|
The diabetes drug Avandia is
linked to tens of thousands of heart attacks, and the drug
manufacturer, GlaxoSmithKline, knew of the risks for years.
GlaxoSmithKline hid the risks so that they could better sell their
dangerous product according to a Senate committee report that was just
released. This is yet another instance of
prescription drug injury.
U.S. Senator Max Baucus said
that "Americans have a right to know there are serious health risks
associated with Avandia and GlaxoSmithKline had a responsibility to
tell them. Patients trust drug companies with their health and their
lives and GlaxoSmithKline abused that trust." GlaxoSmithKline reacted
by denying that the drug is not safe, which simply makes them more
guilty and liable for injuries and deaths linked to Avandia. The
pharmaceutical manufacturer denied that Avandia was linked to heart
attacks.
The Senate report was developed
over the past two years by committee investigators who reviewed more
than 250,000 pages of documents provided by GlaxoSmithKline, the FDA
and several research institutes. Committee investigators also conducted
numerous interviews and phone calls with GlaxoSmithKline, the FDA and
anonymous whistleblowers.
According to the Senate report,
FDA scientists estimated in July 2007 that Avandia was associated with
approximately 83,000 heart attacks since the drug came to market.
"Had GSK considered Avandia's
potential increased cardiovascular risk more seriously when the issue
was first raised in 1999 ... some of these heart attacks may have been
avoided," the report states.
GlaxoSmithKline undertook
attempts to undermine information critical of Avandia. "GSK executives
attempted to intimidate independent physicians, focused on strategies
to minimize or misrepresent findings that Avandia may increase
cardiovascular risk and sought ways to downplay findings that a
competing drug might reduce cardiovascular risk," the report says.
If you or a loved one suffered a
heart attack or stroke while taking the drug Avandia, call the Ogletree
Abbott Law Firm immediately at 1-800-779-4950.
Related Articles:
Current FDA
Recalls - Toxic
Chemical
Injuries - Lead
Poisoning - Medical
Malpractice |
