GlaxoSmithKline diabetes drug faces more criticism

"Two prominent consumer groups have warned that diabetes patients should not take GlaxoSmithKline's drug Avandia because of dangerous side effects and the availability of equally effective treatments. Public Citizen, a consumer advocacy group, on Thursday called for the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to take Avandia off the market, citing several life-threatening risks, including heart and liver damage. That followed updated treatment guidelines issued last week by the American Diabetes Association, a leading patient-advocacy group, which recommended against using Avandia. The group said it was unclear whether Avandia increased heart-attack risks, but it argued that other treatments were available. The association's Web site says it receives funding from pharmaceutical companies, though not currently from GlaxoSmithKline. Another group, the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists, whose members treat diabetic patients, continues to support using Avandia" - Philly.com