Study finds possible heart risk with prostate drug
Recent results of a study published in the New England Journal of Medicine regarding a drug for prostate cancer prevention suggest that the drug leads to a higher risk of heart failure. (M.Marchione, AP, 4/1). The drug, Avodart, manufactured by GlaxoSmithKline PLC us already used for urinary problems, thus far without any heart risk failure issues. However, this surprising finding may “dampen enthusiasm for expanding its use.”
The mechanics of the study involved 6,700 men with high scores from PSA blood tests but no sign of cancer on biopsy. Each male was given Avodart or dummy pills and new biopsies four years later at which time prostate cancer was discovered in 25 percent of cases for those on dummy pills and 20 percent of cases for those on Avodart. The five percent risk reduction is “ the same risk reduction as other studies have found from a similar drug, finasteride, sold in generic form and as Proscar, made by Merck & Co. Inc. Studies did not find an increased risk of heart failure with Proscar. In the Avodart study, heart failure developed in 30 men on the drug versus only 16 on dummy pills.”
Although further analysis of the results suggest that men who developed heart failure while on Avodart also tended to be taking certain other drugs, many researches feel that further analysis and testing is necessary. As a medical malpractice and products liability attorney in Chicago, I agree, and hope that the FDA takes necessary steps to ensure that the drug is safe.
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