Replacement of "Avandia metformin to "Actos metformin"

[skinnyminny]

Hi I have recently been prescribed "Actos metformin" by my GP after being on "Avandia metformin" this I am led to believe was taken off the prescription list due to it being found to cause heart problems. I now have read on the HSI website that this drug is in the same generic group and is just as bad if not worse - what are we to believe! We are at the mercy of health professionals who are supposed to be looking out for us and we put our trust in them.
Please help as I am fed up of being at risk and not being informed.

 

[Hobs]

You do not have to take the combination pill if you do not wish to ingest the Actos (pioglitazone) as metformin can be prescribed for you as a single drug pill.

Your prescriber must listen to your request and prescribe accordingly, but please first make sure you really do not want to take the Actos. There are many T2 diabetics who have taken it long term or have been switched over from Avandia without any problems, and that includes me in the switchover.
Like most drugs there are usually well tolerated side effects and some risks involved, but more often than not, the slight risks are more than outweighed by the huge benefits.

I take metformin SR, Actos, and Victoza injections for my T2 affliction and I am just glad that these drugs are available to treat me.
I also take other drugs for heart and circulation problems, arthritis, severe pain control and allergies; all of which serve me well and provided free by the NHS for which I am extremely grateful.

I think those of us that need to take meds have to weigh up the risks and then decide if we want to take them or take our chances and face a possible steady decline without them. . . life is for living and not constantly worrying about what may or may not happen to us.