This blog tracks updates to the Blood Sugar 101 Web site.


Thursday, June 16, 2011

Actos Associated with Higher Bladder Cancer Risk & FDA Administers Avandia Wrist Slap

Page Changed: Actos and Avandia Dangerous Diabetes Drugs

Added the following text:

In June of 2011 the FDA confirmed that there was a heightened risk of bladder cancer with Actos.

FDA Drug Safety Communication: Update to ongoing safety review of Actos (pioglitazone) and increased risk of bladder cancer

FDA Imposes Tight Restrictions on Avandia Prescribing
In May of 2011 the FDA tightened the restrictions on prescribing Avandia but they did not take it off the market, and doctors can and do still prescribe it. The new restrictions state that patients who are now taking the drug will have to sign an informed consent statement acknowledging that they understand all the risks before they will be allowed to refill their prescriptions and that new patients will not be able to receive the drug unless their doctors certify that they are unable to control their blood sugar levels with other therapies and that medical problems preclude them from taking Avandia's primary competitor, Actos.

As you can see, this means nothing. Doctors who prescribe Avandia will keep on prescribing it. The FDA is not likely to take either of these dangerous drugs off the market until weeks before their patents expire. They are just too profitable.

Avandia (rosiglitazone): REMS - Risk of Cardiovascular Events includes Avandia, Avandamet, and Avandaryl

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