FDA adds restrictions to Avandia

[admin]

Diabetes affects millions of Americans in two ways....either they have type 1, where the body fails to produce insulin.....or type 2, when the body fails to use insulin properly.

There are many products on the market to combat diabetes.....including Avandia.

however, the F-D-A is raising questions about the affects of the products, Dr. Ian Herskowitz explains, " they are not recommending that patients be newly placed on Avandia as a first line drug anymore. It should be limited to patients that can't be treated with any other drug on the market for diabetes."

According to a report release in september of 2010, the FDA decides not to ban Avandia, but puts restrictions on how its used, Dr. Herskowitz, " the reason for that is because Avandia has had some issues in regards to cardio vascular risk and the fact that it may increase the risk of heart related problems."

The report shows that the 600,000 U.S. patients currently taking Avandia can continue to take the drug....but they must know the facts.

"If they're on the drug and they're doing ok with it the feeling is that you can keep them on it as long as they understand these risks."

While Dr. Herskowitz, treats patients with diabetes....he encourages them to take care of themselves,

" the key areas to preventing diabetes is weight control. if someone can control their weight.....it can reverse the diabetic state, so they won't need to be on medicine."

In a statement, GlaxoSmithKline says it "continues to believe that Avandia is an important treatment for patients with type 2 diabetes...."