A Risk Worth Taking?

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Duration: 29 minutes

We're in the grip of a diabetes epidemic. The NHS spent more than half a billion pounds on medication for it in 2009. Patients trust that these drugs are safe, but does one come with a hidden cost to health? Shelley Jofre investigates the rise and fall of Avandia, until recently one of the UK's best-selling diabetes drugs, and asks whether the medicine's regulator is putting the interests of the drugs industry before patients.

  • Diabetes drug still available despite suspension advice

    Diabetes drug still available despite suspension advice

    A type two diabetes drug is still being prescribed in the UK two months after it was recommended for withdrawal, BBC Panorama learns.

    Read more about Panorama's findings

  • GlaxoSmithKline statement to Panorama

    GlaxoSmithKline statement to Panorama

    Read the statement

  • Heart attack 'devastating' for Avandia patient

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    A US diabetes sufferer who had a heart attack believes it could have been caused by taking Avandia, until recently one of the UK's best-selling diabetes drugs.

    Charlene Young, of Maryland told Panorama reporter Shelley Jofre she thought she was "doing everything right" to keep her illness in check.

    Drug manufacturer GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) strongly refutes any allegation that its actions have put patients at risk. It says that Avandia is safe and effective when it is prescribed appropriately.

  • Archive: Spiralling cost of NHS drugs

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    Ahead of Panorama's film on the diabetes drug industry, we look back at a report from 1958 on the spiralling costs of drugs prescribed by NHS doctors and whether the bill could be reduced using cheaper non-brand alternatives.

    This is an abridged version of Panorama film originally broadcast on 17 March 1958.

  • A Risk Worth Taking? - Useful Websites

    A Risk Worth Taking? - Useful Websites

    If you or someone you know is affected by the issues raised in Panorama: A Risk Worth Taking?, there is help available.

    The organisations on the link below have information on diabetes and the drug Avandia.

    Find advice details

  • Join in the debate on A Risk Worth Taking?

    Join in the debate on A Risk Worth Taking?

    Read or a leave a comment on A Risk Worth Taking?

  • Panorama 2000 to 2008

    Panorama 2000 to 2008

    If you'd like to know more about Panorama programmes dating back to 2000, including features, transcripts, video content and more, please click on the link below.

    Browse the Panorama archive

Credits

Presenter
Jeremy Vine
Reporter
Shelley Jofre
Producer
Angie Mason

Broadcasts

See all broadcasts of A Risk Worth Taking? (6)

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