Over the years there have been a number of newer oral anti diabetic drugs introduced in the North American market. One of these drugs is Avandia (rosiglitazone). It is used primarily for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. One problem which has surfaced with newer drugs is that the data from the clinical trials are not always completely released or often the real complications are missed or never mentioned. And Avandia falls into that category. The company that makes Avandia is Glaxo and it insists that that the drug is safe. However, after having made billions from sale of this drug it can hardly claim otherwise.
Avandia is a type of drug that is classified as a thiazolidinediones. It is used to treat type 2 diabetes and taken as an oral pill. Avandia lowers blood sugars by making it much easier for the blood glucose to enter the body.
What's the concern about Avandia?
Avandia has been widely used in North America but recently there have been reports that the drug has the ability to cause serious side effects. The following complications appear to have been reported with the drug:
- excessive weight gain
- Swelling of the body with fluids which may aggravate heart failure. There have been a fair number of cases reported with Avandia precipitating heart failure.
- liver damage
- reports of heart attacks
There are also recent reports that Avandia use can lead to premature bone loss leading to osteoporosis. This often results in fractures of the hip and wrist.
The manufacturer does mention the potential of increased incidence or worsening of heart failure when taking the drug.
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