Avandia Linked with Increased Fracture Risk

This section includes:

• Avandia Fracture
• Avandia Heart Death
• Avandia Removal

Female patients undergoing long-term treatment with Avandia (rosiglitazone maleate) may face an increased risk of bone fracture. Avandia is a GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) drug developed to treat type 2 diabetes mellitus.

A recent study monitoring the outcome and progression of certain diabetes treatments found an association between females taking rosiglitazone-based drugs and an increased incidence of bone fractures. The ADOPT (A Diabetes Outcome and Progression Trial) study determined that a significant number of females taking rosiglitazone suffered bone fractures when compared with those being treated with alternative diabetes medications. The study monitored 4,360 randomized patients over a period of four to six years. Its results were recently published in the New England Journal of Medicine.

Avandia Bone Fractures

Female patients injured while being treated with rosiglitazone-based drugs like Avandia typically suffered fractures in the upper arm, hand, or foot. Although there was discussion of whether or not such fractures may be associated with postmenopausal osteoporosis, it was determined that the rosiglitazone-based fractures (upper arm, hand, or foot) were not in line with the typical postmenopausal osteoporosis fractures (hip or spine).

GlaxoSmithKline and the ADOPT Study

Following publication of the ADOPT study, GlaxoSmithKline responded by launching an independent safety committee to analyze the results in a controlled rosiglitazone clinical trial. Although GlaxoSmithKline’s independent study is ongoing, its preliminary results have been consistent with those returned by ADOPT. The study is expected to conclude by 2009, though GlaxoSmithKline are already taking steps towards alerting patients and doctors about the fracture risk. Patients taking Avandia or other rosiglitazone-based diabetes drugs are advised to consult with their doctor to determine the best course-of-action.

If GlaxoSmithKline do not adequately inform patients and doctors about the risks associated with their diabetes drugs, they may find themselves liable for injuries caused as a result of such negligence. As such, they are working to take appropriate steps to alert consumers and avoid potential litigation.

Avandia Lawsuits

Drug manufacturers are responsible for ensuring the safety and efficacy of their products before marketing them for public consumption. Failure to do so is considered negligent and grounds for personal injury litigation. The law offices of Aylstock, Witkin, Kreis and Overholtz boast some of the most experienced personal injury attorneys Pensacola, FL has to offer. They have successfully represented and obtained substantial compensation for a number of patients who have been harmed by drugs. Contact AWKO law today at (888) 255-AWKO (2956) to get more information about your rights as an Avandia injury victim. In addition to personal injury related to pharmaceutical litigation, the firm of AWKO Law has some of the best wrongful death lawyers in Pensacola, and they have helped many consumers who have been harmed by other defective drugs or defective medical products.