Comparing Avandia, Actos and older diabetes drugs
Concerned about the possible increased risk of heart attacks and death recently associated with Avandia, users may find useful information in two reports which compare Avandia with Actos and other diabetes medications. One report indicates that Actos may not carry the same heart attack risk as Avandia, and the other indicates that cheaper, older diabetes drugs may be safer and just as effective.
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AVANDIA AND ACTOS COMPARED
According to a report published May 21 in the New England Journal of Medicine, users of Avandia may face a 43% increase in the risk of heart attacks and a 64%increase in the risk of heart related death. This has led many to question whether Actos, a similar diabetes drug, carries the same heart risk.
Avandia and Actos are both newer oral diabetes medications which belong to the same class of drugs, known as thiazolidinediones (TZDs). They are used to treat Type 2 diabetes by making the user more sensitive to insulin. Since they became available in 1999, Actos and Avandia have taken over the diabetes drug market, with Avandia capturing more of the users. In 2006, Avandia generated $3.3 billion in sales, compared to Actos, which generated $2.77 billion in sales.
According to Bloomberg, a recent study, known as Proactive, indicates that the increased risk of heart attacks associated with Avandia likely does not apply to Actos. The study involved 5,000 diabetics who were followed for at least 2.5 years. Researchers found that Actos protects against blood clots which can cause a heart attack, and could actually reduce the overall risk of heart attacks, stroke and death by 16%.
AVANDIA AND OLDER DIABETES DRUGS
A separate study published yesterday online by the Annals of Internal Medicine and summarized by Consumer Reports, compares the safety and effectiveness of all oral diabetes drugs which have come out over the past decade. Researchers reviewed data from over 200 published studies and other unpublished data. They found some of the best results were obtained with the cheaper, older drugs, such as Glucophage, Amaryl and Glucotrol.
Although the newer diabetes drugs, such as Avandia and Actos, are more expensive than older drugs (approximately $262 per month compared with some that only cost $100 a year), the researchers did not find any benefit in using the newer drugs unless an individual could not tolerate the older ones.
AVANDIA LAWSUITS
Some estimates indicate that as many as 100,000 people could have suffered heart attacks which were caused by Avandia. These injuries may have been prevented if a different diabetes treatment was used. Those who are concerned about the continued use of Avandia should consult with their doctor to review the alternatives and determine the best course of action.
Saiontz, Kirk & Miles, P.A. is investigating Avandia lawsuits nationwide for those who have suffered an injury. Those who have suffered from a heart attack, stroke or congestive heart failure, while taking the drug can speak with our Avandia lawyers to review what legal options may be available. To determine if compensation may be available for you, a friend or family member, request a free claim evaluation
