Avandia associated with 100 000 heart attacks
Avandia (generic rosiglitazone) is a type 2 diabetes drug manufactured by GlaxoSmithKline and has been linked to adverse cardiovascular side effects. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) reported that an estimated 100 000 heart attacks have been linked to Avandia. The risk of heart attacks is increased by 43% and the risk of heart failure is doubled after just one year of treatment, according to clinical studies.
Side effects associated with Avandia include:
Lawsuit
Numerous patients have pursued legal action against GlaxoSmithKline for compensation in the United States.
The manufacturer agreed to pay an estimated $60 million to settle over 700 cases during May 2010. A $460 million settlement was then agreed upon by the company, resulting in an estimated 10 000 cases being resolved later that year. When the first federal trial began in 2011, a settlement of 5 500 claims was reached to the value of $250 million.
Approximately 50 000 Avandia cases have been settled.