Avandia Side Effects

In recent years, evidence linking Avandia to serious side effects such as pulmonary edema, heart attack and heart failure has mounted. Some studies suggest that Avandia increases the risk of heart attack by 30 to 40 percent. The risk of Avandia side effects has not yet prompted a withdrawal of the drug from the market, although an FDA panel met in July 2007 to discuss the drug's future.

If your or your loved one suffered a severe Avandia side effect, let an attorney evaluate your case free of charge. You may be entitled to reimbursement for your losses.

Avandia Side Effects: Mild to Life-Threatening

The side effects an individual may suffer typically depends on a number of factors, including a person's overall health and medical history. Depending on these and other factors, Avandia side effects can range from mild to life threatening.

Some of the more mild Avandia side effects include headache, fatigue, back pain, and sinusitis, among others. However, Avandia has also been linked to more dangerous side effects such as:

* Edema
* Heart problems
* Heart failure

Individuals who are taking Avandia and experience fluid retention or swelling, shortness of breath, unusual tiredness or increase in weight should consult with a physician immediately.

In 2000, Rezulin diabetes drug was recalled after being linked to dozens of fatal liver disease instances. The FDA announced at the time of the Rezulin recall that Acts and Avandia were safer alternatives for managing Type 2 diabetes. At the time, the consumer group Public Citizen criticized the FDA for waiting too long to issue the Rezulin recall and remained skeptical that other drugs, such as Avandia, would not also cause problems.

Since that time, several studies have been published linking Avandia to congestive heart failure and other heart problems. Unfortunately, millions of Americans have already taken Avandia, and one expert estimates that thousands have suffered heart problems as a result.