More Studies Link Avandia to Heart Risk

Two studies published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) find that use of Avandia (rosiglitazone) greatly increases the risk of heart attack and heart failure, and suggest that safer diabetes medications are available. The New York Times reports that the studies "confirm what doctors and patients using Avandia have already done in great numbers, that is, switch to another drug." In August 2007, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced that Avandia would carry "black box" warnings on the risk of heart failure associated with use of the drugs. The "black box" warning is FDA's strongest form of warning.

• JAMA Study: Long-term Risk of Cardiovascular Events With Avandia (Rosiglitazone)
• JAMA Study: Pioglitazone (Alternative to Avandia) and Risk of Cardiovascular Events
• NY Times: More Studies Cast Doubt on Safety of Diabetes Drug
• Avandia Information and Resources (FindLaw)