Avandia and Actos Linked to Macular Edema

Avandia and Actos both belong to the same class of Type 2 Diabetes treatments: Thiazolidinediones.  Avandia has been the subject of intense scrutiny after it came to light that it can cause serious cardiovascular side effects.  The FDA has severely restricted the use of Avandia.  Actos has also had its share of complications, being linked to bladder cancer, and also heart attacks, liver damage, kidney damage, and bone fractures.

The latest complication that these drugs have been linked to is macular edema.  Macular edema is the swelling of the macula, which is the part of the eye that allows us sharp vision when looking ahead.  Swelling occurs when fluid leaks into the macula.  Researchers say that there is a two to three times increased risk of macular edema with use of these drugs.

What do researchers recommend?  First, they recommend that there should be more aggressive management of risk factors for macular edema.  In addition, they believe that diabetes reviews should include visual screenings so that any changes can be caught quickly.

Diabetes is a serious condition, which left untreated can cause further complications and even death.  However, we don’t believe the treatment for this condition should be as dangerous as the condition itself.  If you or a loved one have taken a diabetes drug and suffered injury, contact an attorney at Kirkendall Dwyer LLP.  We can tell you immediately whether your case may qualify for the ongoing litigation.  You deserve compensation, and the drug companies deserve to be held responsible for putting the public at risk.  Contact us today.