Studies Show Heart Problems In Avandia Patients

Several clinical trials and studies of Avandia have resulted in evidence of significantly increased risk of heart attack, heart failure, and other adverse cardiac events in Avandia patients. This includes a broad meta-analysis conducted by the Cleveland Clinic that prompted the FDA to issue a public safety warning about Avandia. The results of the analysis showed a 43% increase in heart attacks and a 64% increase in fatal cardiac events in patients taking Avandia versus those not taking the drug. In addition to a public safety warning, the FDA requested a black box warning on the Avandia label. A black box warning is the most serious warning the FDA can request. Ongoing trials are in progress now to continue evaluating the safety of Avandia in terms of cardiac risk. If findings show that heart attacks, heart failure and other cardiovascular adverse events are more prevelent in Avandia users, it is likely that the drug will be ultimately pulled from the market, as the primary purpose of controlling blood sugar is to prevent cardiovascular events in the first place.

How Does Avandia Cause Heart Problems?

Evidence as to what mechanism of Avandia causes heart attacks and heart failure is currently not clear. What researchers do know, is that Avandia has been shown to increase cholesterol levels in some cases, leading to an increased risk of congestive heart failure. This risk is listed on the drug's package label.

What Kind of Heart Problems Can Avandia Cause?

Although there is not currently enough evidence to prove that Avandia causes heart attacks or any other cardiac adverse event, researchers are worried that Avandia may be linked to some of the following major health risks and cardiovascular events leading to death:

• Heart Attack
  A heart attack, also known as a myocardial infarction, occurs when a section of the heart muscle is blocked and oxygen cannot reach the heart, at which point part of the heart muscle begins to die. This is typically caused by a build up of plaque in the walls of the coronary arteries. Heart attacks can also be caused by problems with the small microscopic blood vessels of the heart - a condition called microvascular disease.
• Heart Failure
  Heart failure is any condition in which the heart cannot pump blood the way it is supposed to. This condition develops over time, weakening the heart. This does not mean that the heart has stopped or even that there is immediate danger of it stopping, but it is a very serious medical condition that requires medical attention. Studies have shown that Avandia is linked to more cases of heart failure than emergent cardiac events.
• Stroke
  Stroke is a cardiovascular condition in which the blood cells carrying oxygen and nutrients to the brain are blocked, or burst.
• Angina
  Angina refers to pain and tightening in the chest due to the heart not receiving enough blood. Angina is not the same as a heart attack, but those experiencing angina are more likely to have a heart attack.

Why Is Avandia Still Available?

Despite concerns voiced by physicians, researchers and advocacy groups, the FDA has yet to remove Avandia from the market. In safety hearings, Avandia's manufacturer - GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) - has argued that no study to date proves that Avandia is directly linked to significant cardiac risk. Heart problems in Avandia patients have been cited in a number of studies and clinical trials, but GSK claims that these studies have been inconclusive and that no clear and present danger exists.

Because Avandia has been shown to be effective in the management of type II diabetes, there is hesitation to pull it from the market. Additional studies are being conducted to determine the benefit versus the risk of Avandia before any decisions are made in regard to its availability.

If You Are Experiencing Heart Problems Related to Avandia

If you have had, or are having, cardiovascular issues and have taken Avandia, you should contact a doctor immediately. Your health care provider will make an educated decision regarding your use of Avandia and whether it should be continued or halted. After you seek medical advice, call an Avandia attorney. Many Avandia patients have filed lawsuits related to Avandia injuries; you may be entitled to compensation for your medical bills, loss of income, and physical and emotional damages related to your use of Avandia. An experienced Avandia lawyer will assess your situation and provide guidance in regard to a potential Avandia lawsuit. Fill out the contact form provided to be referred to a professional Avandia law firm in your area.