Diabetes drugs 'double' heart risk
Friday, 27 Jul 2007 12:02
The drugs enhance insulin sensitivity
Taking two drugs that treat type two diabetes could double a person's risk of heart failure, researchers claim.
US and UK scientists analysed research studies and case reports involving more than 78,000 patients.
Writing in the journal Diabetes Care, they argue that the 'glitazone' drugs rosiglitazone (Avandia) or pioglitazone (Actos) are linked with an increased risk of heart failure.
The researchers estimate one additional patient with type two diabetes would develop heart failure for every 50 patients taking the drugs over a 26-month period.
Heart failure was found to occur equally among men and women and one quarter of cases occurred in people aged under 60.
Fluid retention caused by the drugs is suggested to be the trigger of heart failure in susceptible people.
Commenting on the findings, the study's lead author Dr Sonal Singh said: "The occurrence of heart failure several months after initiation of treatment suggests a long-term effect of the drugs, which may not be avoided by beginning with low doses."
The study's authors are calling for further research to be carried out on the link between the drugs and the increased heart failure risk.
Matt Hunt, science information manager at Diabetes UK, said: "The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) currently states that glitazones are a safe and effective treatment for type two diabetes.
"Drug risks are evaluated frequently and neither the MHRA or Nice [National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence] are calling for the withdrawal of glitazones. Obviously new evidence should be considered by the MHRA on an ongoing basis.
"Both the MHRA and the European Medicines Agency say that people should not stop taking glitazones and if concerned they should consult their doctor. Diabetes UK strongly recommends that people with type two diabetes eat a well balanced diet and incorporate physical activity into their daily life as part of good diabetes control."