Avandia FAQ
Q: When was Avandia made available to the public?
A: GlaxoSmithKline began to market and sell Avandia in 1999 to treat people with type 2 diabetes. It is among a class of drugs known as thiazolidinedones (TZDs), which help the body more efficiently utilize insulin.
Q: Has Avandia been a popular drug?
A: Yes. About 60 million prescriptions have been written for it—13 million in 2006 alone, generating more than $2 billion in sales.
Q: When did we see the first signs of trouble with Avandia?
A: In 2000, the public watchdog group Public Citizen cited a Food and Drug Administration internal memo which showed concern about the risk of heart failure with Avandia.
Q: What are the common side effects of Avandia?
A: Avandia’s common side effects include shortness of breath, fatigue, anemia and the potentially fatal condition known as primary pulmonary hypertension (PPH).
Q: When did Avandia come under intense scrutiny?
A: In 2007, Dr. Steven Nissen of the Cleveland Clinic analyzed 42 studies involving more than 28,000 people taking Avandia. His startling conclusions were that they had a 64% greater risk of death from heart problems and were 43% more likely to suffer heart attacks than those taking similar drugs or placebo. The results were published in the New England Journal of Medicine in May 2007. Barely a month later, the ADOPT study showed that women who take Avandia are at an increased risk of suffering bone fractures.
Q: What is the FDA doing about Avandia?
A: It issued a warning back in 2002 about Avandia’s tendency to cause fluid retention and weight gain. With the more recent news, the agency has decided to give Avandia's label the "black-box" warning. It also announced plans to convene an advisory board. An Avandia recall is possible.
Q: What should I do if I've used Avandia?
A: You should contact your doctor and you may wish to contact an Avandia lawyer. If you have been injured or suffered side effects, you may be eligible to pursue an Avandia lawsuit.
