Avandia and Type 2 Diabetes- is it Safe? Part 2

So is Avandia Safe?


Although Avandia does have some risks, the drug is generally safe. Individuals who are already taking Avandia should not abruptly discontinue the drug until they have discussed the issue with their health care provider.

Individuals who already have heart failure or a have suffered a prior heart attack need to be more cautious and speak to their physician. The decision whether to continue or discontinue Avandia rests primarily between you, your physician and your cardiologist

Individuals who do not want to take Avandia do have alternatives and can take other drugs like:

- Metformin

- Glipizide

- Sitagliptin

- Insulin

- Actos

One should always be aware that there is no drug which is completely safe. Like Avandia, all the above diabetic drugs also have certain side effects

At present, research is undergoing to determine what the real side effects of Avandia are and the true incidence. Remember, the FDA has real concerns about Avandia and so should the consumer.

For those are already on Avandia and have had no problems, they should continue with the drug. For those who have heart failure, a discussion with their physician is highly recommended. All diabetics should take other measures to control their blood glucose including exercise, maintaining a decent weight and eating healthy. Controlling blood cholesterol levels and lowering blood pressure will also go a long way in reducing your risk of a heart attack.

Avandia and Type 2 Diabetes- is it Safe? Part 1

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.

Avandia and Type 2 Diabetes- is it Safe? Part 2

So is Avandia Safe?

Although Avandia does have some risks, the drug is generally safe. Individuals who are already taking Avandia should not abruptly discontinue the drug until they have discussed the issue with their health care provider.

Individuals who already have heart failure or a have suffered a prior heart attack need to be more cautious and speak to their physician. The decision whether to continue or discontinue Avandia rests primarily between you, your physician and your cardiologist.

Individuals who do not want to take Avandia do have alternatives and can take other drugs like:

- Metformin
- Glipizide
- Sitagliptin
- Insulin
- Actos

One should always be aware that there is no drug which is completely safe. Like Avandia, all the above diabetic drugs also have certain side effects

At present, research is undergoing to determine what the real side effects of Avandia are and the true incidence. For those are already on Avandia and have had no problems, they should continue with the drug. For those who have heart failure, a discussion with their physician is recommended.

All diabetics should take other measures to control their blood glucose including exercise, maintaining a decent weight and eating healthy. Controlling blood cholesterol levels and lowering blood pressure will also go a long ways in reducing your risk of a heart attack.

Avandia and Type 2 Diabetes- is it Safe? Part 1

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.

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.