A new study comparing heart side effects risks of rival diabetes drugs Avandia and Actos suggests both treatments carry similar risks of heart attack, acute heart failure and death. Researchers at health insurance company WellPoint reviewed the claims records of over 29,000 diabetic clients who took either of the drugs between 2001 and 2005. Date of death information was obtained from the National Death Index, a government database administered by the National Center for Health Statistics. The study was published on August 24, 2010 in the medical journal, “Circulation: Cardiovascular Quality and Outcomes.”
Early this year, studies authored by FDA drug safety expert Dr. David Graham and renowned Cleveland Clinic cardiologist Dr. Steven Nissen both found Avandia cardiovascular risks to be higher than Actos’.
Dr. Graham’s study found that the use of Avandia increased risk of heart attack, stroke, heart failure and death among diabetics 65 years or older by 18% compared to Actos. He estimated that about 50,000 diabetic seniors have been caused to suffer heart failure, stroke, heart attack or death as a result of Avandia side effects and has called for an Avandia recall.
Dr. Nissen’s recent study, published in July 2010, found that Avandia increases the risk of heart attack by 28% compared to Actos or a placebo. A wave of Avandia lawsuits were filed by drug product liability lawyers across the U.S. following the publication of Dr. Nissen’s earlier research in the May 2007 New England Journal of Medicine linking use of the drug to an increased risk of congestive heart failure and heart attacks. The study led to a black box warning of Avandia heart risks being required by the FDA. Avandia risks of heart attack and congestive heart failure were found to be significantly higher than those associated with Actos. Dr. Nissen also is a vocal proponent of an Avandia recall.
“What distinguishes this latest study from other claims-based analyses is its analysis of death records, which include out-of-hospital deaths,” said Debra Wertz, the lead author of the new WellPoint study. It has been speculated that age may play a role in the study results. The average age of the diabetics in the WellPoint study was younger than those diabetes patients on which the Graham research focussed.
Last month, a FDA drug safety advisory panel reviewed all available data and recommended that the Avandia warning label be strengthened and new restrictions be made on the use of Avandia. The committee fell short of recommending an Avandia recall.
GlaxoSmithKline has announced that Avandia lawsuit settlements have been reached in thousands of claims to recover financial compensation for personally injury and wrongful death damages caused by use of the drug. More Avandia settlements are expected to be announced this fall.
If you or a loved one has suffered an Avandia heart attack, stroke or acute heart failure after taking Avandia, you may be entitled to collect money damages and should contact an Avandia lawsuit attorney as soon as possible to discuss your legal rights and options.
Knowledge is power. Our experienced Avandia lawsuit attorneys represent type 2 diabetics affected by Avandia heart problems in claims for personal injury damages and surviving family members in Avandia wrongful death lawsuits. Our attorneys currently are accepting Avandia heart failure cases in all 50 states.
No fee unless we collect. We handle Avandia lawsuit cases on a contingency fee. There never are any legal fees or litigation expenses unless and until you collect money damages on your Avandia injury or wrongful death claim. We represent each client individually, not as part of an Avandia class action lawsuit.
Let us help you recover the compensation you deserve. You may have a right to file an Avandia lawsuit claim to recover financial compensation. Drug company GlaxoSmithKline already has agreed to pay Avandia lawsuit settlements in thousands of cases.
Get a free consultation. There is never any cost or obligation to talk to an Avandia attorney who can help answer all of your questions. Contact us today.