Due to fears patients who take diabetes drug by Avandia face an increased risk of heart attacks, stroke and other cardiovascular problems, the popular diabetes drug is being pulled off the market in Europe and will face tighter restrictions in the U. S.

GlaxoSmithKline Inc., the company that sells Avandia, the brand name of the diabetes drug rosiglitazone has faced a tight blow by this.

It was stated in 2007 that until a patient can not tolerate any other diabetes drug, he should not take Avandia due to the risk of cardiovascular problems posed by the drug and the FDA also stated the same.

Regulatory restrictions in Canada also came to light.

Avandia’s market authorizations were suspended by an agency which evaluates drugs in the European Union called the European Medicines Agency stating that it would no longer be available there in the next few months.

It was also stated that developments in the U. S. were closely being monitored along with reviewing the safety of Avandia.

The department issued a public advisory that said, “The appropriate regulatory action necessary pending the outcome of safety investigations in other countries.”

Following recent announcements, it was stated by department officials that they are considering further action.