Practice Areas

Albuquerque, New Mexico Avandia Lawyers

Avandia is a diabetes drug developed and manufactured by pharmaceutical giant, GlaxoSmithKline. In the spring 2007 edition of the New England Journal of Medicine, Dr. Steven Nissen studied the results of 42 clinical trials involving Avandia and found that it increased the risk of heart attack by 43% and death by cardiovascular event by 64%.

In May of 2007, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) responded to increasing concerns regarding health risks associated with Avandia and released a formal safety alert. After issuing its safety alert, the FDA has been criticized for not warning the public sooner since GlaxoSmithKline was aware of dangers associated with Avandia as early as 1999. Even though there are known, life-threatening dangers associated with Avandia, GlaxoSmithKline continues to market and sell the drug, placing people at risk. At the Branch Law Firm, our attorneys hold GlaxoSmithKline financially and legally accountable for deaths and serious injuries caused by a drug clearly recognized as dangerous by the FDA.

If you have suffered serious health complications or have lost a loved one due to the use of Avandia, contact dangerous drug attorneys at the Branch Law Firm today and schedule a free consultation. We've also provided a special Avandia intake form to assist our clients in preparing information prior to a free consultation regarding their case.

What are the Health Risks associated with Avandia?

Not only does Avandia increase the risk for heart attack it can also lead to the following health complications:

• Stroke
• Congestive heart failure
• Liver damage
• Increased cholesterol levels
• Swelling of arms and legs
• Anemia
• Fluid retention

Liability and the Actions (or Inaction) of GlaxoSmithKline

After the May 2007 study in the New England Journal of Medicine was released, the FDA ordered GlaxoSmithKline to use a "black box warning" on Avandia - the strongest kind of warning a drug can have without being recalled.

As a result of the FDA not acting sooner, the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform held hearings to determine if more regulation of the pharmaceutical industry was necessary. During the hearings, a medical expert testified that when he had told GlaxoSmithKline executives of the dangers posed by Avandia in 1999, they threatened to sue him.

This, and the decision by GlaxoSmithKline not to voluntarily recall the drug, suggests GlaxoSmithKline is willing to place profits over people. Our attorneys work with recognized medical experts in presenting evidence linking our client's injuries or death to the known dangers associated with Avandia. When an attempt is made to blame a pre-existing condition for our client's injuries, we present medical data and evidence indicating otherwise. We also remind jurors of the actions of GlaxoSmithKline's executive and the testimony provided to the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.

Contact Avandia Attorneys at the Branch Law Firm Today

We have the resources and experience needed to establish a balance of power in the courtroom - no matter what experts are introduced by GlaxoSmithKline. If you have suffered serious medical complications or lost a family member or spouse due to Avandia, contact the Branch Law Firm today and schedule a free consultation.