Avandia -- it might help, if it doesn't kill you

Seems like the honorable thing to do in this case is pull the drug, at least temporarily, from the market. Profit is a powerful force.

In November of last year, GlaxoSmithKline changes its prescribing information after a study found a 43% increase in heart attack risk for those taking rosiglitazone (name brand Avandia). Now, Public Citizen has called for the drug to be banned, and the American Diabetes Association and a European counterpart unanimously advised doctors against using Avandia in updated treatment guidelines.

The reason is 14 cases of liver failure linked to the drug, including 12 deaths. There is also evidence of increased risk of heart attacks, heart failure, bone fractures, anemia and macular (retinal) edema with vision loss. Safer, more effective drugs for Type 2 diabetes include metformin (sold in Canada under the brand names Glucophag Glumetza or in generic forms with "metformin" as part of the name) and glipizide (brand name Glucotrol), Public Citizen said.

In the statement, Glaxo said it does not believe Avandia causes liver failure and that a review by an independent panel earlier this year said the liver risks were acceptable. The company added heart attack data is inconclusive and that Avandia is safe and effective, when used as directed.