I would appreciate hearing from any members who have /are using Avandia & any adverse experiences they may have had . This request is in light of recent (contested ) reports . I am a type 2 diabetic ( 12 years now , age 78 )& have been taking 2 times 5 mg / day for several years now ( along with glucophage , glucotrol & 35 units insulin ( Lantus ) daily ) -- all so far w/o any problems & reasonable blood sugar control . My feeling is that croaking from a heart attack is a better option than from the ravages of diabetes .

Rosiglitazone (Avandia) is in the news because of the increased incidence of myocardial infarction and heart failure. FDA has stopped short of issuing a recall of the medication.

 

I am a physician with special interest in diabetic heart disease. My understanding of the current situation is that each case should be reviewed individually. You in partnership with your physician should decide how important rosiglitazone is for your diabetes control. If the risks outweigh the benefits, obviously should be discontinued.

 

I have written a short article in my diabetic heart disease blog. please read here.

 

Hope you find it useful.

If Avandia has been working to control your diabetes, but you are concerned about the possible cardiovascular side effects talk to your physician about another thiazoliadinedione (Avandia's drug class): Actos (pioglitazone).

 

Studies have shown pioglitazone does not increase incidence of mortality in patients. As a scientist researching pioglitazone, I have found that cardiomegaly was seen in one strain of rodent, however, we did not evaluate cardiophysiology in these animals.

 

That aside, meta-analyses do not show an increased risk of mortality.

 

Most importantly ASK YOUR PHYSICIAN!