Knowledge Experience Compassion Service 
The U.S. Senate Finance Committee has recently issued a report on Avandia, a controversial drug produced by GlaxoSmithKline (“GSK”) to control diabetes.
According to the report, GSK knew of possible heart attack risks tied to Avandia many years before the information became public.
The report unequivocally states “GSK had a duty to sufficiently warn patients and the FDA of its concerns in a timely manner.”
However, according to the report, GSK failed to warn patients and states: “GSK executives intimidated independent physicians, focused on strategies to minimize findings that Avandia may increase cardiovascular risk, and sought ways to downplay findings that the rival drug ACTOS (pioglitazone) might reduce cardiovascular risk.”
This latest report reveals in great detail the length that pharmaceutical companies are willing to go to avoid revealing legitimate health risks associated with their drugs. It further exposes the widespread practice of pharmaceutical companies using supposedly “independent” scientific research to bolster their claims, when in actuality the company has sponsored the research.
Adding to the controversy, questions remain why the U.S. FDA continued to allow clinical trials of Avandia even after the agency estimated that the drug caused 83,000 heart attacks between 1999 and 2007.
In addition to heart attacks, Avandia has been linked to several significant health risks including:
- Congestive heart failure
- Liver damage
- Increased cholesterol levels
- Swelling of arms and legs
- Anemia
- Fluid retention
As New Mexico personal injury attorneys concerned about dangerous drugs, if you are currently taking Avandia, we urge you to contact a medical professional. Further, if you or a loved one has suffered serious medical complications or lost a family member or spouse due to Avandia, please contact us to speak to one of our dedicated dangerous drug attorneys regarding Avandia litigation.