New Study Questions Safety of Diabetes Drug

-CBS

12/13/2007 - A new study out of Canada has been added to those that question the safety of the diabetes drug Avandia.

The study, published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, found that older diabetics taking the drug may have a higher risk of congestive heart failure than those taking other diabetes drugs.

Las Vegas Endocrinologist Fred Toffel says Avandia has not necessarily been shown to directly worsen heart function, but rather, in some people, causes fluid retention.

"If you have somebody who already has a weak heart, and you retain fluid in that individual, they're more likely to go into heart failure. But it's no different from eating too much salt," he said.

Dr. Toffel says that because diabetics are already at higher risk for heart disease, it's difficult to pinpoint all of the risk factors.

And although Avandia may still be an effective medication for some individuals, the constant threat of litigation has some doctors looking for other options.

The FDA meanwhile, has no plans to pull Avandia from the market.

If you or a loved one have experienced an Avandia heart attack, or Avandia stroke, Avandia congestive heart failure, Avandia cardiovascular disease or if you have lost a loved one to an Avandia death you may be entitled to compensation. Contact the Avandia attorneys of Ennis & Ennis today for a free confidential case evaluation. Our on staff nurse and lawyers are standing by to answer any questions you may have regarding Avandia's side effects, a possible Avandia class action lawsuit, or any other type of Avandia litigation