HAGENS BERMAN

Date Filed: December 8, 2010

Hagens Berman is taking on GlaxoSmithKline on behalf of individuals who experienced a heart attack or other cardiovascular problems after taking the diabetes drug, Avandia (rosiglitazone).

Several independent studies, including one by a researcher with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), have suggested a possible link between the use of Avandia, a drug intended to treat Type II Diabetes, and heart attacks and other cardiovascular diseases.

The New England Journal of Medicine also published a 'meta-analysis' of Avandia, and concluded that patients taking the diabetes drug have a 43% increased risk of heart attack.

Following these reports, two U.S. Senators urged GlaxoSmithKline, the manufacturer of Avandia, to pull their product from the market, which generates approximately $3.2 billion in annual sales for the pharmaceutical giant since its debut in 1999.

In September 2010, FDA announced severe restrictions on the availability of Avandia following a mandated “black-box warning” for an increased risk of heart attacks when taking the drug. Doctors are now required to have patients sign waivers stating that Avandia is the only remaining option, and patients must acknowledge the significant risk before using the drug.

Hagens Berman believes GlaxoSmithKline knew about the increased risk of heart attacks associated with Avandia, yet concealed this information from the public and government regulators. Thousands, if not millions, of individuals may have experienced a heart attack while using Avandia as a result of the pharmaceutical company’s alleged negligence.

Thousands of lawsuits against GlaxoSmithKline have already been filed on behalf of individuals, many of which have already reached a settlement with the pharmaceutical company. Many cases average about a $46,000 settlement.

Individuals, who have experienced a heart attack or other heart-related problems while using Avandia should contact Hagens Berman to discuss their legal rights.