Should I Stop Taking Avandia (rosiglitazone)? Does it Really Cause Heart Attacks?
Q. I've heard stories lately about Avandia (rosiglitazone) causing heart attacks. Is this true? Should I stop taking my Avandia?
A. A recent study in the New England Journal of Medicine found that patients taking the diabetes medication rosiglitazone (brand name: Avandia) experienced a higher risk of heart attacks compared to those not taking the drug. This risk was about 1.5X more likely in Avandia-treated patients. There is also a possibility that the risk of dying from cardiovascular problems was increased with this drug. This may seem startling, but keep in mind the risk is still quite low. For most patients in these studies it was below 1% (1 in 100) for heart attacks and 0.5% (1 in 200) for cardiovascular death.
Even before this study, it was known that drugs in this class including rosiglitazone (Avandia) and pioglitazone (Actos) could worsen heart failure. These drugs should be avoided in most patients with heart failure.
Pioglitazone (Actos) has not been studied to the extent that Avandia has. However, studies that have been done have not shown this increased risk of heart attacks. In fact, it may have some protective effects on the heart. Until further information is released, pioglitazone, may be an alternative to rosiglitazone in diabetic patients requiring such a drug.
If you are already on Avandia, speak to your doctor and pharmacist about whether there may be a safety risk to you. It is always important to weigh the risks AND the benefits with taking any drug. Do not stop taking the medication until you have completed this assessment with your doctor.
If you have not started taking Avandia, and require additional drug therapy to treat your diabetes, speak to your doctor or pharmacist about alternatives.
For more information on treatment of diabetes and the role and safety of Avandia... Ask Your Pharmacist!
