Quick Facts on Avandia® (Rosiglitazone Maleate) Lawsuit

Manufacturer: GlaxoSmithKline (GSK)

Drug release date:  1999

Drug Claim:  Avandia, combined with diet and exercise, can improve blood sugar control for adults with Type 2 diabetes

How does Avandia work?  Avandia helps the body monitor pre-manufactured insulin while moving glucose out of the bloodstream and into the cells for energy usage.

Reported side effects:  Common side effects include cold-like symptoms, headache, fluid retention, swelling (edema), weight gain, shortness of breath even when lying down, liver problems, Macular edema, Low red blood cell count (anemia) and Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) leading to new, worse and fatal heart failure including reduced blood flow to the heart and heart attack.

Lawsuit Status:  In June 2010, GlaxoSmithKline reportedly settled the first Avandia lawsuit.  Thousands of others have been filed against GlaxoSmithKline by plaintiffs alleging the company did not give adequate warning about the serious health risks associated with the drug.