Cautions placed on rosiglitazone

Cautions placed on rosiglitazone. The findings of a large study released this year indicated that the diabetes pill rosiglitazone (Avandia) can increase the risks of heart attack and early death from other heart-related causes. The researchers found that people using the type 2 diabetes drug had a greater chance of a heart attack than non-users; however, the overall risk remained low. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) continues to look at the study findings, but has issued a safety alert pointing to an increased risk of heart problems for people with type 2 diabetes who use Avandia. Because many questions remain about the extent of possible harm, and because switching Avandia users to a different treatment may put them at risk for other problems, the drug remains on the market. The following is part of a joint statement issued by the American Diabetes Association, the American College of Cardiology, and the American Heart Association: “The overall risk associated with Avandia appears to be small, but nonetheless one that must be considered carefully.” The three organizations strongly advise against stopping any prescribed drug without first speaking with a doctor.