Avandia Risks and Possible Ban By FDA

The diabetes drug Avandia, once widely used, has become blacklisted recently due to it’s potential risk of heart attacks. Scientists have dismissed a study by GlaxoSmithKline that defended the safety of the drug.

The FDA published a massive 700 page report this week reviewing Avandia. The report was made prior to this weeks meeting on whether the drug should remain on the market.

The drug has been on the market for well over a decade. It was once widely prescribed for diabetes patients whose bodies do not produce enough insulin. It helps them break down carbs and reduces the insulin resistance in the patient.

In 2006, it was the third highest selling prescription drug on the market. Concerns over side effects have dropped sales by over 75% in the past four years.

The first warning labels were placed on the drug in 2007 after the link to heart attacks was discovered. The London based Glaxo company feels that the warning labels should be placed after clinical trials have been completed. Trials are a standard in testing any prescription drug for possible side effects. The FDA has shot back stating that the clinical trials were inaccurate and did not provide enough information.

The FDA will hold two days worth of meetings concerning the safety and future of Avandia starting this Tuesday. The goal of the meeting is to resolve whether they will limit the amount of doctors prescribing the drug, add more warning labels, or just remove it from sales completely.