FDA: Diabetes drug under investigation

WASHINGTON, Sept. 18 (UPI) -- Another widely prescribed diabetes drug is under investigation for possible safety concerns, U.S. health officials say.

The Food and Drug Administration said Friday it was reviewing data on the diabetes drug Actos based on concerns that it may increase the risk for bladder cancer, The Washington Post reported.

While there is presently no clear evidence that the drug increases the risk, the FDA said, it was reviewing the situation.

Sales of Actos have increased following concerns about the safety of Avandia, a similar drug.

The concern in that case is that Avandia may increase the risk for heart attacks.

In July, a panel of FDA advisers issued a mixed verdict about whether Avandia should stay on the market.

Actos and Avandia are both used to control blood sugar in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Patients concerned about Actos should talk to their doctor, the FDA said, and should not stop taking the drug unless told to continue use by their doctor.