Avandia Side Effects

Heart Ailments and Avandia:

Patients consuming Avandia for controlling type 2 diabetes are at a higher risk of suffering from cardiac arrest and other heart problems. The study conducted by the Cleveland Clinic examined the medical report of more than 14000 patients. The study concluded that the patients dependent on the Avandia were at the 43 percent increased risk of developing heart diseases. The study was published in the New England Journal of Medicine in May 2007.It was after the publication of this study that FDA issued safety warning to various heath care professionals.

The new Avandia label warns about the increased risk of cardiac arrest and other heart diseases. Fluid in the lungs, swelling of extremities, high blood pressure and shortness of breath are few symptoms of heart failure.

Osteoporosis and Avandia:

Consumption of Avandia increases the risk of bone fracture and osteoporosis in the patients suffering from type 2 diabetes. Although bones appear solid and strong from outside but they are constantly broken and rebuilt.

Osteoclasts and osteoblasts are the two cells that perform the function of rebuilding the bones. Osteoclasts perform the task of breaking down bones while osteoblasts replenish the bone. Avandia not only interferes with the working of osteoblasts but also affects the function of Osteoclasts. Women and elderly people consuming Avandia are at an increased risk of bone fractures and osteoporosis.

Liver Failure associated with Avandia:

In some cases, prolong use of Avandia may cause liver failure which may lead to liver transplant or death. As there are no evidences to establish that Avandia may lead to liver failure, FDA has not issued any warning in this concern.

Other Side Effects Associated with Avandia:

In addition to the above listed side effects, consumption of Avandia may cause some other side effects as well. These side effects can be of lower risks or can also lead to serious problems. If a patient taking Avandia feels some changes in his body , he should immediately contact a doctor. Following are some other side effects:

• Hyperglycemia

It refers to higher glucose levels. Few symptoms of hyperglycemia are decreased consciousness, blurry vision, extreme hunger or thirst, weakness, dry mouth, frequent urination, upset stomach and breathe smelling like fruits. If a person suffers from many of these symptoms, he should immediately consult a doctor.

• Headache

Although headaches may occur to anybody but patients, consuming Avandia should immediately seek the advice of doctor in order to determine the source of persistent headaches.

• Hypoglycemia

It refers to lower glucose level than normal levels. Pale skin, headache, shakiness, weakness, dizziness, hunger and sweating are few symptoms of Hypoglycemia.

• Problems related to upper respiratory system

If the patients consuming Avandia experiences shortness of breathe or problems in the upper respiratory system, they should contact the healthcare professionals immediately as these symptoms may cause heart failure or heart diseases.

• Blurry Vision

Avandia has been responsible for causing macular edema, a condition in which blood vessels around retina leaks leading to loss of vision or blurry vision.

• Fatigue

Like back pain, headache and nausea, fatigue can be caused by many physical problems. A patient should consult a doctor if fatigue persists.

• Changes in Menstrual Cycle

Consumption of Avandia may lead to changes in otherwise normal menstrual cycle. If a women experience changes in menstrual cycle or painful menses than they should seek the advice of the doctor.

If the patients consuming Avandia experiences the above mentioned side effects or some other changes in their body, should consult a medical professional. The healthcare professional will suggest you the further course of action. You may also seek the advice of pharmaceutical attorney for filing a lawsuit.

Doctors Demand Vegan Label on ‘Avandia’ – a Drug for Diabetic Patients

Recently, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration were implored by the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine (PCRM) so that they can amend Avandia label including a statement promoting a vegan diet. Avandia was introduced to the market in 1999 by GlaxoSmithKline for treatment of type 2 diabetes. It regulates the level of glucose in the patients of diabetes.

PCRM was established in 1985 consisting of laypersons, physician and doctors working together for effective and compassionate health promotion, medical practice and research. They work on the information based on the website of an organization. Vegan diet is safer because it helps in lowering blood sugar than the drug used.

Benefits of Avandia Diet

An article published in Diabetes Care, compares Vegan Diet to that of the diet suggested by American Diabetes Association.  Vegan Diet includes plant-based foods like fruits, legumes, vegetables and grains avoiding animal and dairy products. On the other hand, American Diabetes Association recommends food that consists of 65 percent carbohydrates, olive oil, 15 to 20% proteins.

According to the reports, 43 percent of the patients who consumed vegan diet for 23 weeks showed decline on their dependence to type 2 diabetes drug whereas only 26 percent patients who followed ADA diet reduced their dependence on type 2 diabetes drug.

Side Effects of Avandia

Avandia is used for the treatment of patients suffering from type 2 diabetes. Type 2 diabetes is linked with high sugar and high fat diet and is more common in adults. However, large no. of children are developing type 2 diabetes because of rising obesity.

According to the manufacturers of Avandia, drug helps the body of patient to use natural insulin for lowering and controlling sugar levels. However, FDA has recently discovered serious side effects of consuming Avandia. Following are the signs and symptoms of side effects caused by Avandia:

• Jaundice
• Problems in the upper respiratory system
• Hypoglycemia
• Loss of appetite
• Back pain
• Hyperglycemia
• Changes in menstrual cycle among women
• Shortness of breath
• Fatigue
• Blurry vision
• Loss of vision
• Headache
• Anemia
• Nausea

If an individual, consuming Avandia suffers from its side effect, should immediately consult the doctor for discontinuing or alternating medicine.