Rosiglitazone

The chairman of the FDA's advisory committee, Dr. Clifford Rosen, finally comes out to say that rosiglitazone (Avandia) should either be restricted to compassionate use or taken off the market. It's about time! Numerous studies have reinforced the risk of myocardial ischemia with Avandia, yet there continues to be robust use of the drug in the United States.

UK regulators have already recommended pulling rosiglitazone off the market as well.  If you are a patient, or know a patient, who takes rosiglitazone (Avandia), you should talk to your physician about switching to another agent.  Pioglitazone (Actos) is a drug that is similar to Avandia but does not have the same cardiovascular risk.  

Of course, everyone's medical situation is different and you should make any decisions about treatment in consultation with a physician who knows you well. You should not discontinue any medications without consulting your physician.  I do not have any conflict of interest or ownership in either company.