The Medicines Control Council resolved at its meeting on 3 June 2011 to withdraw all rosiglitazone-containing medicines from the South African market due to safety risks.
Rosiglitazone is present in the following medicines: AVANDIA, which is used in the treatment of diabetes mellitus type 2 (formerly known as adult-onset diabetes or non-insulin dependent mellitus). Rosiglitazone is associated with an increased risk for cardiovascular (heart and blood vessels) adverse events including heart failure myocardial infection (heart attack) and cardiac arrest.
Several countries including the European Union (EU) and United Kingdom (UK) have already withdrawn rosiglitazone-containing products from their markets. No new prescriptions for rosiglitazone-containing medicines (AVANDIA) will be allowed. Patients on rosiglitazone products should consult with their doctors about the management of their diabetes. While this change could happen at the next routine appointment, patients may wish to see their doctor sooner rather than later.
Patients who are concerned about their safety risks should not stop their treatment abruptly but should contact a healthcare practitioner supervising their diabetic treatment.
The switch to other suitable treatment should be completed within three (3) months of the date of this statement.
For more information please contact:
Fidel Hadebe
Tel: 012 395 8493
Cell: 079 517 3333
