Diabetics advised to continue using controversial drug

A SUPPORT group for diabetes patients has advised people with the disease to keep taking a controversial popular drug despite concerns it can increase the risk of heart attacks.

The Diabetes Federation of Ireland warned of “the hype” which was frightening patients surrounding the use of the type-2 diabetes drug called Avandia.

Irish medicine regulators said they are reviewing the drug’s use and a British safety body has called for its withdrawal.