Things You Should Know About Avandia

By Author: Jamie Hanson
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If you or a loved one have Type II diabetes, you may have taken the prescription drug Avandia to help control your blood sugar. While Avandia effectively performs its intended function, you may not be aware that there are serious concerns regarding possible side effects and even liver and heart related fatalities that could result from taking the drug.

The FDA approved Avandia in 1999, but issued a statement just two years later to the makers of the drug which reprimanded them for minimizing risk in their promotional materials. In 2007, amid concerns that doctors were prescribing the drug too readily and without sufficient patient monitoring, additional warning labels regarding the risk of heart failure were mandated by the FDA. As further studies have been conducted, the risk of heart problems due to Avandia has become more apparent.

Medical conditions caused by Avandia include heart disease, congestive heart failure, heart attack, liver failure, stroke, and bone fractures. Patients should be aware of the symptoms associated with these conditions, including blurred vision, problems breathing, chest pain, paralysis ...
... on one side of the body, nausea, jaundice, stomach pain, easy bruising and disorientation. If you experience any of these side effects while taking Avandia, you should see a doctor immediately and inform them that you are taking the drug. Doctors should be more careful in their administration of Avandia and in their monitoring of patients for serious side effects.

Certain patients may be at higher risk of serious side effects related to Avandia, including those who have a history of blood clots, heart problems, high blood pressure, smoking and stroke as well as those who take diuretics, nitrate drugs, seizure medication, steroids, or thyroid medications along with Avandia. Rosiglitazone-based drugs including Avandia in its stand alone prepration, as well as combination forms Avandamet and Avandaryl, can cause swelling and fluid retention which can be fatal for those who have heart related problems. Female patients tend to be at higher risk for bone fractures caused by rosiglitazone.

While warning labels are required on Avandia information, patients who took Avandia before the labels were required may be unaware that the above medical conditions have been caused by their use of the drug. For this reason, lawsuits against the makers of Avandia are possible and patients may be awarded monetary compensation if they can demonstrate that their medical condition has been caused by taking Avandia and that GlaxosmithKline knew about the possible problems associated with the drug and did not disclose them. If you or a loved one think that you may have a claim, you should consult with an attorney who can inform you of your legal rights and discuss your next step with you.

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