Avandia Lawyers

In May of 2007, the FDA announced a potential health issue related to Avandia; an oral anti-diabetic medication used to treat type 2 diabetes. Data collected from various controlled clinical trials demonstrated an increased risk of heart attack and heart-related deaths in patients taking Avandia. However, the FDA is not asking GlaxoSmithKline, the manufacturer of the drug, to take any specific action at this time, as additional health risks are associated with abruptly switching diabetic patients from one form of medication to another.

Since Avandia was approved, the FDA has been monitoring several heart-related adverse conditions based upon data reported in previous clinical trials of Avandia alone and in combination with other drugs—some of these conditions reported included fluid retention, edema and congestive heart failure. Based upon this clinical data, the FDA has updated the product's labeling on several occasions, most recently in 2006. This updated labeling for Avandia included a new warning about a potential increase in heart attacks and heart-related chest pain in patients taking the drug.

While all medications have certain, anticipated side effects, a drug manufacturer has a duty to inform physicians adequately regarding the known risks associated with its drugs. If a manufacturer fails to do so, it can be held responsible to patients who are injured as the result of inadequate warnings, under a legal theory known as "product liability."

If you have been injured as a result of taking Avandia, you may have the right to monetary damages including reimbursement for medical expenses, any loss of income, pain and suffering, and even punitive damages if special circumstances can be proven.  Contact an Avandia attorney in your area today for more information and to discuss the specifics of your case.