Lawsuit Alleges GSK Bullied Avandia Critic

Beaumont, TXThe question many people are asking as another lawsuit is filed against GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) regarding Avandia is, how much did GSK know about the risks associated with its drug? As reports of liver failure, heart attacks and bone fractures increase, so too do the calls for an Avandia recall.

Recent allegations from a court case, as sited in The Southeast Texas Record have indicated that GSK may not only have known about the risks associated with Avandia but may also have tried to bully doctors into keeping those risks quiet. Now, a lawsuit filed in Texas alleges that one man, Dr. John B. Buse, was threatened with a lawsuit when he raised concerns about Avandia.

According to The Southeast Texas Record, the lawsuit alleges that, "GSK attempted to silence Dr. Buse by threatening him with a $4 million lawsuit and characterizing him as a liar according to his testimony before Congress." This is in addition to threats made to other scientists, including Dr. Mary Money and Dr. Stephen Lippman, who had issue with some of the risks associated with Avandia.

Multiple studies, including a study conducted by GSK, found an increased risk of myocardial ischemic events in patients who were given Avandia. These findings were backed up in a study conducted by Dr. Steven Nissen and Kathy Wolski and in an FDA analysis presented in July 2007.

Patients who were treated with Avandia are understandably upset that they were exposed to an increased risk of heart attacks, liver failure and bone fractures.

Meanwhile, other patients who had no history of heart problems are asking whether their recent heart troubles were caused by Avandia. Stephen C. (not his real name) says his life was changed by Avandia. "After using Avandia, I am suffering heart failure and vasospastic angina," Stephen says. "Because of these conditions, I am unable to work the hours I used to. I am still considered disabled by the Social Security department and receive my disability award. This amount is less than half of what I was earning before being removed from work because of heart failure. My cardiologist and my primary care doctor say this is now a lifelong issue that we can only treat as there is no cure."

"I was put on Avandia in 2001 and in 2002 I was diagnosed with congestive heart failure," Sara B. (not her real name) says. Her side effects include, "shortness of breath, lots of fluid in my back, legs and chest, and sweating profusely."

Because, in the end, it is not the pharmaceutical company that pays the highest price for concealing information it is the patients who pay—sometimes with their lives.