Diabetics urged not to change drugs without doctor's say-so
July 16, 2010
THE CANADIAN PRESS
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, 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.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration asked a panel of experts to examine the various studies and give it advice on what to do with the drug.
Wednesday the panel voted that the drug should be kept on the market, but many of the panellists wanted additional restrictions on who can use it and stronger language in label warnings.
The American Diabetes Association, the U.S. Endocrine Society and the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists say patients concerned about the debate should discuss their treatment with their doctor.
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