Avandia Lawyers

Type 2 Diabetes Patients Taking Avandia Found to be at Risk

Recent news regarding GlaxoSmithKline's Avandia drug and its potential link to the development of serious medical problems has caused much stress around the country. Medical doctors are on alert and Avandia lawyers around the country are listening to former users who fear the worst.

Although the problems linked to Avandia are extremely serious, there are reasons to stay calm. For instance, the issues involved with Avandia are generally limited to those patients who have type 2 diabetes. Below is a look at type 2 diabetes, why Avandia was seen as a drug that helped with that condition and the recent problems that have been discovered.

Type 2 Diabetes

Statistically, type 2 diabetes is the most common form of diabetes around the world. Generally, those with type 2 diabetes either do not produce enough insulin in their bodies or their cells somehow "ignore" the insulin that's produced. Over time, this lack of insulin limits cells' ability to function properly, as insulin carries sugar to the blood. This can lead to problems with a patient's kidneys, nerves, eyes and even their hearts.

Furthermore, statistics show that type 2 diabetes is more prevalent in those of advanced age, African Americans, Latinos, Native Americans and Asian Americans. However, it should be note that if type 2 diabetes is detected early, patients can live long and productive lives if their condition is properly managed.

The Emergence of Avandia

For several years, Avandia has been extremely popular with those who suffer from type 2 diabetes. This is a drug that's taken orally, appears in pill form, and is almost always prescribed to patients in conjunction with a program of a healthy diet and an exercise routine in an overall effort to control the condition. For a time, this form of therapy and management showed promise, as the drug helped to lower and maintain blood sugar levels.

Problems Arise

In 2007, several studies, statistics and reports began to emerge regarding Avandia that created a stir in both the medical and legal communities. The FDA published its first alert in February of 2007 that stated that females in particular were at risk for fractures in their arms if they took Avandia. Three months later, additional statistics showed a higher level of risk for patients experiencing cardiac events, which included a risk of death.

What You Should Do

If you have been taking Avandia, you need to contact your doctor immediately for a full evaluation. At this point, you will most likely be taken off the drug. Do not simply stop taking your medication, however - let your doctor guide you through this process.

You should also contact the Avandia lawyers at Williams Kherkher, as they will be able to help you decide on a course of action in legal terms. Contact these professionals today to protect your health and your rights.