What is the current status of Avandia?

Avandia or rosiglitazone can lower blood sugars but recent data indicate that the drug also raises LDL and triglyceride levels. It is now believed that Avandia may in fact increases the risk of heart disease in diabetics. More data is becoming known that the manufacturer of Avandia simply did not report the negative aspects of the drug from the early clinical trials. 

It is obvious from the early studies that Avandia increases the risk of heart attacks, strokes. Now the FDA has sent a strong warning to the manufacturers that the drug should have a label indicating its potential detrimental effects on the heart. However, the drug is still on the market.

Avandia is of great concern especially in people who already have heart failure a weak heart, kidney disease and high blood pressure.

There is also some concern that Avandia may decrease bone density and make people prone to bone fractures. For these reasons, Avandia should not be a first choice drug for diabetics. Instead, metformin is far better, cheaper and effective for diabetics.


For those who are already on Avandia, you definitely are at a high risk of heart attacks and should contact their doctor. Do not stop this drug until you see your doctor. Today, Avandia is only restricted for people who are unable to control their blood sugars by no other means.