Diabetes drug caution advised

Diabetologists around Europe and America were united in agreement this week when they called for greater caution in prescribing diabetic drugs such as Glaxo Avandia to diabetes patients with any potential for heart attack .
Avandia has faced considerably media furore and condemnatio, with rival drug Actos (by Takeda Pharmaceutical Co) winning popularity as a result. A US study early this year criticised Avandia for its safety record, casting doubt over the whole thiazolidediones drug group.
The American Diabetes Association have revised their statement regarding the drug, reportedly commenting: “New information suggests additional hazards associated with the use of either thiazolidedione, and rosiglitazone (Avandia) in particular may result in an increased frequency of myocardial infarctions.”
Avandia was the second largest drug seller during 2006 for Glaxo, but sales in the United States are down 48 per cent in the US for the last three month period.