March 28, 2008

FDA to Review HIV Drugs for Potential Heart Attack Risk

On March 27, the Food and Drug Administration announced that it would make recommendations after reviewing safety data, in response to a recent study that found HIV drugs from GlaxoSmithKline and Bristol-Myers Squibb may increase heart attack risk, the Wall Street Journal reports (online.wsj.com, 3/27).

Data from a study of 33,000 HIV-positive patients showed an increased heart attack risk in patients taking Glaxo’s Ziagen and Bristol-Myers’ Videx.

The FDA said that labeling changes could be needed for the drugs, but until the agency completes its review, doctors should do a risk–benefit analysis when determining how to prescribe the drugs to their patients.

According to the Journal, both pharmaceutical companies reviewed the trial data on their drugs and said they did not find an increase in heart attack risk.

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Previous Comments:

Marcos, São Paulo, Brazil, 2008-04-01 20:27:49
I just wonder if people who had had the attacks have balanced the other risks they run during the treatment. How about telling us the ages of you guys. It would help us a lot to decide about drugs treatment and understanding your cases.

Reno, Maced ca., 2008-04-01 12:29:58
I have had three heart attacks while on these Meds. it is about time someone dose something about this many of us have to suffer .

KRN, Atanta, 2008-03-29 15:51:12
I had a heart attack at age 49 after having been on videx for years... I wonder how long Bristol-Myers was aware of the risk....