Avandia Side Effects

Avandia is the brand name for the medication rosiglitazone, prescribed to control high blood sugar in patients with Type 2 diabetes. Avandia helps restore the body's proper response to insulin. The drug may cause dangerous side effects, some of which are outlined here.

Heart Failure

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requires a black box warning on Avandia addressing an increased risk of heart failure connected with fluid retention. People with a history of heart problems should talk to their doctors before starting an Avandia prescription in order to prevent dangerous cardiovascular side effects, including swelling, tiredness, and shortness of breath. Because of this dangerous possibility, Avandia is not recommended for patients with severe heart conditions.

Heart Attack

An additional black box warning is required because of an increased risk of heart attack. A review of studies published by the New England Journal of Medicine in 2007 found a 43 percent higher risk of heart attack in people taking Avandia.

Low Blood Sugar

Avandia may be prescribed alone or in conjunction with other medications, including metformin, sulfonylureas, or insulin. When it is prescribed along with other drugs, there is an increased risk of low blood sugar. A lower dose of the other medication may be required to ease the danger.

Liver Disease

The drug is not recommended for people with active liver disease. It may cause unexpected tiredness, unusually rapid weight gain, dark urine, yellowing of skin, and stomach problems. These symptoms are often associated with liver disease, which is a possible danger of taking Avandia.

Consult a Lawyer

If you or a loved one has been harmed by Avandia, you should contact an Avandia attorney to find out whether you are eligible for compensation for your injuries.