Have You Been Injured by Avandia? West Virginia Signs Off on Settlement

According to the Charleston Gazette, drug manufacturer GlaxoSmithKline has agreed to pay the state of West Virginia $22 million to settle a lawsuit that alleged the company illegally promoted its diabetes medicine Avandia.

The news outlet reported that the drug maker announced the settlement originally with West Virginia and seven other states in a regulatory filing in July 2013. However, the settlement was just signed off on by West Virginia Attorney General Patrick Morrisey on May 30.

Morrisey reportedly told the news outlet that it is one of the largest drug lawsuit settlements in the state’s history.

“This settlement is a significant victory for the state, its agencies and the people,” Morrisey said in a statement. “We are pleased that we were able to recoup some of the money spent on these products.”

GSK denied any wrongdoing as part of the settlement. The lawsuit alleged that the company failed to disclose side effects of Avandia, which include heart problems and lowered blood sugar in users. The drug has also been linked to strokes.

“Our citizens have the right to know the risks and possible side effects of the medication they are taking,” Morrisey said, according to the Gazette.

The newspaper reported that in November 2012, GSK agreed to pay $90 million to settle Avandia-related lawsuits in 37 states. West Virginia was one of eight states that opted out of the agreement.

Have You Had a Family Member Killed or Injured By Avandia?

Although the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) restricted Avandia use in 2010, many of the limitations were lifted in December 2013. The drug has been linked to thousands of heart attacks and strokes among users.

The drug belongs to a class of medication called thiazolidinediones, which also includes the drug Actos that has been linked to bladder cancer.

If you or someone you love has suffered an injury while taking Avandia or Actos, contact us today. We can investigate your case and seek compensation if the dangerous drugs harmed you.

Zoll, Kranz & Borgess, LLC – Defective Medical Drug and Device Lawyers

ZKB’s ‘Did You Know’? Avandia was once one of the U.S.’s most popular Type 2 diabetes medications.

Source: http://www.wvgazette.com/article/20140612/GZ01/140619704/1419