The FDA has announced that Avandia, or rosiglitazone the well known diabetes medication will be off the shelves starting in November. The drug exposes user to increased risk of heart attacks. Going forward, only “certified doctors will be allowed to prescribe the drug, and only to patients who’ve been informed of the risks and who will fill their prescriptions by mail order through specific pharmacies.” (USA Today)
A 2007 study showed that the drug increased heart attack risk by about 40% in people with type 2 diabetes, a population already susceptible. Many in the medical community are relieved to see the FDA finally impose tighter restrictions on this drug.
