Scientists recently conducted a study on the thiazolidinediones drugs, which are used to treat type 2 diabetics. The drugs, including Avandia, were found to cause major bone fracture risks among women patients potentially worsening a patient's condition.

Women who consume Avandia (rosiglitazone) or Actos (pioglitazone) for their type 2 diabetes condition may be at an increased risk of bone fractures among their hips as well as other body parts, according to a study recently published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal (CMAJ).

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. The CMAJ article reported that of the 13,715 individuals involved in the 10 randomized clinical trials, a large number had "a significantly increased risk of fractures".

Women who consumed the drugs were found to have an increased loss of bone mineral density among their lumbar spine, located just 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. Of the thiazolidinediones or glitazones class are Actos and Competact (piglitazone) and Avandia and Advandamet (rosiglitazones). 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).

The following are additional safety concerns and side effects associated with the consumption of these medications, according to the MHRA:

* 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. Besides bone fractures as a risk stemming from Avandia consumption, there are several additional side effects 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.

To determine the details of a potential Avandia lawsuit, victims can obtain information from an experienced pharmaceutical attorney.

Article Tags: Bone Fracture, Bone Fractures, Bone Density, Side Effects