FDA Panel Recommends Looser Restrictions on Avandia

On Thursday, an FDA advisory panel voted to recommend looser restrictions on Avandia, the controversial diabetes drug. In 2010, use of the drug was limited to people with type 2 diabetes who could not control their illness with other medications. This limitation was based on studies that showed an increased risk of serious heart problems in people taking Avandia.

Since the initial restrictions were put in place, additional studies were conducted that suggest Avandia may be safe for a larger group of patients.

The decision to whether to modify the restrictions now rests with the FDA commissioner.

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