Avandia was developed by GlaxoSmithKline and approved by the FDA in 1999 to help treat Type 2 diabetes patients. Avandia, generically known as rosiglitazone, was designed to improve insulin sensitivity. This helps lower blood sugar for improved diabetes control.
This drug worked effectively for many patients. But for others, side effects have created major medical complications, including death. Researchers studying Avandia side effects found that there was a 43 percent increase in the risk of heart attack and a 63 percent increase in the risk of death from cardiovascular causes.
The FDA recently held hearings to discuss the removal of Avandia from the market, but it was decided that the drug may still be useful for certain patients.
