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Avandia is an oral diabetes medication that improves your body's blood sugar levels by making the cells in your body more receptive to insulin. Produced by GlaxoSmithKline, Avandia is an oral thiazolidinedione medication prescribed to treat type-2 diabetes, or adult onset diabetes. It can be used in combination with insulin and other medications for patients with this type of diabetes. Avandia is not indicated to treat type-1 or juvenile diabetes. Other Uses for Avandia While Avandia is predominantly used to treat of type-2 diabetes, recent studies have revealed other possible treatments, including: Alzheimer's disease General inflammation (Avandia has anti-inflammatory properties) Ulcerative colitis (a condition where ulcers affect the health and function of the large intestines and/or colon) Clinical trials are still ongoing to determine how effective Avandia is in the treatment of these and other conditions. Avandia Dangers Despite its effectiveness at regulating type-2 diabetes, studies have shown that this prescription drug can put patients at risk of developing serious and potentially fatal side effects. Some of these include: Congestive heart failure (CHF) Heart attack Hypoglycemia (dangerously low blood sugar) Hyperglycemia (dangerously high blood sugar) Jaundice Increased susceptibility to bruising and bone fractures (especially in the hands and feet) Liver dysfunction Severe allergic reaction Upper respiratory tract infection Blurred vision Breathing difficulties (particularly shortness of breath) Increased hunger and rapid weight gain Black Box Warning Considering the severity of the potential side effects associated with Avandia, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in March of 2007 issued a national Avandia drug warning. To date, the FDA has not issued a formal recall on Avandia. However, in August of 2008, the medical journal Heart published a study that highlighted the dangers of thiazolidinedione medications and urged the FDA to place more stringent regulations on this class of drugs. The study also questioned why Avandia had not yet been recalled. In response, the FDA issued a black box warning, the most serious warning, on all packaging. This warning means that Avandia has the potential to cause severe injury and possible death. After this warning, the FDA voted against issuing a drug recall in an 8-to-7 vote. High Risk Factors Certain people are more at risk of developing serious side effects associated with Avanida. If you have had, or have a family history of the following: Cardiovascular disease Congestive heart failure Diabetes-related eye problems Heart attack Liver disease Stroke Diabetic patients who do not eat healthy foods and fail to exercise regularly will also be at greater risk of developing severe Avandia side effects. Aside from these preexisting conditions, Avandia is also known to have adverse interactions with other medications, including: Diet pills Steroids Certain birth control pills Anti-epileptic medications If you are at high risk of developing a potentially serious side effect, before starting an Avandia treatment, you should discuss your complete medical history with your doctor. Research the drug and learn about the range of possible side effects. Then consider all the alternative diabetes medications before committing to Avandia. If You Have Suffered an Avandia Injury If you have suffered a dangerous side effect after taking Avandia, you should: Receive emergency medical attention (to prevent further injury and save your life when severe) Follow through with all long-term prescribed care for the best chances of recovery Talk with your doctor about an appropriate alternative to Avandia Consult with an experienced defective drug attorney to see if you have a case against the drug manufacturer.
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