Avandia Settlements Reportedly Reached in Thousands More Lawsuits

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GlaxoSmithKline has reached additional Avandia settlements in an estimated 5,000 lawsuits over the side effects of their diabetes drug, which has been linked to an increased risk of heart attacks and other potentailly life-threatening injuries. 

Among the Avandia lawsuits settled were cases scheduled for trial to begin later this month in Pennsylvania, according to a report by Reuters. The first Avandia trial is now expected to begin in October 2010, unless additional settlements are reached.

Details surrounding the agreement to settle the Avandia claims have not been disclosed, but it is at least the second batch of cases resolved by the drug maker. Last month, Bloomberg News reported that GlaxoSmithKline agreed to pay $60 million to settle Avandia lawsuits brought by about 700 people represented by two law firms.

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Avandia (rosiglitazone) was approved in the United States in 1998 to treat type 2 diabetes by helping control blood sugar levels. The drug has been used by millions of diabetics, but sales have plummeted in recent years as concerns have mounted about the risk of serious and potentially life-threatening heart risks with Avandia. Some experts estimate that Avandia has caused between 60,000 and 200,000 heart attacks and deaths due to cardiovascular problems in the U.S. from 1999 to 2006.

Concerns about the risk of Avandia heart problems first gained widespread attention in May 2007, when a meta-analysis of 42 different clinical trials was published in the New England Journal of Medicine, suggesting that users of Avandia had a 43% increased risk of a heart attack.

GlaxoSmithKline PLC currently faces about 13,000 Avandia lawsuit claims filed by former users of the drug who allege that the drug company failed to adequately research their medication or warn users about the serious side effects. The federal Avandia litigation has been consolidated into an MDL, or Multidistrict Litigation, for pretrial litigation in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania.

According to an earlier scheduling order issued by the federal judge presiding over the MDL, the first Avandia trial was expected to begin this summer. However, a modified scheduling order was issued last week granting an extension of time, indicating that lawsuits from the initial Avandia trial pill will begin October 5, 2010.

Pressure on GlaxoSmithKline to settle the Avandia cases has increased in recent months with the first trials approaching and a renewed push by critics for a recall of Avandia to be issued.

Earlier this year, a Senate report was released that criticized GlaxoSmithKline for intimidating doctors who spoke out about Avandia side effects and for failing to adequately warn users about the risk of a heart attack from side effects of Avandia.

An Avandia safety review is currently being conducted by the FDA, and the drug regulatory agency estimates that it will conclude its investigation some time in July. Some of the FDA’s own drug reviewers said as early as 2007 that Avandia poses too great of a health risk for too few benefits.

The FDA is also considering pulling the plug on an Avandia study, called TIDE, which is looking at the side effects of Avandia compared to those of Actos, a competing diabetes medication manufactured by Takeda Pharmaceuticals. The FDA says that given the Avandia heart attack risks, it may be unethical to continue the trials.


231 Comments


donald
I sent a message to the Garretson Law Firm on Oct. 27th asking when they would be finished with the negotiations with the insurance, medicare, VA, and Tricare. I noted that they had been paid their fee according to the disbursement document. My lawyer is holding a big chunk of my settlement waiting on Garretson to finish (at least that is what I’m told). Here it is Dec 1st and no response. Seems strange that I had to pay Garretson before they finished the job.

Shelby
Other Site for the Avandia has been stopped for some reason. So I guess this is the only place that us Avandia claimants can some to find information from other people about what they have heard on settlement times and check being disbursed.

Judy
My mother lost her life at 63 years old due to Avandia. We received the settlement papers and the attorney tried hard to get us to sign the papers stating it was a good deal. It was a slap in the face! We refused to accept and explained why. The amount offered would have paid for her burial. So in the world of “deals” between pharmaceutical companies and class action attorneys, murder is acceptable as long as they compensate for the funeral costs. There have been grandchildren born since her death that will never get to know her. I’m not angry (maybe just a little) because my mother was just a name to them. I did look at the offer from a pure dollars and cents perspective and the money did not add up. Each firm agreed to x number of dollars with Glaxo to settle their clients approved cases and with our offer being the highest, including the $$ that goes to attorney fees, extra costs claimed for attorney ( I did most of the leg work) and the total cases they have received to settle, approved or not, leaves a lot of money in reserve. Much more than your potential clean up check, provided they decide to pay it out. I could go on and on with more valid reasons which were provided to the firm when we formally told them NO THANKS. Never got responses to answer the questions just told they realize its an emotional situation. Yes, but its been 5 years so my letter was based on logic. I suspect we will never hear back from this firm. Sounds like most firms are talking people into signing so the law firm is getting paid even if no one else is getting a fair share.

donald
I thought I had read that those people who did not have a settlement from this last round would go to trial. I realize that this will take longer but suspect the awards will be higher. A while back I received a letter from my lawyers explaining how the settlements would be rated according to the severity of the injury…like a person who actually had an heart attack would get more than someone who had stent placement alone. Of course, death would be the highest rated. I did receive my award letter and a partial payment about 2 months later. The lawyers have said the remainder will not be disbursed until the smoke clears…all claims have been settled including the Garrettson’s firm negotiations with medicare/tricare/va/private insurance. I do pray daily for those affected by this drug as well as the families. God has a plan…don’t quite know the plan but glad He has included me being around to enjoy my grandkids for as long as I have. I’m not financially rich but consider myself extemely wealthy with love. Hope all gains peace in this part of their life sooner rather than later.

melba
at least u got an award letter, we havent even gotten that far and its been since 2002 since my mom died. lawyers say that they are reviewing other poeples records to determine how much we all get thatsleft of the remainder funds from this settlement, so hang in there, nothign is set in stone? what did they say in ur award letter, by the way?

kay
yes my sister passed away 2010 just got a settlement letter from my lawyer about 3months ago but still no money no one can say when they are going to send check out do anybody know from law firm keese please tell me

Mbanks
My husband, has been disabled by taking avandia, we filed in late 2010 or early 2011. We just got a letter saying that they are in the points process or reviewing the cases, This letter was suppose to come in May 2012, and it states that things are running behind. Melba, I know it is hard to be patient, however you do not do yourself or your family any good by being worked up over this. You having a death in your family my find that wait is worth your wild. If I said that right. I’ve always been told that good things come to those who wait. Good luck with your case, hopefully God willing it will be processed soon.

melba
still cant beleive there is still no award letter. all we get is the run around, noone will answer questions, are the hiding soemthing?

donald
I know that once I got the initial letter with a settlement amount it took 2-3 months to get a check. I have been in communication with the lawyers about the remaining amounts and was told the Garretson lawyers have not finalized all of the lein settlements as of yet and until they finish the rest of the moneys is on hold which includes money held back for leins, additional awards due to errors in original calculations, and the reserves. So Shelby is correct that it could take some time before total disbursement occurs. Phillip…GSK has a squash put on disclosing any of the settlement lest you risk losing the settlement. So lawyers will not disclose details to settlement funding sources thus meaning you can’t get advanced funding…been there…tried that. Sorry.

connie
Does anyone knows how long it will take for them to decide if they are going to take out for medicare or not?

melba
I was wondering how long after we get our reward letter, does it take to get the check? we have been waiting for a long time now, and we are getting the run around with our lawyers.They keep saying, just wait.

Shelby
Donald, So glad to hear you finally got some of your settlement. I received a letter from my Attorneys with my settlement on it. And I called them and talked to the Boss of the law firm. ANd he told me to appeal on the fact of my husband having the widow maker heart attack right after taking avandia,and being totally bedridden and one other thing, well they hired a nurse(RN) to go over all that were appealed in their office. And I called them back after giving them 2 weeks to go over my husbands claim, and I was told that I was getting 7 times what the first settlement was. And that I would get the smaller check first and then the rest of it later, plus may get the 20% they held back for medicare , they have to wait for medicare to send them the amount if any that they are owed back, and if they say none is owed then it is sent to the claimant and if some is owed then they take it and send the claimant what is left.Plus all interest is divided with every claimant according to the percentage of their settlement amount. so you are looking at getting about 3 or 4 checks over the next yr or so. So glad for you hope you continue to hear good news.

Phillip
Does anyone know a settlement funding company that are willing to do settlement loans on this case? My mom is loosing her house

melba
thanks donald, but the lawyer always says, theres no new news, were waiting, how long do we have to wait? guess no matter how long, my mom wont come back, so what are we suppose to do but wait, thanks for ur responce, al least someone cares. thanks

donald
Melba, I understood the settlements being made now still leaves about 10% of the total cases left which may go to trial. The lawyers are definitely the big winners on this case. You may ask your lawyer simply was your claim included in this last settlement agreement and if not what is the status. Sorry for your loss!

melba
my mom died 10 yrs ago, my sisyer and i are still waiting for award letter and such, the lawyers dont seem to understand what we have lost. our mom. our best friend, we stil ldont have a settlement amount. or award letter. how long does this take?

james
i received my avandia settlement a few weeks ago

donald
When the amount was first calculated there was 2 mistakes made. While the correction was made funding was for the initial calculation. There was also a withholding for any possible leins that may be discovered. And Yes I was able to get my wife a new truck. Have put the House purchase on the back burner.for now.

Bill
Donald…..Why did you only get 25% of your payment? That 25% that you did receive was enough to buy a truck? Was every medical incident you suffer included in the settlement, even the surgery 8 months after your initial MI?

donald
Miracles do happen! I received a partial payment yesterday. Not everything but did get about 25% of what is due. Back to the waiting game for the rest of it. Not enough for a house but will be able to get my wife a new truck…Good timing since the warranty on my truck just expired. God provides for the needs. Hope everyone else also got good news this week!

donald
Either my lawyers are just getting sick of me asking about it or they are late for their tee off time. I was told my settlement check was put in the mail today. I know the total settlement amount but am expecting to receive about half that after all the legal fees…at least I hope to get at least 50%. I’ll be house shopping next week and some of my creditors will be extremely happy next week. This will also put my wife’s mind at ease because I’m able to handle getting her a house before I’m gone. Thank You God for giving me the time to get things done!

Randy
Been waiting for 4 years since I fell over dead … yes … flat lined … 98% block of lower right artery … its amazing the way the world is today … you die and everyone else gets paid. Maybe GSK shold make all thier employee’s take their screwed up drugs …. or maybe just the CEO … really … what is the price of your life … they MAKE BILLIONS … you’re worth 4000-5000 to them.

janine
MY husband took advandia and actos medication.He had liver damage,ascities.enlarged spleen.belly bottom hernia strangled his organs and had a blot clot.well the list goes on and on.He was in and out of hospitals non stop. he needed a liver and kidney transplant.He received a liver and kidney.Now it seems like a lot more issues he cant get a break form hospitals.THANKS TO ADVANDIA AND ACTOS Iwas wounding where to file a claim before it is to late,

joe
Donald, I kind of agree with you. It is not because the lawyer said you’ll have your check in Oct. It is because no good lawyers would commit to saying anything knowing the next day it could change. many folks have been told that there checks are coming, then something happens that you don’t know about and no check. But some lawyer do say anything just to get folks off there back. Been waiting since 2008.

donald
Well I just talked to lawyers office. They told me I would have a check in October for my settlement. Of course the oldest joke in the world is the check is in the mail. But it does give me something to hope forward to.

Jack
Took Avandia from 2005 until 2009. Suffered heart attack.

donald
Melanie, I did find this out with my settlement letter. By what I understood…and I am not a Lawyer…They could stake a claim to your settlement only if they had a suit pending also. With the avandia settlement the judge appointed a lawyer to negotiate with the insurance companies that do have a right to my portion of the settlement. The lawyer negotiating with the insurance of course has to be paid as well but the judge did not stick it totally to the people injured. The Judge ordered the lawyers gettting 40% of the settlement had to pay the majority of the fee to the lawyers negotiating with the insurance comapanies but we do have to pay a small amount. Try calling your insurance company and asking if they are asking for the settlement money…make them know you are a person and not a number…that you as a person sustained a personal injury and the settlement is just that…a settlement for “your” “personal” injury.

Melanie
has anyone gotten a settlement letter, and in that letter notified that your insurance company can “subrogate” the settlement? In other words, the insurance company can take the settlement amount so that you pay the insurance company back for the money they paid to hospitals and doctors. I have been in a suit since 2007 for another drug case and just found this out. Why have I done all the work and all the worrying if the insurance company gets to take all the settlement money??

donald
Errors have been corrected and I have my new settlement letter. Still no idea of when the distribution of funds is to take place. The letter only stated I should respond by June 27th so as to not cause a delay in receiving the funds. I encourage everyone to review the computation to insure there wasn’t a mistake made…the mistakes I found almost doubled my entitlement. You woould think the lawyers would have caught the mistakes since their size of their checks is dependent on the size of my settlement.

JESSE
I BEEN THROUGH THE SAME THING MOST OF YOU HAVE THANKGOD IM STILL HERE BUT SINCE THEN SUFFERED A HEART ATTACK WENT INTO A-FIB HAD TO BE RUSHEDD TO THE HOSPITAL.MY DOCTORS NAME WAS DR.DEPENA OF SELBYVILLE DELAWARE.SO I HIRE THIS LAWYER CALLED MONSAUR LAW FIRM GOT THE RUN AROUND FOR 2 WHOLE YRS NOW RECIEVED A LETTER IN THE MAIL STATING I HAD THIS CONDITION BEFORE I WAS DIAGNOSED BY A DOCTOR CAN U BELIEVE IT]BET U CAN FIGHTING ALSO WITH THIS FIRM THEY KEPT TELLING ME THEY HAVENT GOTTON ALL THE INFO BACK FROM THE HOSPITAL OR MY DOCTOR THEN IT WAS WE GOT IT BACK BUT HAVE TO REVIEW THEM SO ITS GONNA TAKE AWHILE LONGER CALL THEM BACK IN ANOTHER MONTH ANOTHER MONTH GOES BY SAME SHIT DAMM IM PISSED HERE IT IS 2 YRS LATER I GET THIS LETTER STATING I HAD THIS CONDITION ALL ALONG AN UNLESS I CAN COME UP WITH THE PROOF THAT IT WAS SINCE I TOOK THE DRUG ADVANDIA THEY WOULD HAVE TO REMOVE ME FROM THERE LIST.I MEAN WHAT THE HELL WHAT DO THEY THINK WE’LL GET BY THIS STUFF IS IRREVERSIBLE IM ON MEDS NOW FOR THE REST OF MY LIFE AN LIL TO NO SEX THATS HARD FOR A MAN.SO I SEE WHERE ALL OF YOU ARE COMING FROMITS ALL ABOUT THE MONEY LAWYERS ARE ALL A BUNCH OF CROOKS AN THIS IS THE COUNTRY WE LIVE IN WHERE THEY GET AWAY WITH THIS.THEY CALL IT KARMA RITE MAYBE SOMETHING WILL HAPPEN TO ONE OF THEM BE REST ASURED IF IT DID U KNOW THEY WOULD BE PAID IN A HEARTBEAT.SO DONT MATTER WHO UR LAWYER IS THERE ALL A BUNCH OF LOW LIFE MOTHER FUCKIN CROOKS AN SHOULD BE SHOT

donald
Bill, the distinction made is if smoking at time of injury OR as a past smoker…I don’t fit in either of those categories. I am now waiting to see how much of the award my insurance company is going to want. I really enjoy diet Dr. Pepper and hope when all is said and done I can at least treat myself to a cold 20 ounce bottle. lol

Bill
Donald, I realize you do not smoke, but the deduction for smoking, was it the same deduction for everyone who did smoke, whether how much, or how long they smoked?

donald
I suppose I should be excited about finally receiving my settlement proposal. However there were errors such as reducing my award by 40% due to me smoking when I had my first MI…only problem is that I have NEVER smoked. The lawyers I’m sure will get a good payday for sitting back waiting. In the letter they expect to distribute money in about 3 months from the time they submit the signed agreement to GSK but do not know if their mistakes will cause further delays. Fact is I now have a bad heart. I am appreciating each day and the things it brings…I was around for the HS grad ceremony of my first grand-child and hope to be around for the next couple of weeks to see my 21st grand-child. The settlement money could surely be used but to me there are far more valuable things I am focusing on.

david
Judy you hit it right on the head i lost my father in 2005 and just got my settlement check what a joke my laywer made sure to take his 40percent he hit me for all kinds of hidden court fees and now im dealing with medical medicare . people this was the most horrible experience i had ever dealt with .

Johnson
‘@Judy: that’s beside the point. I got agreement letters, calls from my attorney when there were problems with getting the medical records and when that was done, years later I get a settlement letter. I NEVER heard anything else from my attorney until they called ME to make sure I sent the settlement papers back, while all the time I was calling THEM for updated info on the case without fail and they could NEVER give me a straight answer, They are crooks bottom line.

Judy
Hi all, I have read all the comments and it truly amazes me the lack of information each person has. When we first learned about Avandia was through the TV and the appeal by a law firm to call them if you have taken it. We called, they sent out forms we filled them out, noting doctors , hospitals prescription orders etc. The next contact was by letter again that another lawyer or law firm would be now includedno extra cost same percentage split between them. So we signed it. Next time was another letter for exact addresses of all involved Dr.s Hospital etc which we had sent first time around. Yes, you as the client have to give them a lot of proof. Next contact letter of approval and acceptance into the claim.After that Settlement team letter. Finally this past month a letter phone call to us, and letter from GSK. It appears that next month this section of class action goes to court for settlement. Acorrding to our letter $100,000,000. dollars has been agreed on by pharmiseutical co. on for 2500 cases. Now GSk will dole out amounts for each claim. We were never told about additional costs, like court fees, Medicare return money etc. I understand in these 2500 cases all these fees will be totaled and divided up from money allocated to each person. My husband is the claimant. Had we not seen the TV appeal we would have known nothing about it. From 2000-2007 we trusted our doctor who put him on the medication. But it wasn’t until 2007 the medical journal wrote an article about it’s added dangers. Now what you don’t seem to know is this suit against the Ph Co was settled in amount before you came on the scene. The lawyers dispositioned a law suit against them with the court. Once this was done the lawyers had x amount of time to present claims against the settlement to get their money. You are one of thousands they must produce. This is what class action lawyers do all the time this is how they make their money. Will you get what you call a fair share for your injuries? I doubt it. You will get what’s left after all bills have been paid. The lawyers percentage has no bills attached. While your percentage has all the bills attached for legal fees ect. We look at it this way we had nothing before if we get even a small amount it will be something we didn’t have in the first place. Anyone who is waiting for a big wind fall to add to their living had better not count on it. if a private lawyer won’t take your case don’t you realize they know the ins and outs of a claim like this and it is not worth their time. Think about it. And God Bless all of you.

donald
I finally got a letter from my lawyer but before any celebrations begin it was NOT a settlement letter. Over 4 weeks ago my lawyer had sent me an email telling me that I was included in this last round of settlements so I should be recieving a settlement letter in the next “several” weeks.The letter I recieved was asking me to get a sworn statement from my Dr. about me being disabled. MY understanding from the letter is that they are now going to consider my disability as part of the settlement. Had I not taken the Avandia which progressed my CAD to the point of a heart attack and then onto a 7 vessel bypass and now just waiting for the day to come around when my hearts tells me it’s had enough…I believe I would still be working with my 6 figure income and my family much better off But this was not God’s will so I will accept what is instead of spending wasted time on what might have been. I woke up today and told my wife I love her and expect I will talk with at least one of my children and several grand-children…which makes for a very pleasant day to be grateful for. I know money is coming my way or at least toward my family so God will be taking care of that worry for me. I hope all here will see progress in their situations and comfort knowing that someone else is in control.

Jessie
Shelby: no heart feelings. I was just wondering. You know the other site makes you wait for moderation as well. What’s the difference in these websites?

Jessie
Ok Shelby. No heart feelings. Just wondering. I like the other site better because I don’t like waiting until my post is approved. I will be on the other one more or less than on this one. So lets chat on the other one sometime. I haven’t received my check yet and from what I read on the other site it may take a year, but I am believing God that it comes right away. I hope you hear from your attorney soon.

shelby
Jessie, the other site I found by accident, and it is more like a chat line than this, on this you have to wait to be approved before it is posted. And I only put what I am told by Sizemore Taylor like when I talked to them yesterday, they told me that my husbands claim had been approved for settlement and was waiting to be sent to garretson, when last year they told me that it had been sent already with a group of 500 claimants so I only tell you what I am told.

shelby
Jessie, I don’t mean for it to be different. Like my Attorney Sizemore Taylor called me yesterday, and said that my husbands claim had been approved, just waiting for everyone else in the group to get their paperwork in because they all have to be sent to Garretson together for settlement amount and points. Yet sometime back I was told that my husbands claim was 1 of 500 that was sent to Garretson, so I only tell you what I am told. Forgive if you think it is different , I don’t mean to mislead you. God Bless us all.

Jessie
‘@shelby: You are on two websites for avandia chat and you have posted different things on each site.

Jessie
‘@Donald: You are right. God does what he wants when he wants and not in our time only in his. Keep the faith and trust in God. I’ve learned that being anxious for something does not make it come faster and when you are not anxious and looking for something it comes to you. @Shelby: Just be patient. Trust God; have faith and don’t be anxious. I waited five years for the settlement letter and now I’m waiting for the money which may take as long, but I believe God will send it just when I need it. Stay strong.

Shelby
I believe in miracles, some say they do not happen in this day only when Jesus walked this earth, but I don’t believe that, I have seen the faith work in miraclous ways.In my own life, my families lives. I am so glad for your blessings. May this world have a large blessing in that people come to confess and turn to God. Went to heart Dr yesterday and he heard a murmur that he didn;t before, but my faith is going to take care of it. So pray that when I have the echocardigram next week, that it is healed.

donald
As I said…He is in control…Sister’s mass turned out to be a cluster of cysts…not the cancer we thought. Still no offer letter…just cause I want it doesn’t mean I need it…in His time.

donald
Shelby…God has been doing some great miracles around my family. Aunt who previous fought cancer was checked again and initial report is cancer had re-appeared…biopsy showed no cancer next my neice had an xray showing cracked vertebrae…next day MRI the crack was gone and dr was stunned. Dr’s told me in Nov 2010 that I probably would not see Christmas. God is alive and active in our lives…Just sometimes he answers prayers on his time not our’s. Memories is what God gave us to hold us over till we join Family who has gone before us! My sister was told yesterday they had found a large mass on her pancreas…MRI today and oncologist tomorrow…she has already beat breast cancer now for 6 years so believe God will help her thru this as well. I believe God is in control…even if I don’t always agree.

Shelby
Good Luck Donald, hope you soon get and answer. Having a real bad day today should not take time to stop and think, i know God is with me, but he can’t turn off memories. Prayers

Jessie
‘@Susan: Lets just say the range was well under $50k. My relative suffered from CHF as well. I’ve heard that GSK is not paying much because other claims have paid out. Early on in this case, GSK was paying $500,000 for each claimant. Google GSK Avandia Claimant Settlement and you will see what I’m talking about. I hope you get more and get your settlement letter soon.

donald
Well…lawyers have different definitions of words than I am use to…for example “you will recieve a letter in the next FEW weeks” I would interpret to mean within 2-3 weeks. But alas 3 weeks have come and gone and still no letter. Now I could look at this as a good sign (they are sending out the higher awards last) or a bad sign (they are sending out the higher awards first leaving the lower awards for last). Or the best of all is trust in God and be thankful if I even get a letter. Oh well…the wait continues…

Susan
Jessie, I just read a few of your posts and I\’m very glad that you received a settlement letter. I\’m still waiting for a settlement letter. I lost my mother due to CHF. Just curious how much or what range was your settlement? I have never done anything like this and don\’t have a clue what to expect. Hope you can give me a little clue – – — I know each case is different. Just thought I\’d try to find out from someone that has the same end result. Thanks in advance.

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