More Reasons to Avoid Avandia

(Ivanhoe Newswire) -- A review of research reveals there is not much evidence to support using rosiglitazone (Avandia), a medication previously prescribed to lower blood glucose levels in adults with type two diabetes.

Although is has been in use since 1999, recent research has called into question the drug's effect on heart health. German research reviewed data from previous studies and report the drug might make complications of diabetes, like weight gain, swelling, bone fractures and heart disease, worse.

After research on the medication came out earlier this year, the Food and Drug Administration issued a safety alert urging patients taking Avandia to their doctors about this new information.

In the latest review, study authors write the benefit-to-risk ratio needs to be carefully considered. They recommend doctors look to other antidiabetic medications for their patients.

Heart disease is a major cause of death for people with diabetes. About 18 million to 20 million Americans have type 2 diabetes.

Study authors looked at data from 18 randomized controlled trials. Of the more than 8,000 people taking part in these trials, about half took rosiglitazone, while the others took either an alternate medication or a placebo.

Study authors report patients taking rosiglitazone gained up to 11 pounds and that chance of developing problematic swelling doubled. This indicated the drug causes fluid retention, which can lead to shortness of breath and heart failure, according to the authors.

In previous reports, doctors have told Ivanhoe patients taking Avandia should not stop taking the medication before consulting their physician, and it would be appropriate for physicians to suspend prescribing Avandia to more patients.

This article was reported by Ivanhoe.com, which offers Medical Alerts by e-mail every day of the week. To subscribe, click on: http://www.ivanhoe.com/newsalert/.

SOURCE: The Cochrane Library, published online July 17, 2007

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