GlucoWorld

Oy Vey, Avandia

 
 

There was news last week that a meta-analysis (an analysis of many analyses) led by Dr. Steven Nissen of the Cleveland Clinic of 42 separate studies on Avandia (rosiglitazone, an athiazolidinedione)  for the FDA that concluded it raised the risk of heart attacks by 43 percent compared to the rates among people taking no or other diabetes drugs (Washington Post 5/25/07).  The analysis also indicated that Avandia might increase the risk of heart-related deaths.

GlaxoSmithKline, the manufacturer of Avandia, says that their own similar analysis suggested a 31 percent greater risk.  Given that 6 million people worldwide have takent the drug and that it's US sales topped $2.2 billion last year, this news could present a big problem for GSK.

 

What does this mean for diabetics currently taking Avandia?

The answer seems to be that no one quite knows.  The FDA has issued a "safety alert" advising Type 2 diabetics who have concerns because there is a high risk of heart disease, have heart disease or a family history of heart disease,  to consult their doctor before taking any action and to explore treatment options.  Whatever you do, don't just stop taking the medication without having talked with your doctor.

   
   

What the heck am I suppposed to do with all these used syringes/sharps?

 
 

If you use insulin as I do, you're supposed to dispose of the needles safely.  This usually means using a sharps container until it is full and then safely disposing of the filled and sealed container.

In the past few weeks, I have searched high and low for sharps containers to purchase.  My local Kaiser (my HMO) pharmacy where I get my diabetes supplies doesn't stock them.  My neighborhood Costco and Target (cheapest at $2.99 for home version) stock them but only a couple at a time (helpful, eh?) so they were out over the course of the 7-10 days I tried a couple of times at each store.  The local Long's didn't have any either.  I finally got one at Safeway pharmacy for $5.40 plus tax.   80% more than at Target!!!   

 

Okay, now that I've got them, filled them up, sealed them, what the heck am I supposed to do to get rid of them?

 

Here's what I'm not supposed to do with them:

-  put the containers in with the recycling
-  take them to Kaiser for disposal
-  take them to a pharmacy for disposal
-  put them in the garbage

Hmmmm....   so, now what?  How about this?

 

Hospitals, already set up to dispose of hazardous waste should be required to provide a place for the public to dispose of used sharps containers. 

 

[PS.  For the curious amongst you, I usually put mine in the garbage because I don't know what else to do.]

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