A new study finds further evidence that the popular diabetes drugs, Avandia (rosiglitazone) and Actos (pioglitazone), may place patients at an increased risk of experiencing bone fractures.
According to a recent medical study, the popular diabetes drugs, Avandia (rosiglitazone) and Actos (pioglitazone), may place postmenopausal women suffering from type 2 diabetes at an increased risk of experiencing fractures. Previous studies have focused on the link between these diabetes drugs and the risk of developing cardiovascular adverse events. However, according to the new study published last month in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, diabetic women over age 50 with fractures were 70% more likely to be taking thiazolidinediones (TZDs) such as Avandia or Actos than women without fractures. For the new study, researcher William H. Herman, MD, MPH, Professor of Medicine and Epidemiology at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, evaluated a large database of managed care patients who had diabetes. Dr. Herman – who has served as a consultant for GlaxoSmithKline, which makes Avandia – found that those who suffered Avandia fractures were more likely to be taking TZDs.
Avandia Study Findings
In the new study, which was funded by the Center for Disease Control (CDC) and the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, Dr. Herman and his colleagues used data from a large study known as TRIAD (Translating Research into Action for Diabetes) which compared 786 cases of fractures in diabetes patients to 2,657 patients who had diabetes but no fracture history. Of the 786 patients with fractures, only 54 were women less than 50 years old, while 457 (over 58%) were women over age 50. The finding that women with fractures were much more likely to be taking a TZD drug held true for both Avandia and Actos. Relying on this data, Dr. Herman said, “It seems to be a class effect.”
Avandia Fractures vs. Osteoporotic Fractures
The study found that the higher the dose of Avandia, the higher the risk of Avandia fractures. Among men, only those taking a TZD along with a loop diuretic were more likely to have a fracture. TZDs are believed to cause Avandia fractures through reducing the formation of new bones and increasing the breakdown of the existing ones. Notably, the Avandia fractures found in the new study were not typical osteoporotic fractures which include fractures of the spine and the hip. While there were some Avandia fractures of the spine and hip, there were also many Avandia fractures of the lower limb, arm, and leg. Currently, the label for Avandia contains a warning regarding the risk of Avandia fractures, usually occurring in the hand, upper arm, or foot in females. Ongoing studies may shed more light on the link. Dr Herman believes that “[u]ntil more is known, in women over 50 with diabetes and known osteoporosis, TZDs should be used with caution if at all.”
Other Drug Induced Fractures: Fosamax Femur Fractures
Notably, Avandia is not the only prescription medication associated with an increased risk of fractures. Recent studies have also linked Fosamax, a popular medication used to treat osteoporosis with atypical femur fractures.
Avandia Lawsuits
If you or a loved one took a diabetes medication such as Avandia and suffered a serious side effect, contact us for a free consultation to discuss your legal rights.
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