Los Angeles – New research finds that people who take the widely prescribed diabetes drug Avandia are at a higher risk of heart attack and possibly death.
Researchers analyized data from dozens of studies and found that 45 percent or higher were at risk of heart attack.
The maker of the drug, British-based GlaxoSmithKline said it strongly disagreed with the conclusions of the report, which was based on an analysis of other studies
“GSK stands firmly behind the safety of Avandia when used appropriately, and we believe its significant benefits continue to outweigh any treatment risks,” the company said in a statement.
The drug is used to treat Type Two diabetes, the most common form of the disease.
Avandia helps sensitize the body to insulin and was considered a breakthrough medication for blood-sugar control.
The results have been published online by the New England Journal of Medicine.
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this data doesn’t appear to be very accurate. in a study of 15,000 patients there were 64 more pats who died of cv risk. diabetics have a high risk of cv death already and 64 doesn’t seem significant. this is another example of the news media blowing a story up for headlines!
Comment by shannon — May 21, 2007 @ 3:26 pm