Health Care

By: Peter Kent

Avandia and Actos Pose Increased Bone Fracture Dangers to Women Suffering From Type 2 Diabetes

A recent issue of the Canadian Medical Association Journal (CMAJ) reported the results of a study indicating that type 2 diabetes women who consume Avandia (rosiglitazone) or Actos (pioglitazone) are "at an increased risk of non-vertebral fractures with a near doubling in the risk of hip fractures."


The study, which was conducted by researchers at the University of East Anglia in Norwich, evaluated the risks of bone density degradation among women who consumed the diabetic therapy treatment. Of the 13,715 participants involved in 10 radomized clinical trials, a large portion were found to have "a significantly increased risk of fractures," according to the CMAJ article.

Scientists were able to identify an increase in bone mineral density loss among women patients specifically in the lumbar spine, which is the largest movable section of the vertebrae that is located above the tailbone.

The study found no risk of bone density loss among men, but women who were already at risk for developing bone fractures were said to be affected with one out of every 21 women developing the condition, while those women not at a predisposed bone fracture risk were said to be affected with one out of every 55 women developing bone density loss.

How Thiazolidinediones Work

Approximately 4 million Americans currently consumed a type of thiazolidineodiones. Thiazolidinediones, also known as glitazones, are type 2 diabetes treatments that include rosiglitazones (Avandia, Advandamet) and pioglitazone (Actos, Competact). The therapies "work by reducing insulin resistance and helping the body use the insulin it produces," according to information from the Medicines and Helathcare Products Regulatory (MHRA) organization, which is a regulatory body in the United Kingdom similar to that of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

However, the MHRA also reported safety concerns and side effects that have been associated with the consumption of these medications including the following:

* hypersensitivity
* cardiac failure
* hepatic impairment
* macular oedema
* bone fracture

Avandia Side Effects

Of the thiazolidinediones, is the commonly prescribed Avandia therapy from GlaxoSmithKline, which was released in May 1999. in addition to bone fracture as an Avandia side effect, there are several other risk factors associated with consuming the drug including:

* weight gain
* cold
* cough
* headache
* inflammation of sinuses
* back pain
* swelling, fluid retention
* cardiac arrest

Although Avandia has repeated made numerous headlines for the controversy surrounding its use, it remains on the market. Researchers who conducted the study explained that "these drugs need stronger warnings about potential side effects," according to a Washington Post article on the study.

Developing an Avandia class action lawsuit may be a way for victims of the thiazolidinediones risks to obtain a return of monetary compensation for the damages that have been incurred by Avandia patients. Many pharmaceutical attorneys will offer free legal consultations as to the development of such litigation. This is an opportunity for an Avandia victim obtain details and information regarding an Avandia lawsuit.

Peter Kent is the best-selling author of 50 books and hundreds of articles for magazines and newspapers. He manages Legalview.info, a website hosting a variety of information on legal issues, including Avandia

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