Indian doctors have restricted the use of the commonly used drug for diabetes, Pioglitazone, better known by brand name Glizone and Pioz. Studies reveal that the drug increases the risk of developing bladder cancer. Diabetologists state that bladder cancer is already seen among patients who have been on
lower dosages of the drug for two years or more. Falling under the class
of Thiazolidinedione, Pioglitazone is a prescription drug that lowers
sugar levels in diabetics. Rosiglitazone, which is another medication of
the same class has been withdrawn from the market in 2010 following
risks of cardiovascular diseases. Exposure to Pioglitazone for two years
may more than double the risk of developing bladder cancer. Diabetic
patients who have consumed Pioglitazone are at a 83% increased risk of
developing bladder cancer than the rest of the population.
Out of 115,727 patients who have been treated for diabetes between 1988 and 2009, 470 of them had bladder cancer. This shows that everyone in 250 patients, taking the drug for more than two years, are developing the risk of bladder cancer. Researchers say that the risk applies to patients who have been taking maximum dosage of the drug -45mg for two years. Indian doctors claim that the drug should be continued as no risk has been proved for those who take dose of 15mg and 30mg everyday. It is the most effective drug to bring sugar levels under control. Without this drug, the only option that remains is to take insulin. Others say that the risks of the drug should be briefed to the patient or withdrawn.
No detailed study of the effectiveness of the drug in India is recorded, but, some doctors in India say that they have seen new cases of bladder cancer for people who have been taking lower dosage(15mg) of the drug for two years. Madras Diabetes Research Foundation has collected medical details of eight patients, who developed bladder cancer after being prescribed Pioglitazone. The patients were from Mumbai, Hyderabad, Chennai, Belgaum and Salem. Foundation Director Dr. V.Mohan said that none of them had bladder cancer before they were prescribed the drug. So, its proved that even lower dosages increases the risk of bladder cancer.
The US Food and Drug Administration warned that taking Pioglitazone for at least a year increased the risk of bladder cancer by at least 40%, and ordered the drug's manufacturer to note the risk on the drug's label. Counries like, France and Germany has banned the drug. Dr. Mohan suggests that the drug should be banned for new patients and patients who are taking it should be warned about the risk. Another diabetologist, Dr. A. Ramachandran said he has already withdrawing old patients from consuming this drug. He also said that it is better to take the pricks instead of risking cancer. Delhi based diabetologist Dr. Anoop Mishra says that with so many safe and effective drugs for diabetes, Pioglitazone should be considered as the last option.
Out of 115,727 patients who have been treated for diabetes between 1988 and 2009, 470 of them had bladder cancer. This shows that everyone in 250 patients, taking the drug for more than two years, are developing the risk of bladder cancer. Researchers say that the risk applies to patients who have been taking maximum dosage of the drug -45mg for two years. Indian doctors claim that the drug should be continued as no risk has been proved for those who take dose of 15mg and 30mg everyday. It is the most effective drug to bring sugar levels under control. Without this drug, the only option that remains is to take insulin. Others say that the risks of the drug should be briefed to the patient or withdrawn.
No detailed study of the effectiveness of the drug in India is recorded, but, some doctors in India say that they have seen new cases of bladder cancer for people who have been taking lower dosage(15mg) of the drug for two years. Madras Diabetes Research Foundation has collected medical details of eight patients, who developed bladder cancer after being prescribed Pioglitazone. The patients were from Mumbai, Hyderabad, Chennai, Belgaum and Salem. Foundation Director Dr. V.Mohan said that none of them had bladder cancer before they were prescribed the drug. So, its proved that even lower dosages increases the risk of bladder cancer.
The US Food and Drug Administration warned that taking Pioglitazone for at least a year increased the risk of bladder cancer by at least 40%, and ordered the drug's manufacturer to note the risk on the drug's label. Counries like, France and Germany has banned the drug. Dr. Mohan suggests that the drug should be banned for new patients and patients who are taking it should be warned about the risk. Another diabetologist, Dr. A. Ramachandran said he has already withdrawing old patients from consuming this drug. He also said that it is better to take the pricks instead of risking cancer. Delhi based diabetologist Dr. Anoop Mishra says that with so many safe and effective drugs for diabetes, Pioglitazone should be considered as the last option.
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