Controversy over Diabetes Drug

The diabetes drug Avandia continues to be controversial. Charges have been leveled that this medication increases the risk of heart failure and heart attacks. A Senate investigation has criticized both the manufacturer and the FDA in its handling of the Avandia issue. The agency is planning to convene an advisory panel meeting to help it decide how to proceed. In the meantime, some FDA staffers have estimated that as many as 500 heart attacks each month may be linked to Avandia. The company maintains that its diabetes drug does not cause heart attacks. Until the issue is resolved, patients with diabetes should discuss this treatment with their physicians. Other diabetes drugs may be less likely to cause cardiac complications.