Doctors seek ban on diabetic drug Avandia

Leading doctors in New Delhi today sought a ban on diabetic drug 'Avandia' (rosiglitazone) after studies in other countries said it increases the risk of cardiovascular problems among patients using it.

On September 24, the US Food and Drug Administration restricted the use of the drug. European drug regulators have completely withdrawn it.

Dr Anoop Misra, director and head of the department of diabetes, obesity and metabolic diseases, Fortis Hospital, said, Avandia (rosiglitazone) has been mired in a controversy for the past two years as it increases the risk of heart ailment in diabetic patients.

"Some my patients have had heart ailments after consuming the drug. This drug is clearly harmful and must be banned in India too," he said.

The medicine is used for treatment of type II diabetes. Used as an insulin sensitizer, this drug is widely used in India for regulating blood sugar levels.

"It is already being manufactured by six to seven companies in India. It should be gradually withdrawn from the Indian market too. If this drug shows any side effect, like cardiac problem it should no more be prescribed by the doctor," said Dr Ashok Jhingan, chairman, Delhi Diabetes Research Centre.

A doctor with the department of medicine, AIIMS said, "While Europe has banned it, the US has not. It has called for restricted use. We should conduct a proper survey immediately before we think of completely banning it here in India."