FDA will decide whether Avandia should stay on market
Article Source: msnbc.com
from:msnbc.comPopular diabetes drug puts heart at risk
Seeded on Mon Jun 28, 2010 10:46 AM EDT (msnbc.com)
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My husband was on Avandia for 5+ years. His legs and ankles were swollen, weight gain of 20+ pounds. In the past 2 years he developed severe anemia. Doctor finally took him off Avandia. In 3 months time he has lost 44 pounds with absolutely no change in his diet! His blood count is slowly climbing up. I am extremely happy he is off Avandia.
prrrrr- congratulations, sounds as though he must feel much healthier, as well as you feel less worriedd- I am so happy for you both.
As a newly diagnosed diabetic, my educator told me that Avandia is not good. Glad the word is getting out about it .
Being a diabetic (type 2) for 15+ years I have been on every pill or shot that was out there, after a length of time they all stopped working and the dose had to be increased or another pill added. All I ever saw was the side effects of all these lousy medications and what they were or could do to me. I got so tired of my dcotor saying lets try this pill or this new medication I finally decided to go on insulin. My doctor agreed with me concerning all the side effects of the various drugs out there and put me on insulin. What a difference! My blood sugar is more under control A1C went from a 10.9 to 7.4 am still working on it going even lower. Best decision I ever made, and no insulin isn't the dreaded curse or last resort. Talk to your doctor, I wish I went this route years ago, no more side effects from a dangerous drug.
Good to hear.
When I initially found out I was diabetic, my blood sugar was in the upper 300s - low 400s. My triglycerides were in the 1400s! With 1000mg metformin and 5mg glipizide, my blood glucose level dropped into the high 200s. They doubled my medication to 2000mg metformin and 10mg glipizide, added 30mg Actos, and told me to start getting used to the idea of taking insulin shots. Oh, and I'm on blood pressure medication for hypertension.
I decided that I was going to work on making dietary changes.
I switched to an extremely low-carb (5-8%), high-fat (55-60%), high-protein (30-35%) diet called 'The Anabolic Diet' two weeks ago (a keto-like diet, but with weekly (healthy) carb-ups). I eat tons of bacon, hamburger, sausage, cheese, cream, and plenty of certain vegetables (broccoli, lettuce, peppers, cauliflower, green beans).
My triglycerides are at 180. I stopped taking all diabetic medications except for 1000mg metformin/daily -- and my blood glucose hasn't been higher than 180 after meals. I expect my results to potentially get into only double digits when I start exercising, as that will increase insulin sensitivity. As well, I have lost almost a pound a DAY (though this will obviously not continue), despite a 2,000 calorie diet. My blood pressure (measured at walmart) was 120/72.
While it may not be the answer for everyone, a low-carb lifestyle has helped transform my life and given me new options. I have my second diabetic clinic appointment, and I can't wait to see the results of my blood/lipid panels and talk to my doctors (so I can achieve better guidence with my medications). I'm on the road to ditching these medications, and feeling better than I have in years (I'm 36).
The proof is in the pudding: I monitor my blood sugar multiple times daily. I check my triglycerides monthly.
I don't work for whomever sells the Anabolic Diet (now called the Metabolic diet) or profit from passing any of this along -- as well, I'm no doctor, so check with people you trust. I hope someone finds this useful! = )
Strange...I've been a Type 2 diabetic for the past nine years and my A1Cs are always fine. Maybe it's everything else that's wrong with me: stroke survivor, heart attack survivor, hypertension because of an aortic dissection, have had five surgeries (two pretty major ones to repair my dissected aorta, the second of which put me in a wheelchair), and double ATK amputee thanks to diabetes. I take pills for all of it, 33 daily in all, including 45mg Actos daily for about three years after six years of Avandia. I've never had one of them "stop working". Maybe it's the cumulative effect of all of them together, I don't know, but my A1C is always good. I guess I'll find out for sure when I go to my nephrologist on Wednesday.
The last cardiologist I saw told me "you're in pretty good shape for the shape you're in". Very true, because I've got many areas of concern, and two weeks ago my primary physician told me all looks good...
Every case is different and any number of underlying causes can cause it. You can't pin it on one single cause like diet, exercise, etc.
Mine appears to be genetically based, all my uncles and my father are all diagnosed with adult onset diabetes and none of us were inactive or morbidly over-weight when diagnosed.
We are all short and skinny in my family, and both my parents had adult onset diabetes. My dad never weighed more than 140 lbs, my mom weighed in at 110 lbs. I have first cousins--skinny, physically fit jocks--who have adult onset diabetes. There really is a genetic component to this condition. I do not have the condition (yet), but I hope that someone checks into the genetic side of things.
It is difficult to find a reputable doctor today and the health problems are complicated by all these expensive poisons called prescription drugs. Eventually, they will kill you from the side effects.
I also have Type 2. Between diet, some exercise (difficult - age) and Metformin I have had no trouble staying within the blood sugar range my CDE set - 90-130.
All drugs deplete the body of important minerals. That is why we get side effect.
The Medical profession - as a whole - is in it for the money. Doctors, pharmaceutical companies, hospitals, etc. all are here to make money.
Doctors prescribe pills as a first resort rather than advocate for diet and exercise changes.
The drug reps are constantly visiting the doctors, bringing along "goodies" (free lunch buffets, expensive personal items) for the doc and his staff and encouraging the latest bright and shiny item on the market, which might cost 10X's an old standby. Patients don't care much because their insurance pays the bulk of the bill.
And the new stuff can KILL you!
And we all scratch our heads and wonder why the cost of health care is skyrocketing.
I am still not on meds and I'm a type 2 diabetic. You are misinformed or had poor doctors, if they didn't encourage diet and exercise before meds or shots.
Secondly, it is illegal now for companies to leave even pads of paper or pens or anything with doctors. It used to be that way. They still can leave free samples of the meds.
Thirdly, I would hope all these people are in business to make some money. I hope you are, I am. It would be silly to think not.
This may have been true a few years ago but the medical profession self regulated and changed what Drs. could accept from pharm. companies. Magnets and pens are about the only thing you see anymore. Maybe an occasional lunch when there is something new out.
The bottom line is that Drs. have to be realistic about patient's ability to change their habits. I am Type 1 diabetic and have been since the age of 2, I am now 34 and knock on wood have no side effects from 32 years of Diabetes. I know type 2 diabetics who after 5 years are loosing eyesight and having toes and fingers amputated. This has a lot to do with the fact that they are unwilling to change their habits. Drs. can only tell their patients what is best and then treat them to the best of their ability.
Also most drs are NOT in it for the money, especially family practice or primary care docs. After many years of schooling, loans, and working 100 hour weeks, they get paid about the same as a lot of marketing directors I know who dont work half the hours or have half of the responsibility.
FYI I am not a doctor.
Just having diabetes is a risk. That's why they want the cholesterol down below 150, the diet and insulin so controlled that there are no problems with kidneys and eyes. Its scarey when one finds out they have this problem. And medication and insulin is not a science, it is an art. Let's just put all of our donations into scientific study, so they can work with pancreas cell replacements, gene therapy, etc. Someday this illness is going to be whipped!
Welcome to the capitalistic economy. Everyone is in it for the money & benefits. Many people do not know what it takes for a drug to get on the market so they do not understand the costs. Extend patent times so generics can not cut into the ability to recoup R&D costs is one option. But remember this, if it becomes to costly to make/sell drugs in the US they will stop & then what will we do? Oh & yes I do work for a major pharmaceutical company but no I do not beleive all of the propaganda that people (anyone, company, politician, or you) spout ... as the people from Missouri say "show me" then we can chat otherwise STFU.
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/140520.php ok doc read this then we will talk
I was a long time Actos user having good results... my endocrinologist changed me to Avandia... after 2 weeks of using Avandia, I was in congestive heart failure and had to be hospitalized. I went through extensive testing and was found that my heart was still in good shape... but now I have become insulin dependent from that episode. It does need to be taken off the market.
I was doing really good on Metformin and Glipizide but my doctor decided to give me avandia. I refused at first but he would not update my current prescriptions so I took the Avandia. Within hours of taking it I became very ill. I was dizzy, lightheaded and had trouble speaking. I remained on the med for 4 days. I decided to stop taking it when I could not form complete sentences, had slurred speech, and had slow cognitive functioning. My husband called that doctor and told him that I was done taking the meds and the doctor agreed. I switched doctors after I got a chance to tell him he should start listening to his patients, am back on the drugs that work and am losing weight. I now know that I have choices when it comes to my drug choices, something that never occured to me because I was so scared of the diagnosis. Avandia needs to be taken off the market. I want to thank everyone for sharing their stories and opinions. It is helpful and comforting to know that I am not alone.
With a wife in drug safety for a major pharma, you need to make sure that your case is reported to GSK. Those kinds of events are reported to the FDA on a near real time basis as serious adverse events and are part of the analysis that goes into the proceedings and labelling.
Type 2 for 10 years, agent orange exposure. Been on Advandia for years. Finally got the VA to switch me to Actos but never saw any serious problems due to Advandia, have also read about Actos problems that mirror Advandia (same family of drugs). Cut the dose of Actos in half without VA approval and am really monitoring blood sugar and lowering bad carbs. I finally figured out that I needed to take control of my weight and exercise and quit burying my head in the sand. Weight loss & exercise have helped greatly, don't give up and educate yourself. Please include some form of weight lifting in with your exercises to increase your muscle mass and increase metabolism. Find someone to train with and set goals. Good luck!!
I've had type 2 diabetes since 2001. I was a former Avandia user until the questions arose about a health risk. I was switched to Actos and, in 3 months, I gained twenty pounds. I was told that one of the side effects of Actos was potential weight gain, but was told this only AFTER the weight gain. Now, they're suggesting I take Januvia, a new, miracle drug for diabetics.... The miracle is, it costs $200. a MONTH. As a Social Security participant, I certainly can't afford $200 a month for a single medication.....unless I discontinue taking the other 8 prescriptions that I'm taking. Fortunately, these 8 pills are all generic and they're cost is not prohibitive. I guess the days of " take 2 aspirins and call me in the morning" are over.
Diet and excercise are still the best medications. The body will regulate itself.
Why is it that there are health clinics, that suggest a radical change in one's diet, will allow you to get off the mrdication treadmill? Why doesn't the AMA get behind helping cure you, instead of "treating" you...the answer is MONEY!
Just want to say I've been a diabetic for over 11 years now and have been on numerous drugs and have been on Avandia for over 7 years now, which is the longest of any medication I've taken. Each person's situation is different and their bodies may react differently to various treatments. To suggest that everyone's situation can be resolved with diet and exercise and no meds is prepostrous.
I was on Avandia and the day after I was admitted to the hospital for a triple bypass the 2007 warning about Avandia came out. I haven't taken one since.
As a physician, I am insulted by your comments honey Santana. I have no alternative motive to try new drugs other than to make my patients better. I, as most of my colleagues, got into this profession because making people feel better is deeply rewarding. Do I want to make money? Sure, especially after sacrificing through 4 years of college, 4 years of medical school, 4+ years of residency making little else but more debt. Do you realize the sacrifice we make to achieve the privilege of practicing medicine? I am regulated on who I can and cannot see, how much I can and cannot charge, how I can bill and who I cannot. What drugs I can and cannot prescribe. Oh yeah, David is correct, I cannot even get a free pen from a drug rep as if that pen will steer me to prescribe medications that don't work. You are ignorant and should educate yourself prior to making accusations, but I will give you some direction on where to place your anger: the trial lawyers/politicians. Regulate them.
I call 'em as I see 'em doc. I, my family and friends all have our experiences with doctors, their offices, pharmacies, hospitals and insurance. Some of us are in the profession as well - nurses, PA's, billing specialists, ALL of us are consumers of one sort or another. Some in the profession we respect and love.
Others, well...........
You, no doubt, are one of the good guys. I wish you well.
I was diagnosed with Type2 diabetes 8 years ago. Started with Glipizide and a A1C of 6.9. After 18 months my numbers started climbing, an endocrinologist prescribed Metformin, Actos, and upped the Glipizide. Everything stabilized and A1C were from 6.8 - 6.1. I retired January 2009, moved and started with a new doctor and he had a new PLAN for me. I said NO, my medication is working, he agreed for 6 months. In that time frame I brought my A1C down to 5.8, LDL = 79. This was done with 4 days a week on the treadmill for 40 minutes and 3 days weight training. I consume mass quantities of raw vegetables, 1 piece of fruit a day. Actually I follow the diabetic recommended diet. My doctor is happy and off my back about changing anything.
This is what worked for me, I know everyone is different, but if things do change I will NOT take Avandia.
One side effect of most diabetes medicines is weight gain - exactly the wrong result! After learning how tobacco companies manipulated nicotine doses, it becomes possible to imagine big Pharma companies producing medicines that will prolong or make worse the original disease symptoms, thereby guaranteeing thenselves more sales of their product!
I think people need to take charge of their own health, listen to your Dr, but inform yourself on what medication you are taking. If you read the inserts that come with them it would probably scare you enough to stop taking it. The real issue is the benefit vs. risk. Diabetes puts you at high risk for heart disease alone, more so if it is not controlled properly. Read everything you can about it, there is also serious risks if you are taking other medications with it, including over the counter meds, The Dr isn't going to tell you all the side effects or risks, you need to be informed and make the choice that's right for you. And make sure your Dr knows every medication you take, very important.
Please someone help me i have been a diabetic for 4 years now and mine range in from 266 to 500 i am on a JANUMET AND INSULIN NOVOLOG EVERYTIME I EAT AND LEVEMIR AT 50 UNITS AT NIGHT AND I TAKE BLOOD PRESSURE MED TOO.
judy, your diabetes is not under control and you are at risk. to begin with, you need information. start by visiting the American Diabetes Association website, www.diabetes.org and start learning. find a diabetes educator in your area--these helpful people are usually RNs who are specialists in diabetes. many times a dietician works as a team with the diabetes educators. don't wait for the system to save you. take action. get informed.
Judy- since you are on heart meds, is there a way to conference both doctors on a call, and you be there as well.Perhaps a more proactive role would get you what you want- which I am sure is good health/less meds
All the best to you
ive had type 2 for almost 3 years, and my doctor put me on 2 pilss a day 2mg, now im on one,ive lost 40lb i wonder should i be took off the one pill before things get out of hand. ijust cant take the side affects.should i ask him to change my meds to something else. or just try diet and excersise
I think it's ridiculous to blame pharmaceutical companies for everything. I hope when the FDA goes through all info like age and that they have weighed, actually put diabetics on the scale to see how being over weight puts them at a major risk to begin with. High Cholesterol, High Blood Sugar, and A1c's, that is plain not taking care of yourself! Yeah, I have diabetes, it started with my first pregnancy and after the 3rd didn't go away. I keep myself healthy by making the right choices while eating, and exercising. If I want ice cream, guess what, I burn that off by doing something active. Face it, it's fat america, greed, greedy america! Looking for any quick dollar or lawsuit. All medications have some risk! So does food!!! Super Size! Depending on each indivisuals age, years and years of eating like crap is going to damage your heart and insides anyway, maybe a cardiologist should look at everyone goes on any med! Big deal, you loose weight..how much did you weigh to begin with? Everyone has a 50% chance of being diabetic......if your fat!
I am one of those diabetics that had a heart attack while taking Avandia, my sugar was under control as was my cholestorol. The first thing they did was take me off the Advantia. That was 3 years ago and things have been great.
Avandia helps NO one if it leads to heart failure...if my dad had never taken it, he may still be struggling with jsut diabetes, but his biggest problem now (which happened coincidentally- after Avandia) is his stage 4 congestive heart failure. He has struggled through a year full of pacemaker surgeries, infusions, hospitalizations, endless medications, infections, and has been "end stage" for a year. The toll on his spirit as well as the financial costs are astounding. Was avadia worth this? Never! It needs to be pulled off the market...giving a high risk diabetic a drug that could give them more health problems than they had in the first place is just stupid, painful, and costly to everyone involved.
Only two months ago my former husband died at the age of 56 from a massive heart attack. I knew he was Type 2 diabetic but it wasn't until I was helping my youngest son clear out his Dad's house when I came upon all the medications he'd been taking. It was the Avandia that alarmed me most after reading about it. None of the other medications had any such warnings as this did.
His doctor NEVER should have prescribed this medication. He was overweight, HBP, fairly high cholesterol, and regularly consumed alcohol. I think this is a dangerous drug and likely lead to his premature death. The makers of Avandia can count their lucky stars my son has no intention of suing over this wrongful death. After all, he says, it won't bring his father back. Pretty smart for a 19-yr-old - despite the fact we're still wondering how to pay for his tuition when he starts college this fall!