12 December 2007

The latest safety information about two medicines that are used to treat type 2 diabetes mellitus is in NPS RADAR, an independent newsletter about medicines which is published this month by theNational Prescribing Service Limited (NPS).

The new safety information is for rosiglitazone (Avandia), the combination tablet of rosiglitazone with metformin (Avandament), and pioglitazone (Actos).

These medicines are associated with weight gain and fluid retention. They should not be used by  people who have moderate to severe heart failure and should be avoided by people who are at risk of heart failure.

New information about cardiovascular risk also suggests that rosiglitazone (brand name Avandia and Avandamet) should not be used by people who have ischaemic heart disease.

NPS CEO Dr Lynn Weekes advised people to “talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have a  heart problem and are taking these medicines, or if you are concerned about any medicines you are taking.”

NPS encourages doctors and pharmacists to make sure they are familiar with the latest product information for these medicines.

“New studies are being done and new information is becoming known about these medicines and  it’s important for patients that their doctors and pharmacists keep up to date,” Dr Weekes said.

“We need to remember that all medicines can have side effects. With all drugs, the potential  benefits of use must be balanced against the risks of use,” she said.

Information for consumers about medicines is available from NPS website. Current and past editions of MedicinesTalk, and three editions of Medicine Update, a new publication, will be released in January 2008. Consumers can also call NPS Medicines Line on 1300 888 763 and talk to a pharmacist

ENDS

National Prescribing Service Limited (NPS) is an independent, non-profit organisation for Quality Use of Medicines funded by the Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing.