Avandia
has been linked to very serious heart problems when taken with insulin. Avandia
is produced by GlaxoSmithKline and was first approved by the Food and Drug Administration
in 1999 to treat type II, or adult onset diabetes, Avandia quickly became one
of the most popular drugs for the company GlaxoSmithKline.
The FDA Safety Alert warns that patients who are taking Avandia (rosiglitazone) - especially those who are known to have underlying heart disease or who are at high risk of heart attack (myocardial infarction) - should speak to their physicians about their continued use of Avandia.
The findings of a study, which will appear in the June 14, 2007 issue of the New
England Journal of Medicine. In this study researchers evaluated forty-two
(42) separate studies comparing patients using Avandia (rosiglitazone) to patients
who were not using Avandia. This study concludes that patients taking Avandia
(rosiglitazone) face a 43% increased risk of heart attack, and a 64% increased
risk of dying from heart related ( cardiovascular) disease.
Serious Side Effects
Avandia has specifically been linked to serious heart problems when
taken along with insulin. Such problems include heart attacks, cardiovascular
disease and congestive heart failure caused by Avandia. Read more side effects
Avandia Maker Sued Over Heart Attack
“The widow and son of a Beaumont man are suing the maker of the popular diabetes drug Avandia, alleging it contributed to the man's death from a heart attack. Larry Alan Stanford, 60, died May 21, the same day a scientific analysis was published in the New England Journal of Medicine saying that Avandia was linked to a greater risk of heart attack and possibly death. His widow, Peggie Stanford, and son, Ryan Stanford, filed the lawsuit against GlaxoSmithKline PLC on Tuesday in U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas.”
Associated Press, Forbes 6/20/07
Diabetes
Drugs to Receive Strongest Warning
The makers of diabetes drugs Avandia and Actos have agreed to add the most severe
warning to inform patients that the medications may increase the risk of heart
failure. The Food and Drug Administration said the so called “black box” warnings
are separate from concerns that Avandia may increase the risk of heart attacks.
A separate FDA review of Avandia and Actos side effects showed cases of significant
weight gain and build up of fluids, both risk factors for heat failure. AP,
The Washington Post 08/16/2007
