Avandia Linked with Increased Fracture Risk
Female patients undergoing long-term treatment with Avandia (rosiglitazone maleate) may face an increased risk of bone fracture. Avandia is a GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) drug developed to treat type 2 diabetes mellitus.
A recent study monitoring the outcome and progression of certain diabetes treatments found an association between females taking rosiglitazone-based drugs and an increased incidence of bone fractures. The ADOPT (A Diabetes Outcome and Progression Trial) study determined that a significant number of females taking rosiglitazone suffered bone fractures when compared with those being treated with alternative diabetes medications. The study monitored 4,360 randomized patients over a period of four to six years. Its results were recently published in the New England Journal of Medicine.
Avandia Bone Fractures
Female patients injured while being treated with rosiglitazone-based drugs like Avandia typically suffered fractures in the upper arm, hand, or foot. Although there was discussion of whether or not such fractures may be associated with postmenopausal osteoporosis, it was determined that the rosiglitazone-based fractures (upper arm, hand, or foot) were not in line with the typical postmenopausal osteoporosis fractures (hip or spine).
GlaxoSmithKline and the ADOPT Study
Following publication of the ADOPT study, GlaxoSmithKline responded by launching an independent safety committee to analyze the results in a controlled rosiglitazone clinical trial. Although GlaxoSmithKline’s independent study is ongoing, its preliminary results have been consistent with those returned by ADOPT. The study is expected to conclude by 2009, though GlaxoSmithKline are already taking steps towards alerting patients and doctors about the fracture risk. Patients taking Avandia or other rosiglitazone-based diabetes drugs are advised to consult with their doctor to determine the best course-of-action.
If GlaxoSmithKline do not adequately inform patients and doctors about the risks associated with their diabetes drugs, they may find themselves liable for injuries caused as a result of such negligence. As such, they are working to take appropriate steps to alert consumers and avoid potential litigation.
Avandia Lawsuits
If you or a loved one has been injured as a result of using GlaxoSmithKline’s Avandia, you may be eligible to receive compensation for your pain, suffering, medical bills, etc. GlaxoSmithKline is in the process of running extensive tests geared towards determining the exact nature of the association between long-term Avandia treatment and an increased incidence of bone fractures in female patients.
The law offices of Justice Lawyers boast some of the most experienced personal injury lawyers Pensacola, Florida has to offer. The lawyers and staff representing Justice Lawyers are adept at dealing with a wide variety of injuries caused by various product defects and manufacturer negligence. Contact Justice Lawyers today at (850) 916 7450 to get additional information regarding your rights and as an Avandia injury victim.
The attorneys of the Law Office of Justice Lawyers are personal injury lawyers in Pensacola who protect victims of auto accidents, personal injury, wrongful death, defective drugs, consumer fraud, insurance fraud, product defects and defective medical devices, such as Guidant and Medtronic Pacemakers, and potentially harmful drugs, such as Ortho Evra. When you think of the top personal injury lawyers or car accident lawyers in Pensacola, think of Justice Lawyers.