Diabetics shouldn't stop drug without doctor OK

Medical experts are warning people taking a controversial diabetes drug not to change their medication without consulting their doctor.

The warning comes after an American advisory panel voiced major concerns over the drug Avandia (Rosiglitazone), but eventually voted to recommend it be allowed to stay on the U.S. market.

Studies have suggested the GlaxoSmithKline drug raises the risk of heart attacks, strokes and death in some users.

In 2007, Health Canada issued usage restrictions on Avandia due to cardiovascular risks. At that time, the health agency said that Avandia was no longer approved for use alone to treat Type 2 diabetes, nor approved for use with a sulfonylurea drug except when the drug metformin is contraindicated or not tolerated.

It also said that Avandia should not be used if a patient has heart failure or experienced it in the past and that patients with heart disease or at risk for heart disease should talk to their physicians about continuing with the drug.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration asked a panel of experts to examine the various studies and give it advice on what to do with the drug. On Wednesday the panel voted that the drug should be kept on the market, but many of the panellists wanted additional restrictions on who can use it and stronger language in label warnings.

The American Diabetes Association, the U.S. Endocrine Society and the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists say patients concerned about the debate should discuss their treatment with their doctor.