Avandia, also known as rosiglitazone, is a widely prescribed drug for treatment of diabetes. On May 21, 2007 a study published in the New England Journal of Medicine demonstrated that Avandia use is highly associated with a significantly higher risk of heart injury, heart attacks, congestive heart failure, and death from cardiovascular causes. Based on the study, the FDA subsequently issued a Safety Alert for Avandia with revised “black box” warning labels.

Avandia, manufactured and marketed by GlaxoSmithKline, is demonstrated to cause a 43% increased risk of heart attack and a 64% increased risk of death from cardiac related causes. These results are based upon an analysis of 15,560 patients who took Avandia and a control group of 12,283 patients who received placebos or other drugs. Avandia was approved in 1999 for treatment of type 2 diabetes, which affects approximately 18 to 20 million Americans. Recent studies also demonstrate that Avandia may be linked to significantly increased risks of osteoporosis and bone fractures.

In 2006, Avandia sales were over $2.2 billion in the United States. Many authorities and industry experts believe the GlaxoSmithKline failed to disclose the heart attack risks and osteoporosis risks associated with Avandia to protect sales and profits. Since information regarding the Avandia heart risk was reported in the New England Journal of Medicine on May 21, 2007, sales of Avandia have fallen substantially. The FDA has required that a prominently displayed 'black box' warning be added to the drug indicating the increased of congestive heart failure and heart attacks.

If you or a loved one has suffered a heart attack, congestive heart failure, or heart-related death after taking Avandia or Avandamet, then you may be entitled to monetary compensation for your injuries and damages. Also, if you or a family member have or are taking Avandia and have suffered bone related injuries, fractures or developed osteoporosis, you may also be entitled to damages for your injuries. If you would like to have an attorney contact you for a free confidential consultation, please fill out the form located here