FDA’s Evaluation of AVANDIA
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The United States Government is now confirming that the FDA’s own analysis of Avandia showed a similar risk of heart attack as was first raised in a New England Medical Journal Report of May 2007.
The FDA has been under fire since the report was published. It is believed that the FDA has again dropped the ball on drug safety and it is believed the FDA failed to take stronger position in light of the warning signs.
Avandia is sold by the drug company GlaxoSmithKline. Avandia is a medication that is used to treat Type 2 diabetes. Type 2 is the most common form of Diabetes. It is also important to note that more than 6 million people worldwide have taken the drug, Avandia.
The Cleveland Clinic Chief of Cardiology Dr. Steven Nissen studied 42 separate studies on the drug Avandia. He concluded that it raised the risk of heart attacks by 43 percent. This percentage increase is compared to those diabetics taking other diabetes drugs or none at all. The analysis also concluded that Avandia may increase the risk of heart – related deaths.
An increase in heart attack risk factors is especially worrisome for diabetics for a large percentage die of heart related problems each year. At this point in time over 1 million Americans are currently taking the drug Avandia. The FDA and diabetes experts and specialists are advising users of the medication Avandia to talk to their doctors and not to immediately discontinue the drug, which helps keep blood-sugar levels under control. It is important to contact your doctor and seek his or her advice on whether to continue the use of the drug or switch to an alternative medication.
If you or a loved one has suffered a heart attack while taking the drug Avandia or if a loved one has died of a heart attack while taking the drug Avandia, call our Law Firm day or night at 1-800-862-1260.