A new medical university study has reported that women who take GlaxoSmithKline's Avandia or Takeda Pharmaceutical's Actos, both drugs which treat Type 2 diabetes, could double their risk of bone fractures. Results of the study are not good news for the two manufacturers who already face numerous lawsuits over the drugs.

Details of the study

The study was conducted by Wake University School of Medicine in North Carolina and the University of East Anglia in England. According to a press release on Wake's website:

[r]esearchers reviewed 10 previously completed trials that lasted at least one year. All of the studies included participants with impaired glucose tolerance and type 2 diabetes and all compared the risk of fracture among patients with type 2 diabetes who were taking TZD [thiazolidinediones] therapy and patients not taking the therapy. Nearly 14,000 participants were included in the studies.

Overall, the results showed that use of TZDs significantly increased the risk of fractures among patients with type 2 diabetes and was associated with changes in bone mineral density at the lumbar spine and the hip.

Data from the studies that reported sex-specific results showed that TZDs significantly increased the risk of fractures among women. They were not, however, associated with the same increase of fracture risk in men. The studies also showed a consistent decline in bone mineral density in women exposed to TZD therapy.

According to Dr. Sonal Singh, an assistant professor of internal medicine and a co-researcher for the study, "We knew going into this study that there was an association between thiazolidinediones and fracture risk, however the magnitude of risk had not been evaluated. This study shows that these agents double the risk of fractures in women with type 2 diabetes, who are already at higher risk before taking the therapy."

Avandia & Actos

Avandia (rosiglitazone) and Actos (pioglitazone) have been linked to a greater number of fractures in the upper arms, hands and feet of female diabetics taking the drugs and a greater incidence of blindness in both genders. Avandia has also been linked to an increased risk of heart attacks and liver failure. Although many have called for the drugs to be taken off the market, they continue to be sold.

If you've been injured due to Avandia, Actos or any other drug, contact an experienced products liability attorney to discuss your situation. Consultations are free, without obligation and are strictly confidential.