia lawyers at Saiontz & Kirk, P.A. represent diabetics who have suffered a heart attack, stroke, congestive heart failure or death after using Avandia. Lawsuits are being reviewed throughout the United States, and there are no fees or expenses unless a recovery is obtained. To determine if you, a friend or family member may be entitled to compensation, request a free claim evaluation.
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