2 Diabetes Drugs Double Fracture Risk in Women

There is still not enough evidence as to the clinical benefit of these drugs -- aside from lowering blood sugar -- therefore the use of these drugs in diabetes treatment is unclear, Lipscombe said.

"Because clinical trials are designed to assess the expected effects of drugs, they often don't have enough power to detect unexpected or less common effects," Lipscombe said. "Therefore, a more standardized post-marketing surveillance process is needed to ensure that potential adverse effects are recognized as early as possible."

GlaxoSmithKline, the maker of Avandia, said this study rehashes something which is already known and reflected on its label. In addition, the company stands behinds the drug as "a safe and effective treatment for type 2 diabetes for the appropriate patient."

"The association with thiazolidinediones on bone fracture has been previously reported," said GlaxoSmithKline spokesman Jeff McLaughlin. "The labeling for rosiglitazone and pioglitazone notes the observation of an increased incidence of bone fractures in women taking the medication."

The risk of fracture should be considered in the care of patients, McLaughlin said. "In addition, GlaxoSmithKline has previously communicated this information directly to physicians via a health-care provider letter," he noted.

More information

For more about diabetes, visit the U.S. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.

SOURCES: Yoon Loke, M.D., clinical senior lecturer, University of East Anglia, Norwich, U.K.; Lorraine Lipscombe, M.D., Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences and the University of Toronto; Jeff McLaughlin, spokesman, GlaxoSmithKline, Philadelphia; Dec. 10, 2008, Canadian Medical Association Journal