FDA Limits Avandia Access

Avandia will no longer be available through retail pharmacies starting November 18, 2011. The FDA has mandated an access program because of safety concerns. Starting November 18 Avandia will only be available through specially certified pharmacies that are participating in the program. Healthcare providers will also have to enroll in the access program if they want to continue to prescribe Avandia. The providers must also enroll each patient in the access program in order for the patient to start receiving or continue receiving Avandia. The FDA ordered Avandia’s manufacturer, GlaxoSmithKline, to send “Dear Health Care Provider” letters to prescribers to make them aware of current Avandia information.

Find the link to the FDA Drug Safety Communication regarding Avandia prescriptions here.