5,000 diabetes patients told to keep taking 'risky' drug
New study links widely used pill to increase in heart attacks
Tuesday September 07 2010
Around 5,000 diabetes patients who are on medication were advised yesterday to continue to take the drug until the findings of a safety review are revealed.
The Diabetes Federation of Ireland spoke out after the British Medical Journal said that it had concerns about the drug Avandia, which was linked to a higher risk of heart attack.
A spokesperson for the patients' group said yesterday, however, that so far the link to heart attacks appeared to have no "statistical significance" and that people should continue to take the drug as normal, adding that they should consult their doctor if they had any worries.
Avandia is made by the multi-national GlaxoSmithKline at its plant in Carrigaline in Cork and is taken by about 5,000 Irish patients.
The drug was the subject of a 'Panorama' documentary on the BBC last night, with the current affairs programme raising concerns about its safety. Questioned on the drug's safety yesterday, the Irish Medicines Board said it was actively involved in the current Europe-wide review of Avandia.
It is expected that the review of newly available data on the risks and benefits of the medicine will be completed later this month.
The watchdog has written to healthcare professional informing them of the review and to reinforce existing recommendations about its use pending the outcome. The medicine is a second-line treatment for Type 2 diabetes, which should only be used when other treatments have either failed or are unsuitable for a patient.
Its use is not advised for patients with a history of heart trouble.
An expert panel of the UK Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MRHA) said its use should be suspended.
Manufacturer GlaxoSmithKline has insisted it is safe if properly monitored.
Doctors at the MHRA's advisory body, the Commission on Human Medicines, voted unanimously in July for Avandia's withdrawal from the UK -- but the recommendation was not made public.
A spokesperson for the drug company said: "Patient safety is our first priority.
"We have carried out an extensive research programme, involving more than 50,000 patients to analyse the safety and benefits of Avandia and continue to believe it is safe and effective when it is prescribed appropriately."
- Eilish O'Regan Health Correspondent
Irish Independent
