Avandia Cutting Sales Force

After all the controversy regarding Avandia that surfaced this summer, one would easily be able to surmise that Avandia’s manufacturer, GlaxoSmithKline, would have to make some adjustments as a result of the problems they’ve experienced since these issues came to light. Below we’ll take a look at what led to these problems and how a smaller sales force could affect the overall availability of Avandia in the future.

The Problems

In June of this year, the New England Journal of Medicine published an article that detailed the results of the compilation of several studies that were performed in relation to Avandia and its potential side effects. These numbers showed that those who took Avandia had an increased risk by more than 40% to suffer a heart-related medical issue than those who did not use the drug.

As a result, media stories and experts weighing in on both sides of the issue began to grow more prevalent, and eventually a hearing was held that featured several experts on a panel who would discuss the issue and the findings and make a recommendation to the FDA on whether or not to initiate a recall of the drug. In the end, the panel did not recommend a recall.

The Reaction

Even though Avandia will probably not be recalled, as the FDA has traditionally followed the recommendations of these expert panels, in certain ways the damage had already been done. Avandia was now a drug that was associated with a high degree of negativity, and any product that’s branded in such a way will ultimately suffer in the marketplace, especially one that comes with the reputation that it could kill you.

GlaxoSmithKline, an English company, did make some decisions in regards to this problem, and one of the first was an announcement that the sales force for Avandia would be cut back significantly. It was a decision that makes sense, as a product with negative branding could be too difficult to sell successfully.

Going Forward

This does not mean, however, that the marketing of Avandia will cease altogether. Doctors will still be able to get Avandia sent to them by the company, and people will still hear about the drug via advertising and other means. Not to mention, there is still somewhat of a sales team out there attempting to sell this drug.

What it will also most likely mean is that people will continue to suffer the consequences of taking Avandia. If this describes your situation, contact an Avandia lawyer at the firm today to schedule a free initial consultation.