A recent study sheds light on the potentially harmful effects of the type 2 diabetes medication rosiglitazone (Avandia). In an analysis of more than 28,000 adults over age 65, researchers found that those taking Avandia had a 15 percent higher rate of death from any cause than those using pioglitazone (Actos), a different drug in the same class of medications. The researchers also found that the Avandia group had a 13 percent greater risk of hospitalization due to heart failure than did the Actos group. However, there was no difference in heart attack and stroke rates between the two groups. According to the researchers, the study supports previous concerns raised about Avandia’s safety.
Source: Archives of Internal Medicine, Nov. 24, 2008