More Caution Urged on Prescribing Diabetes Drugs

The updated wording refers to how type 2 diabetes drugs should be used Both US and European-based experts on diabetes have urged for more caution when it comes to the prescription of orally-taken drugs such as Avandia, which is made by GlaxoSmithKline.

Avandia has been associated with a greater chance of heart attacks occurring in those taking it. Six months ago, a highly influential report was published in the New England Journal of Medicine. In recent months, the diabetes drug has given up much of its market share to Actos - manufactured by Takeda Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd.

Both Actos and Avandia come under the thiazolidinedione class of drugs.

European/ US Diabetes Associations Update Type 2 Diabetes Drug Guidance

In response to the most recent findings, both the American Diabetes Association and the European Association for the Study of Diabetes have confirmed an update to their "consensus statement" in respect of how drugs for patients with type 2 diabetes should be used.

"New information suggests additional hazards associated with the use of either thiazolidedione, and rosiglitazone (Avandia) in particular may result in an increased frequency of myocardial infarctions," the statement now reads.

It adds: "We therefore recommend greater caution in using thiazolidediones, especially in patients at risk of, or with, congestive heart failure."

US FDA Orders Avandia to Carry 'Black Box' Safety Warning

The revised wording follows by a fortnight new advice on Avandia from the US Food and Drug Administration, which said the drug should come with a new 'black box' warning highlighting its risks.

Already, Actos and Avandia come with warnings in respect of heart failure.

In 2006, Avandia represented GSK's second-largest drug, generating 1.6 billion pounds in sales, However, the figure has plummeted in recent months.

Diabetes is a condition affecting approximately 170 million people around the world. The majority of these have type 2, where either insufficient levels of insulin are produced, or when what there is fails to be used properly.

Source - Pharmaceutical International's US Correspondent