Professor Available to Discuss Avandia

St. Louis College of Pharmacy Professor Available to Discuss Avandia

Subject: A Food and Drug Administration (FDA) panel has recommended that Avandia, a diabetes drug, remain on the u.S. market – despite concerns it could raise the risk of heart attacks.

The FDA panel of advisers voted 20-12 against withdrawing GlaxoSmithKline-made drug from the market. They had five options: ease current warnings about the drug; leave current warnings alone; strengthen the warnings; strengthen the warnings and impose restrictions on the drug's use; or take it off the market altogether.

With the split verdict, the panel recommended changes in how the drug is prescribed. The FDA will make the final call on the status of the drug in the coming months. 
 
Expert: Philip Wenger, assistant professor of pharmacy practice; pwenger@stlcop.edu or 314-407-2126 (pager).
 
Quote: “Certainly, enough questions have been raised that if this drug stays on the market there should be increased warning about potential risks,” Wenger said. “It’s important that practitioners consider the current data and weigh the risks versus benefits of prescribing Avandia.”

About St. Louis College of Pharmacy: Founded in 1864, St. Louis College of Pharmacy is one of the oldest and largest colleges of pharmacy in the nation. The College admits students directly from high school and integrates the liberal arts and sciences with a six-year professional curriculum leading to the doctor of pharmacy (Pharm.D.) degree. More than 1,200 students attend, and more than 72 percent of practicing pharmacists in the St. Louis region are alumni.

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