foodconsumer.org: Study: Avandia Safe in Low Doses

Study: Avandia Safe in Low Doses
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Rachel Stockton on 06/03/2010 18:19:00
 
The controversial diabetes drug, Avandia, is once again in the news, but this
time the drug is getting better press.
A study conducted by the University of Toronto concluded that in low doses,
Avandia taken in tandem with another diabetes drug, greatly reduces the side
effects of the drug, while still providing significant benefit to patients.  Dr.
Bernard Zinman, the lead author of the study, did admit, however, that the study
was not designed to consider cardiovascular safety, per se.
According to study results, which are detailed in full in the journal Lancet,
patients given Avandia in low doses can reduce the risk of developing type 2
diabetes by 66% for those who are at risk for the disease.
ABC is reporting that Dr. Sidney Wolfe, director of Public Citizen’s Health
Research Group is skeptical about the timing of the study, since it’s arriving
in the midst of controversy surrounding the drug.  Dr. Wolfe has been vocal in
his efforts to have clinical trials stopped because of “mounting evidence”
that Avandia significantly raises the risk of heart attack, weight gain, and
other health problems.
Some diabetes experts, citing previous studies, are contending that lifestyle
changes reduce diabetes risk by nearly as much as Avandia (by 60%) without the
added risk.  In response, Dr. Zinman acknowledges the validity of this claim,
but underscored the fact that the kind of intensive lifestyle coaching required
to help patients develop healthier habits may not be realistic.
In February 2010, governmental reports obtained by the New York Times declared
that if every diabetic taking Avandia took Actos instead, between 500 heart
attacks and 300 instances of heart failure could be avoided every month.
13,000 lawsuits have been filed against Avandia maker GlaxoSmithKline; those
wishing to file a claim may receive pertinent information on how to do so at
www.avandiawarning.org.