Serious Side Effects of Avandia

HEART PROBLEMS ASSOCIATED WITH AVANDIA: The most significant side effect observed in clinical trials has been heart attack and heart failure posing a serious health risk to Avandia users.  In a study at the Cleveland Clinic, 42 previous studies of Avandia involving over 14,000 patients were analyzed by two researchers.  The results of their study showed that Avandia users suffered 43% more heart attacks than those on a placebo medication.  This study was published in the New England Journal of Medicine in May of 2007, prompting the FDA to issue a public safety warning and to request a black box warning.  The Avandia label now warns of increased heart failure and other cardiac dangers.  Read more about  heart problems and  Avandia here.  Symptoms of heart failure in Avandia patients may include weight gain, swelling of the extremities, shortness of breath, fluid in the lungs, and high blood pressure to name a few.

WEAKENED BONE STRENGTH IN AVANDIA USERS: More recently, Avandia has been linked to increased bone fractures and osteoporosis, as it interferes with the body's natural process for replenishing bone cells.  Avandia should not be prescribed to patients with high risk of bone fracture or history of osteoporosis.  Follow this link to learn more about Avandia and osteoporosis.

LIVER FAILURE IN AVANDIA USERS: In rare cases, some Avandia patients have experienced liver failure leading to death or the need for a transplant. Because there is no conclusive evidence that Avandia has a high risk of liver failure, there are no FDA regulations concerning this side effect.  Any doctor prescribing Avandia should do blood tests before administering this prescription to evaluate the patient's liver, and continue to take blood regularly while the patient is on Avandia.  Symptoms of liver failure in Avandia patients may include jaundice (yellowing of the skin), nausea, stomach pain, vomiting and fatigue.

Additional Side Effects of Avandia

• Hypoglycemia
  Hypoglycemia refers to a lower than normal glucose level. This condition may be characterized by shakiness, dizziness, sweating, headache, weakness, pale skin, and hunger.
• Hyperglycemia
  Hyperglycemia refers to a higher than normal glucose level. Symptoms include extreme thirst or hunger, frequent urination, weakness, blurred vision, dry mouth, upset stomach, shortness of breath, decreased consciousness, or breath that smells fruity. Patients who exhibit signs of hyperglycemia should call a doctor immediately.
• Upper respiratory problems/shortness of breath
  This can be a sign of cardiac danger, or it may be related to a cold or other medical problem. Avandia patients experiencing shortness of breath should see a doctor immediately.
• Headache
  A headache can occur as a result of a number of medical issues; Avandia patients should consult with a doctor to determine the source of any headaches they are experiencing if the headaches are very painful or persistent.
• Nausea
  Nausea can be a sign of a liver problem, or another medical condition. The doctor who prescribed Avandia should be doing regular blood tests to evaluate the liver's condition even if the patient is not experiencing any side effects indicating liver failure. If nausea is occurring in an Avandia patient, the patient should seek a medical professional to determine the cause.
• Jaundice
  Jaundice refers to the yellowing of the eyes and skin and is a result of a build up of bilirubin in the body. This is a sign of the liver not functioning properly.
• Back pain
  Back pain in Avandia patients can be a symptom of a cold, or could be related to another medical condition that may or may not have to do with the use of Avandia. Patients with extreme or persistent back pain should consult a doctor.
• Fatigue
  Like headache, nausea and back pain, fatigue can be cause by any number of physical problems. A physician should be contacted if fatigue persists or accompanies more serious side effects.
• Nasopharyngitis (common cold/inflammation of the nasal passages)
  Runny nose and other cold symptoms may be caused by rosiglitazone/Avandia; if the cold is too severe or does not go away in a normal amount of time, a doctor should be contacted.
• Blurry Vision/Loss of Vision
  Avandia has been associated with some cases of macular edema, in which blood vessels surrounding the retina leak and cause blurring or loss of vision. Avandia patients who experience affected vision should call a doctor immediately.,/li>
• Anemia
  Anemia (red blood cell deficiency)occurred in some Avandia patients, but was not a predominant side effect observed in clinical trials.
• Changes in Menstrual Cycle
  Some women may experience changes in their normal menstrual cycle when taking Avandia. Women who have not had a menstrual period in some time may begin to ovulate again, and can get pregnant. If menstruation changes or becomes painful, women should contact a doctor to discuss the changes.
• Loss of appetite
  Loss of appetite in Avandia users could be indicative of a liver problem and should be addressed with a doctor.

What To Do If You Experience Side Effects of Avandia

If you are experiencing physical changes or medical conditions that you believe to be a side effect of taking Avandia, you need to contact a medical professional first and foremost.  A doctor should evaluate your condition and determine what course of action should be taken.  Make sure that you mention that you believe Avandia to be the source of the problem - especially if the doctor you are seeing is not the doctor that prescribed Avandia to you.

After you seek medical attention, you may want to consider seeking legal counsel.  An Avandia attorney can evaluate your situation and tell you whether you have an Avandia case, and if so, what steps to take to begin the litigation process.