A major report of serious adverse events (SAEs) shows a 21-fold
increase in reports of pancreatitis among patients with type 2 diabetes
taking oral incretins, compared with those taking sulfonylureas or
metformin.
The US review
also shows a nearly 30-fold increase in reports of pancreatitis among
people using an injectable incretin, compared with those taking
sulfonylureas or metformin.
The findings come after the recent launch of a European
Medicines and Healthcare Agency (EMA) investigation into reports of
increased pancreatitis in people using incretins and of pathology
findings of precancerous pancreatic changes.
US experts
reviewed Food and Drug Administration SAE reports for five incretins for
a one-year period from 1 July 2011 to 30 June 2012 and compared them
with the combined SAE reports for three second-generation sulfonylureas
and metformin in a population with type 2 diabetes.
They found a
26-fold increased number of reports of pancreatic cancer among incretin
users, with a total of 105 cases reported for the five incretins
overall.
The researchers wrote: ‘These results add additional
scientific weight to the association of all five GLP-1 agents with
reports of pancreatitis. However, the marked association in adverse
event data does not indicate how frequently this adverse event might
occur.
Comment by Pulse regular Vince Ho.
"Really another story of new drugs arriving with all kinds of promises
and ended with serious concerns in adverse reactions. We read the same
script over and over. Rofecoxib , sibutramine , rosiglitazone and now
incretin analogue ( also gliptins then). Pharmaceutical companies
cannot deny their responsibilities of pushing their new drugs too fast
forward without full assessment of risk information , particularly on
life threatening side effects."
Our team could not agree more.
Eddie
Link to article here.
3 comments:
Very up to date information which once again this highlights the need for correct risk assessment.
Joe
This does give serious cause for concern. I know metformin does not suit all but I have found it very good in the help with my diabetes. A reduced carbohydrate and increased fat intake in my diet now has me with much greater control. Any new drug, injection, medication should be adequately tested.
Paul B
Recommended read
Jeff
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