If you have been taking Avandia (Rosiglitazone Maleate) to control your Type II diabetes and have suffered a Avandia heart attack or heart failure while on this medication you may have been surprised to find out that these two things may be directly linked. You may have also been surprised to learn that even though the drug had been on the shelves since 1999 and studies were pointing to an increased incidence of heart failure and myocardial infarction (a type of heart attack), GlaxoSmithKlein continued to keep this medication on the shelves and failed to warn patients of the potentially severe cardiovascular damage that could result.

A review of drug research by the New England Journal of Medicine showed that there was a 43% increase in the chances of developing severe and life threatening cardiovascular complications as a result of taking Avandia to control diabetes.

In 2006 Glaxo earned revenues of $2.2 billion from the sale of Avandia, making it the company’s third most profitable drug but after safety concerns became publicized, this total dropped to $1.2 billion in 2008. Even though there have been conclusive links between the use of Avandia and the increased chances of severe cardiovascular complications, the drug continues to be available commercially and the company continues to test the medication on patients.

Avandia side effects included shortness of breath, excessive weight gain and retention of fluid in the body which could tax the heart and lead to permanent and devastating heart failure and Avandia heart attacks. As well, the medication tended to reduce the heart’s ability to pump effectively which in turn could lead to patients suffering a Myocardial Infarction which is a type of heart attack that caused death in some users.

Additionally, findings showed that Actos (Pioglitazone HCL), a similar oral medication used to treat Type II diabetes had no increased incidence of heart attack or other cardiovascular complications. However, since both medications do carry an increased risk of fluid retention, it is advisable that people who may be at risk for heart failure should not take either one of these medications.

If you or someone you know have suffered cardiovascular complications such as heart failure or have had a heart attack as a direct result of taking Avandia to control your Type II diabetes, you may need to hire an Avandia lawyer in order to get the compensation you are entitled to. Whether this is to compensate you for lost wages, lost health or even loss of life for someone close to you , you need to approach your Avandia lawsuit by hiring a competent and experienced litigator.

The lawyers at the McEwen Law Firm have helped clients across the United States settle their legal disputes quickly and helped their clients access the compensation that they are entitled to. We have dealt not only with medical professionals but insurance companies and pharmaceutical companies so we understand patient rights and how to handle anything that the medical establishment may attempt in the course of your legal action.

We know how to protect our clients and get them the maximum compensation possible while making the process as positive and stress free as possible. If you are interested in contacting the lawyers at the McEwen Law Firm you need to contact us at 800-732-3070 or fill out the form at the side of the page. Our lawyers will represent you on a contingency basis and will not charge you for legal representation unless you win and get the compensation you deserve. Don`t suffer any longer than you need to. Contact our lawyers today for a free consultation.