Study Links Avandia to Bone Fractures
A study published by the Canadian Medical Association Journal reveals that female patients who take Glaxo SmithKline's type 2 diabetes drug Avandia have an incidence of bone fractures that's twice the rate of men with diabetes who are on the medication.
The study was based on the findings of 10 clinical trials conducted on nearly 14,000 patients. Researchers at the Wake Forest University School of Medicine found that out of every 20 women in their seventies with type 2 diabetes who took Avandia for a minimum of one year, there was at least one incidence of bone fracture. The risk for women in their fifties was one bone fracture per 55 women. In both these cases, the figure is almost twice the acceptable risk for those age groups.
Avandia is part of the thiazolidinedione group of drugs or glitizones that are used to lower blood sugar levels in people who suffer from type 2 diabetes. This group of drugs has already been linked to cardiovascular problems including accelerated heart rate, heart failure and cardiac arrest. The FDA requires that Glaxo SmithKline post strong warning labels on Avandia containers warning about these risks. These additional findings that point to an increased risk of bone injuries in patients who take Avandia are bound to disturb female patients. As women age, they are more predisposed to bone fractures, regardless of whether they suffer from diabetes or not, and Avandia's increased bone fracture risk has medical experts wondering if the drug's blood sugar level lowering benefits are really worth the multiple risks that the medication comes with.
Avandia and Heart Problems
Clinical studies have shown an increased risk of heart-related problems including heart failure and chest pain with patients who take Avandia. Patients are encouraged to speak with their doctor regarding the risks and side effects of Avandia, and weigh the risks with the benefits before making a decision to take the medication.
Patients who have suffered health problems as a result of taking Avandia have filed lawsuits against Glaxo SmithKline for its failure to report the cardiac risks associated with use of the drug. The company has a poor record of safety reporting, and has been embroiled in legal battles regarding its failure to make public safety test results of its anti depressant Paxil, and its dangerous side effects on unborn fetuses. Paxil has been linked to serious birth defects including atrial septal heart defects, PPHN, and congenital defects Omphalocele and Craniosynostosis.
Avandia Injury Lawsuits
If you or a loved one has suffered cardiovascular problems or bone fracture injuries after taking Avandia, you may be able to obtain compensation for your injuries with the help of a medical injury lawyer. The lawyers at Arnold & Itkin LLP have years of experience in drug injury litigation, and have the expertise and resources to pursue claims against big pharmaceutical companies like Glaxo SmithKline.
Contact an experienced medical injury lawyer at Arnold & Itkin LLP for a free evaluation of your claim.
