« The High-Fat Smoking Gun? | Main | Coffee Prevents Diabetes? »

January 6, 2006

Diabetes Patients Report Drug Side Effects

Avandia and Avandamet reportedly have caused blurry vision and swelling of the legs and feet of some patients. The information comes from the Food and Drug Administration and manufacturer GlaxoSmithKline.

The majority of those patients also reported peripheral edema, or swelling of the legs, ankles and feet, the company said in a letter sent last month to doctors. In some cases, stopping treatment or reducing the dose eliminated or improved the condition, it added.

Avandia, in addition to diet and exercise, improves blood sugar control in adults with type 2 (non-insulin-dependent) diabetes. The drug can be used alone or in combination with a sulfonylurea, metformin, or insulin when diet, exercise, and one of these agents or diet, exercise, plus Avandia alone are not enough to control blood sugar.

more from the FDA here.

Posted by Diabetologica at January 6, 2006 12:25 PM