Avandia Diabetes Drug Linked to Heart Attacks

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.

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