The Cochran Firm Legal Blog

In the wake of last week's accusations by the US Senate Finance Committee, GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) faces numerous potential lawsuits over its handling of risks associated with its diabetes drug, Avandia. In addition to lawsuits by numerous victims of prescription drug injuries related to the it, at least one California county is suing for reimbursement for purchases of Avandia. Santa Clara County, just south of San Francisco, has alleged that GSK's concealment of risks violated false-advertising statutes in California. According to the county's counsel, "This is precisely the sort of corporate malfeasance that California law prohibits."

The drug company says Santa Clara's lawsuit has no merit, and that scientific evidence supports the safety and effectiveness of Avandia. They also say there is no scientific evidence to support charges that Avandia increases heart attack risks.

The county had long been considering lawsuits against the drug manufacturer, believing them to be in the best interest of residents of the county and California. They are suing on behalf of everyone in California who purchased Avandia, including patients, hospitals, and clinics. The claim is for reimbursement of the cost of Avandia, which for Clara County alone was over $2 million to cover medication for indigent patients in the years 1999-2007, plus damages for treating victims of heart attacks, strokes, and other adverse events from Avandia use.

If you suffered a serious heart attack or stroke while using Avandia, you may be eligible for compensation for your pharmaceutical injuries. The lawyers at the San Francisco office of The Cochran Firm stand ready to help you. Please call or email us today for a free consultation.