New Avandia Warning Parallels Sales Loss

By: Peter Kent Click author's name for more of his/her articles

Avandia makers, GlaxoSmithKline, recently issued new safety warnings to patients who may also be suffering from heart failure and unstable angina. The company issued a warning to patients taking the drug because of safety fears surrounding an array of scientific studies that have brought to light the risks associated with taking the type 2 diabetes drug.

In 2007, the THerapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) of Australia, similar to the Food and Drug Administration in the United States, issued its first black box label for Avandia. In the United States, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommended that Avandia labels also receive the black box warning, but have declined to recall the drug from the market citing "insufficient evidence" to call for the drug's removal, according to news reports.

About Avandia Risks

Avandia was released to the public from GlaxoSmithKline approximately nine years ago in 1999. The glycemic-controlling medication has been prescribed to nearly 6 million individuals since its release.

The New England Journal of Medicine first reported a potential increased risk of heart failure for Avandia patients, which was followed by a Swiss study that linked the drug to early onset osteoperosis and bone fracture.

It is unknown as to what will happen with the drug, but the TGA encouraged the new August 2008 warning issued for Avandia.

GlaxoSmithKline Sales Plummet

The antidiabetics market is expected to have an extreme growth over the next 10 years -- from $18 billion in 2007 to $29 billion in 2017, according to Datamonitor, a research and analysis company. Additionally, Avandia sales are decreasing as GlaxoSmithKline continues to report declining profits for the drug. In 2007, GlaxoSmithKline saw a 26 percent decrease of sales and in the first quarter of 2008, they reported a 56 percent decrease of sales.

GlaxoSmithKline additionally announced they will be laying off nearly 17,000 jobs, 350 of which have already been cut from the United States. The Datamonitor report also stated that the new antidiabetic growth of sales will likely occur because of a new molecular antidiabetic medication that many companies are changing to, but GlaxoSmithKline is yet to be one of those companies.

Seeking Avandia Legal Assistance

Individuals who are one of millions suffering from type 2 diabetes who received a prescription for Avandia should consult a physician immediately if they show any signs of heart failure problems as well as bone fractures or bone density losses. The following symptoms should prompt an immediate visit to a medical professional who may recommend discontinued use of the drug. Side effects include:

* swollen legs or ankles

* changes in vision

* unusual tiredness

* difficulties breathing

* rapid increase of weight gain

* become pregnant or are nursing

* heart failure or heart problems

* liver problems or liver disease within medical history

It is also important for an individual victim suffering from the Avandia side effects to know the legalities surrounding their medical condition and consuming Avandia.

It is advisable for Avandia patients to consult with a pharmaceutical lawyer who will likely provide free legal consultation to better assist a victim's understanding of developing an Avandia lawsuit, which may be necessary to receive monetary compensation as a repayment for damages incurred.

Article Source: ABC Article Directory

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