Diabetes Drug Avandia Linked to Heart Attacks

The diabetes drug Avandia has been linked to an increase in heart attacks according to a Senate Finance Committee Report. The report shows that in July 2007, Avandia had been associated with 83,000 heart attacks since the drug came to market. Manufacturer GlaxoSmithKline disputes the report saying the data wasn’t current enough. Committee investigators say they found evidence that GSK had outside study results showing the cardiac problem, but they attacked the findings as incorrect. Two FDA safety officials wrote in October 2008 “There is strong evidence that rosiglitazone [Avandia] confers an increased risk of [heart attacks] and heart failure compared to pioglitazone [rival drug on market].” They concluded that trials comparing the two would be “unethical and exploitive.” Yet, the trial is still under way, the senators say. (CNN) This is an unfortunate example of what can go wrong when profit driven companies rely too heavily on the dollar and not the damage their drug may cause.?? Like Fen-phen, it appears that company officers had knowledge that studies showed the drug as harmful, yet they attacked those studies and pressed on marketing their drug and getting it approved by the FDA. If you or someone you know has taken Avandia and suffered a heart attack, please contact us right away to preserve your rights. Our product liability attorneys are experienced with these cases and many others and can help you to determine if you have a case. Contact us today at the phone number above, or using our web form.