Diabetes Drug Avandia Can Interact Dangerously with Other Medications

By Jim Greene

Published on January 11, 2010

The type 2 diabetes drug Avandia® can have adverse interactions with a number of other medications and even with some herbal remedies, according to a WebMD.com summary of warnings published by the drug's maker, GlaxoSmithKlein (GSK).

The only issue specifically mentioned in the warnings intended for patients is the possibility of suppressing the increased heartbeat that is an important warning sign of reduced blood sugar. Other possible issues that may arise from using Avandia® in combination with other medications or herbal products require medical or pharmaceutical training for proper interpretation.

Blood Pressure Medications among Interaction Risks

The warning about low blood sugar awareness is specifically applied to beta blockers, including metoprolol, propranolol, used to treat high blood pressure and related symptoms, and glaucoma eye drops, such as timolol, which reduce ocular pressure.

Among other substances that warrant caution are anti-diabetic medications, such as insulin, metformin, and sulfonylureas. Also listed are nitrates, such as isosorbide dinitrate, used to dilate blood vessels in order to relieve angina and heart pain, and quinolone antibiotics, such as ciprofloxacin. Herbal/natural products requiring caution include fenugreek, ginseng, and gymnema.

Some Possible Effects Ranked Very Harmful

The possible adverse interactions are ranked as either serious or moderate, based on either causing very harmful effects or a lesser degree of risk. The list includes both substances used to treat diabetes and some used to treat other medical conditions.

If you or someone you know has taken Avandia® and suffered medical problems due to adverse interactions with other drugs or herbal products, you will need the help of a personal injury attorney with knowledge of the issue. Interpreting the cause and results of drug interactions can be complicated. Your case may require the intervention of expert witnesses to clarify some of the more technical drug interaction issues for the court or for a jury. The right attorney will have access to the necessary resources to fight for your rights and see that you are properly compensated.

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