Diabetes Medicines and Risk of Pneumonia

The diabetes drug Avandia has been controversial for years because of concerns that it might increase the risk of heart attacks. The drug was banned in Europe and the U.S. FDA severely restricted its use. Now another concern about this drug and its close relative Actos has come to light.
Investigators reviewed 13 trials with more than 17,000 participants. They found that both diabetes medications appear to increase the risk of pneumonia and lower respiratory tract infections. People with type 2 diabetes seem to be at a 40 percent increased risk for these complications. Both Actos and Avandia also appear to increase the risk for congestive heart failure and fractures in women. No one should stop Actos without medical supervision. This diabetes drug has become very popular to lower blood sugar and is still appropriate for many patients with diabetes.
[Thorax, Online Feb. 15, 2011]