Avandia Banned in U.S. Pharmacies

The FDA announced on May 19, 2011 that it will be banning the sale of Diabetes drug, Avandia, in US pharmacies due to the severe cardiac risks it poses. In 2001, the FDA warned the manufacturer to stop providing information that allegedly minimized the risks of the medication. Avandia’s warning label has since undergone five additions.

The FDA announced on May 19, 2011 that it will be banning the sale of Diabetes drug, Avandia.

A 2007 study conducted by Cleveland Clinic’s cardiovascular experts revealed that patients with Type II Diabetes treated with Avandia had a 40% increased risk of heart attack. Subsequent drug trials confirmed the clinic’s findings. Some of the Avandia heart risks include:

• Stroke
• Liver toxicity
• Primary pulmonary hypertension
• Increased cholesterol
• Myocardial ischema
• Heart failure

A special program will be instituted to make the medication available to diabetes patients who have exhausted every other possible treatment option, or those who have been informed of the full extent of extent of potential side effects and still wish to continue taking the drug. Patients taking Avandia should discuss alternative options with their healthcare provider before making any changes to their current course of treatment. It is extremely dangerous to abruptly stop a medication like Avandia without consulting a doctor.

According to the FDA, nearly half a million Americans filled a prescription of rosiglitazone-based medications (Avandia, Avandament, Avandaryl) within the first 10 months of 2010. If you or someone you love has taken Avandia and developed severe heart complications, contact our Avandia attorneys through the form on the right to find out if you are eligible to recover compensation.