Cardiovascular risk and TZD: safe therapy for the elderly?
Recent data regarding cardiovascular risks have raised serious safety concerns with thiazolidinedione (rosiglitazone and pioglitazone) therapy. Some studies have identified an increased risk of myocardial infarction and death with rosiglitazone use; others found no increased risk. Multiple comorbidities (heart failure, renal insufficiency) limit diabetes treatment options in the elderly. It is estimated that more than 30% of nursing facility residents have diabetes; therefore, pharmacists can benefit from a review of safety concerns with thiazolidinediones. Research findings reported by the media can be misinterpreted by laypersons, making pharmacists an integral resource in answering concerns about thiazolidinedione safety.
Burt
Rebecca
R
University of Oklahoma College of Pharmacy, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73126, USA. becky-armor@ouhsc.edu
Townsend
Sarah
S
Armor
Becky
B
D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000209:etiology*; D003924:Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / Q000188:drug therapy; D006801:Humans; D007004:Hypoglycemic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000077205:Pioglitazone; D012307:Risk Factors; D000077154:Rosiglitazone; D045162:Thiazolidinediones / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use
D007004:Hypoglycemic Agents; D045162:Thiazolidinediones; D000077154:Rosiglitazone; D000077205:Pioglitazone