Taking Avandia? or not?

Now that the FDA has given the green light to allow a popular diabetes drug to stay on the market, many who take Avandia are wondering whether they should be taking it. Avandia is used by people with type two diabetes to control the amount of sugar or glucose the body puts out. And to help the body's insulin work more effectively. Since it went on the market in 1999, it's been used by about 6-million people in this country. But the FDA Advisory panel says there are certain diabetics who should definitely not take the drug. Those people include those who are prone to congestive heart failure or have already been diagnosed with the condition. People who are prone to heart attacks should also not be taking Avandia, according to the FDA's advisors. In addition, people who are long term insulin users have been found to be at higher risk for cardiovascular problems caused by the drug, as have people who are taking nitrates for chest pain or angina. Exactly how these warnings will be issued is still being worked out by the advisory panel, but at this point if you are taking Avandia and have a concern about the drug, the best advice is to talk with your doctor.