CANADA RESTRICTS THE USE OF AVANDIA DUE TO CONCERNS OVER AN INCREASED RISK OF HEART RELATED ILLNESSES | Dallas, Texas Personal Injury Attorney Blog

The drug may increase the risk of serious heart problems, including heart failure, angina (chest pain), heart attack or fluid retention (with or without rapid weight gain). It should not be used by patients who have or have had heart problems, the agency said in a release Thursday. Taking an approach similar to that implemented by the FDA in America, Health Canada says the medication should be used only in patients with Type 2 diabetes when all other diabetes medicines taken orally have not lowered blood sugar enough, or are not appropriate.

The agency said that patients should not stop taking the medication until they have seen their physician to discuss their diabetes treatment, including other options and the benefits and risks of taking rosiglitazone.

Before starting or renewing a prescription for Avandia, doctors must now advise patients to read the consumer information for the drug and to read and sign a consent form indicating they understand the heart-related risks of the medication and they have discussed other treatment options.

The restrictions affect Avandia (rosiglitazone), Avandamet (contains both rosiglitazone and metformin) and Avandaryl (contains both rosiglitazone and glimepiride).

The law in most states provides several personal injury claims for persons who have been seriously injured by a prescription drug with excessive and dangerous side effects. Settlements of these claims are expected to include strict liability for a defective product, breach of warranty, negligence, and misrepresentation. Damages sought against pharmaceutical companies for dangerous drug side effects and injuries include at least the following types of damages:

• Physical pain and suffering, mental anguish;
• Physical impairment;
• Medical expenses associated with efforts to remedy the injuries as a result of the original surgery;
• Loss of earnings and/or earning capacity; and
• In the case of a patient’s death, the family of the victim may file a wrongful death action and seek damages.

Montes Law Group, P.C.

Attorneys: Rachel Montes

1121 Kinwest Parkway, Suite 100

Irving, Texas 75063

Telephone (214) 522-9401

Toll Free (877) 529-8899

LEGAL RIGHTS OF PATIENTS INJURED BY AVANDIA