HSA's advisory on the use of rosiglitazone

The Health Sciences Authority (HSA) hasreviewed the recent scientific analyses conducted to determine the cardiovascular (CV) risk associated with the use of rosiglitazone (Avandia®) and concluded onits recommendations on the use of rosiglitazone. Based on the data reviewed and the recommendations of the Pharmacovigilance Advisory Committee and the expert panel of endocrinologists and cardiologists, HSA has assessed that a possible increased risk of myocardial ischaemic events associated with rosiglitazone cannot be excluded. However, for a group of patients who cannot effectively control their blood sugar using alternative medications, the benefits of rosiglitazone may exceed these risks. Hence, additional contraindications and restrictions would be implemented to mitigate any possible CV risks associated with the use of rosiglitazone.

Only abstracts of the Dear Healthcare Professional Letters (DHCPL) are provided on this website. Details of these letters can be found in the MOH Alert System, which is accessible via the Health Professionals Portal (HPP), a one-stop portal for all healthcare professionals in Singapore. Dentists, medical doctors and pharmacists may access HPP at https://hpp.moh.gov.sg and follow the procedures below to access the MOH Alert system.

Step 1: Select your profession under ‘For Healthcare Professionals’.

Step 2: Click on ‘Useful links’.

Step 3: Click on ‘MOH Alert’ and log in via Singpass.

Step 4: Click on ‘Drug Alerts’ or ‘Med Device Alerts’ to view the DHCPLs.