Drug for diabetes could increase risk of fracture

The medical regulator in Australia, the equivalent of the American Food and Drug Administratio, has issued a warning that a popular type 2 diabetes drug has been linked to bone fractures amongst older women .
The warning concerned a whole class of diabetic drugs, known as thiazolidinediones. The drug class includes popular names such as Actos, Avandia and Avandamet. The drugs are designed to increase bodily sensitivity to insulin, making the treatment more effective.
The study that led to the conclusions surveyed some 4,360 patients over a four year period. The Therapeutic Goods Association issued a severe warning in an Australian Adverse Drug Reaction Bulletin.
The TGA reportedly commented: “Recent evidence suggests thiazolidinediones are associated with an increased risk of peripheral fractures in post-menopausal women. The full clinical significance of these recent findings is yet to be determined. However, the risk of fracture should be considered for all patients, especially women, taking or being considered for treatment with thiazolidinediones.”