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Weitz & Luxenberg provides information on the recall of two top diabetes medications
Recently, I read about a recall of two diabetes drugs: Actos and Avandia. Can you please elaborate on this?
Certainly. The truth is neither diabetes medication was ever completely recalled by the FDA in the United States, just strictly regulated. Though banned in the European Union, Avandia is still legally sold in the U.S. even though it has been linked to serious health conditions such as congestive heart failure. According to a French study, there is a relationship between Actos and bladder cancer. As a result of this study, Actos was banned in France and Germany, but the FDA has only issued a warning.
Avandia and Actos are diabetes medications which belong to a class of drugs known as thiazolidinediones (TZD’s). Glaxo Smith Kline produces Avandia while Takeda Pharmaceuticals manufactures Actos.
How does Actos Compare to Avandia?
Dr. David J. Graham, a researcher for the FDA, analyzed Medicare records for “227,571 patients who started treatment with Avandia or Actos between July 2006 and June 2009. The average age of patients in the study was 74.4” (Web MD) According to Graham, Actos is the safer drug:
“Avandia is much less safe than Actos in things that really matter—things that will put you in the hospital or land you in the cemetery. If you are a doctor, there is no earthly reason why you should continue to prescribe Avandia. There are safer alternatives.” (Web MD)
The results of the Graham study showed that patients taking Avandia compared to patients taking Actos are:
- 27% more likely to develop a stroke (Web MD)
- 25 % more likely to experience heart failure (Wed MD)
- 14 % more likely to die from one or several of Avandia’s side effects (Web MD)
It is strongly encouraged that you speak with your medical professional who can suggest the safest, most effective treatment for your diabetes based on your personal needs and overall state of health.
Can Weitz & Luxenberg Assist Me?
The attorneys of Weitz & Luxenberg have been handling defective drug and medical device cases since 1986 and have achieved numerous verdicts and settlements on behalf of their clients. We are currently investigating Actos cases and are willing to answer any legal inquiries you may have.
For a free consultation, please fill out the form on this page and we will be in touch with you shortly.
Acknowledgements:
Web MD: http://www.diabetes.webmd.com/news/201000628/new-study-avandia-riskier-than-actos
see also:
Actos Suspended in Europe
JAMA affirms Actos bladder cancer risks: File an Actos Lawsuit todayFile an Actos lawsuit today. Weitz & Luxenberg informs clients that Journal of American Medicine affirms risk of bladder cancer.
Diabetes Drug Recall
Information for you about the recall of two top diabetes medicationsWere diabetes drugs like Avandia and Actos recalled? Weitz & Luxenberg is currently investigating Actos cases. Tell us your story.
Actos Bladder Cancer
Actos Bladder Cancer and Actos Recall, Litigation, Lawyer and Lawsuits.A recent FDA warning implies that diabetes drug Actos could be related to instances of actos bladder cancer. Visit Weitz & Luxenberg to learn more.
