Avandia Liver Failure – A Serious Side Effect

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In July 2009, a study published in the journal of Pharmacoepidemiology and Drug Safety mentioned liver failure as a serious Avandia side effect. The Public Citizen's Health Research Group (HRG), a public interest advocacy organization, submitted a petition to the FDA requesting an Avandia recall following an analysis of 14 cases of liver failure over a nine-year period, 11 of which resulted in death. In its analysis, the HRG compared Avandia to Rezulin, a diabetes drug banned from the market in 1997 following 94 cases of liver poisoning.

Although 11 deaths in nine years may seem like a small number, researchers noted that due to low reporting to the FDA, the 11 deaths may represent only a small fraction of the overall patients who develop liver problems due to Avandia treatment. The study estimates that one in 44,000 patients using Avandia to treat type 2 diabetes is at risk for severe hepatotoxicity (chemical liver poisoning).

How Does Avandia Lead to Liver Problems?

Avandia is associated with hepatotoxicity, or chemically induced liver damage. Although the liver plays an important role in helping the body clear chemicals and other types of substances from its system, it is also susceptible to the toxins found in these agents. Chemical liver poisoning is generally detected through medical exams and blood tests that indicate an abnormal level of liver enzymes. Avandia is thought to induce an increased production of liver enzymes, which may result in severe liver damage and thus liver failure and death. So far, more than 900 drugs have been removed from the market after being linked to chemical liver poisoning.

Symptoms of Liver Failure

The most obvious symptoms associated with liver failure include:

Nausea or vomiting
Stomach pain
Unusual or unexplained tiredness
Loss of appetite
Discolored/dark urine
Yellowing of the skin and/or the eye (jaundice)

If you are experiencing any of the above symptoms, it is essential that you receive medical attention right away.

Consulting an Avandia Personal Injury / Avandia Wrongful Death Lawyer

If you or a loved one is an Avandia stroke, liver failure or macular edema victim, learn more about an experienced Avandia lawyer. You and your family may be entitled to receive substantial compensation to cover your medical expenses, physical and emotional distress, lost wages and other damages as a result of this harmful drug.

Page Updated June 24, 2011