Monday, July 19, 2010

Diabetics shouldn't stop drug without doctor OK

From CBC News:
Medical experts are warning people taking a controversial diabetes drug not to change their medication without consulting their doctor.

The warning comes after an American advisory panel voiced major concerns over the drug Avandia (Rosiglitazone), but eventually voted to recommend it be allowed to stay on the U.S. market.

Studies have suggested the GlaxoSmithKline drug raises the risk of heart attacks, strokes and death in some users.

In 2007, Health Canada issued usage restrictions on Avandia due to cardiovascular risks. At that time, the health agency said that Avandia was no longer approved for use alone to treat Type 2 diabetes, nor approved for use with a sulfonylurea drug except when the drug metformin is contraindicated or not tolerated. ...more

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