FDA Restricts Use of Avandia

No doubt, you have in all likelihood heard about the FDA’s decision to restrict access to Avandia, based on data suggesting its use is associated with an elevated risk of cardiovascular events (e.g., heart attacks, stroke). We add our own voice to the chorus on this one – if you are currently using Avandia, please consult your doctor about whether another option would be better for you. If you are not happy with your A1c (the ADA goal for adults is 7.0% or lower, or 6.0% if it’s possible to reach it safely; the AACE goal is 6.5% or lower) and if your doctor doesn’t seem familiar with other oral medica- tions and incretin therapies or isn’t able to take the time to review them with you, we urge you to consider getting another medical opinion just to make sure you are receiving optimal care. (We have all the respect in the world for all the doctors out there, and we appreciate that they are working under great pressure; we also know that there are ap- proximately 10 million people with diabetes in the US alone who are not at their glycemic targets.) --KC