Avandia Uses

Avandia is medication that is typically prescribed to treat Type 2 diabetes in adults. However, the drug has recently been the subject of litigation after reports linked Avandia use to an increased risk of heart attack, congestive heart failure, liver failure, bone fractures, and vision loss. Despite recent litigation involving Avandia, the medication is still used to treat various health problems.

Type 2 Diabetes

Avandia, also known as rosiglitazone, is used for the treatment of Type 2 diabetes. Type 2 diabetes is a disorder in which the body becomes resistant to the effects of insulin, combined with lowered insulin secretion. Insulin is a hormone that's produced by the body in response to increased levels of glucose in the blood. When insulin is secreted, it causes the liver and muscles to absorb some of the glucose in the blood, which makes it available for use. It also prevents extended periods with elevated blood glucose levels, which can lead to diabetes-related problems such as kidney failure, blindness, limb amputation, heart disease, and stroke.

Avandia works differently than some other diabetes medicines as it does not cause the body to make more insulin. Instead Avandia facilitates the absorption of natural insulin in the body for improved blood sugar control.

Used When Other Methods Don't Work

This medication is used when other methods such as diet, exercise, and weight reduction are not enough to lower blood glucose levels on their own. Effectively controlling high blood sugar helps prevent heart disease, strokes, kidney disease, blindness, and circulation problems, as well as sexual function problems (impotence). Avandia is used either alone or in combination with other anti-diabetic medications such as metformin, sulfonylureas, and insulin. Effects of this medication are usually seen within 8 to 12 weeks of taking the drug.

Known as "Insulin Sensitizer"

Avandia is often referred to as an "insulin sensitizer" because it attaches to the insulin receptors on cells throughout the body and causes the cells to become more sensitive, or responsive, to insulin thereby removing more glucose from the blood.

Because Avandia only provides benefits in the presence of insulin, it's only useful for Type 2 diabetes (in which insulin is still produced), not Type 1.

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.