Avandia and Actos may double risk of fractures?

Several news sources (including the Washington Post) reported a new analysis that Avandia and Actos may double the risk of bone fractures in women.

This study(PDF) did an analysis of 10 randomized, controlled, trials that evaluated 13,715 people with diabetes who were taking Actos(pioglitazone), Avandia(rosiglitazone), or neither drug. It concluded that these medications reduced bone density in the spine and hips of women. A similar effect was not found for men.

Both of these drugs belong to the Thiazolidinediones class. They are used by people with type 2 diabetes to help control their blood sugar levels.

In an associated commentary(PDF) the Canadian Medical Association Journal asks whether the side effects of these drugs outweigh their benefits. Thiazolidinediones have already been associated with increased risks for heart attack, especially in older adults.

Earlier this year an FDA advisory panel had called for longer term trials of new drugs for type 2 diabetes. Currently these drugs are mainly tested to determine if they help control blood sugar levels.

Labels: Actos, Avandia, FDA, fractures, risk

posted by Bernard @ 11:56 AM