Rosiglitazone (Avandia) Suspended (Or is it? : make up your mind quickly)

[Pharmanaut]

Rosiglitazone (Avandia) suspended immediately | PJ Online

Saw this on the PJ and was developing a battle plan for today in my mind when I read on...

"Recommended suspension".

So come on - is it or isn't it?

So, wanting to get it straight from the horses mouth went to the MHRA.

http://www.mhra.gov.uk/NewsCentre/Pr...ases/CON094127

So it does look like it is suspended.

Anyone had official notification yet from anyone, anywhere.

[DavidS]

Whilst checking on the credentials of another poster's link, I came across this:

Alert FDA Says Rosiglitazone Can Stay, But EMA Pulls the Plug

I didn't read the link because I haven't time to register at the moment, but ti does seem as though we're not sure!

RPS anyone? Come on, get some publicity!

[bobbin]

More to the point, how easy will it be to get credit for all the packs which pharmacies have in stock, including PIs?!

[DavidS]

More to the point, how easy will it be to get credit for all the packs which pharmacies have in stock, including PIs?!

and all the ones we can get back off customers

[hibernia]

In the Republic of Ireland notice was issued by the IMB (our equivalent of the MHRA) at 4.30 yesterday evening and e-mailed to all registered pharmacists and pharmacies before close of business.
No new or repeat prescriptions are to be filled but patients aren't to stop taking their medicine suddenly and should make an appointment to see their doctor so no need to get stock back from patients.
As this is a Europe wide suspension of the licence I assume the position is the same in the UK.

In the US, the FDA have allowed it to remain on the market for existing patients provided they sign that they have been fully informed of all the risks by their doctor. In view of the many alternatives I can't see many going down that route.

GSK are holding the line they took from day one, which was a long time ago, and still maintain it is a useful drug and they don't know what all the fuss is about.

[bobbin]

and all the ones we can get back off customers

Well apparently, we won't be getting any credit because it has been 'suspended' but not 'recalled'. We can however, still dispense prescriptions for Avandia/Avandamet temporarily if the doctor wishes the patient to continue taking it until they have decided on an alternative.

Fantastic.

[DavidS]

GSK are holding the line they took from day one, which was a long time ago, and still maintain it is a useful drug and they don't know what all the fuss is about.

What all the fuss is partly about is that it is alleged they covered up the research showing bad effects for months and months. Can we trust them now?

[Nik]

Can we trust them now?

What about the Seroxat affair ?

[hibernia]

What all the fuss is partly about is that it is alleged they covered up the research showing bad effects for months and months. Can we trust them now?

I know what the fuss is about but THEY still seem to be in denial.

To answer your question, I trust in God (if there is one) but then it comes to pharamceutical companies I'm a sceptic.

[bobbin]

Well apparently, we won't be getting any credit because it has been 'suspended' but not 'recalled'. We can however, still dispense prescriptions for Avandia/Avandamet temporarily if the doctor wishes the patient to continue taking it until they have decided on an alternative.

Fantastic.

Update.

After 8 November, UK stock purchased via GSK agents (AAH and Alliance) can be returned and will be exchanged for full credit.

Obviously, GSK will not be refunding PIs... and I doubt the wholesalers will be able to refund it in the absence of a recall - they will not be able to obtain credit for the stock from parallel importers.