LEADING health charity Diabetes UK Northern Ireland is urging all people with Type 2 diabetes in the Ballymena Borough Council area who are currently taking all forms of the drug Avandia (rosiglitazone) to consult their healthcare team as a matter of urgency.
The warning follows last week’s recommendation by the European Medicines Agency to suspend the treatment with immediate effect.Previous research suggested people with diabetes who take Avandia have an increased risk of heart failure and heart attack.
Following a long-term investigation into the safety of the treatment, the EMA concluded on Thursday that the risks of the drug no longer outweigh the benefits and is recommending its suspension to the European Commission. All prescriptions for the drug will cease in the meantime.
Avandia is a widely-used drug prescribed to many people with Type 2 diabetes to help control blood glucose levels.
Diabetes UK Northern Ireland warn the EMA’s decision will have a huge impact on the estimated 2,220 people with Type 2 diabetes in the Ballymena Borough Council area and that it is vital those taking Avandia consult their healthcare team as soon as possible to discuss switching to one of a variety of alternative treatments.
Florence Findlay White, National Care Advisor for Diabetes UK Northern Ireland, said: “The EMA no longer believe Avandia is a safe treatment. It’s important for people not to panic, but we are recommending those currently taking Avandia get in touch with their healthcare team as a matter of urgency to discuss their treatment options.
"We would not advise them to stop taking their medication in the meantime even if they are experiencing adverse side effects (such as swollen ankles or breathlessness) as it is very important that people with diabetes keep their blood glucose under control to prevent short and long term complications."
If people have any concerns about how this announcement may affect them, they can call the Diabetes UK Careline on 08451 202 960 or call the Belfast office on 028 9066 6646. More information can also be found at www.diabetes.org.uk
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