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Over the past several weeks reports have again surfaced regarding the cardiovascular safety of the diabetes drug rosiglitazone. While some analyses have suggested an increased cardiovascular risk with use of rosiglitazone others have not provided any evidence of such an association. To help patients and physicians make informed decisions regarding use of rosiglitazone, the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists (AACE), the American Diabetes Association and The Endocrine Society issued a joint statement with recommendations: http://www.diabetes.org/for-media/2010/ada_aace_endo.html

The statement recommends that patients should continue taking all currently prescribed medications unless instructed otherwise by their health care provider. Stopping diabetes medications can result in higher levels of blood glucose that may cause serious short term health problems and could increase the risk of diabetes-related complications in the long term.

The joint statement also informs patients that regardless of the opinion and decisions on rosiglitazone, there are numerous drugs available to maintain glucose control in people with type 2 diabetes. Patients should discuss these options with their health care providers.

In the next few days (July 13-14) the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is expected to complete the Joint Meeting of the Endocrinologic and Metabolic Drugs Advisory Committee and Drug Safety and Risk Management Advisory Committee. This committee was convened to evaluate the scientific research available on the safety of rosiglitazone and then issue its decision on how the drug should or should not be used. The joint statement recommends that until further clarification is provided by the FDA, the decision whether or not to use any medication must remain that of the treating provider in direct discussion with the individual patient.

Following any decision from the FDA, AACE, the American Diabetes Association and The Endocrine Society will provide detailed information interpreting FDA action for both health care professionals and patients with diabetes.

Founded in 1916, The Endocrine Society is the world’s oldest, largest and most active organization devoted to research on hormones and the clinical practice of endocrinology.  Today, The Endocrine Society’s membership consists of over 14,000 scientists, physicians, educators, nurses and students in more than 100 countries. Society members represent all basic, applied, and clinical interests in endocrinology. The Endocrine Society is based in Chevy Chase, Maryland. To learn more about the Society and the field of endocrinology, visit our site at www.endo-society.org.

AACE is a professional medical organization with more than 6,000 members in the United States and 91 other countries. AACE members are physicians who specialize in endocrinology, diabetes, and metabolism.  For more information about AACE, visit our Web site at www.aace.com, become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/theaace or follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/theaace.