Deadline this week for rosiglitazone access program

Physicians who want to continue prescribing rosiglitazone-containing medications (Avandia, Avandamet, and Avandaryl) must be enrolled in the Avandia-Rosiglitazone Medicines Access Program by this Thursday, Nov. 17, the FDA reminded last week.

After that date, rosiglitazone will no longer be available through retail pharmacies and will only be available by mail order through specially certified pharmacies participating in the program. Prescribers must be enrolled in the access program and they must also enroll their patients for the patients to begin or continue to receive rosiglitazone medicines. Patients are eligible for the program if they are already taking rosiglitazone or unable to achieve glycemic control on other medications and, in consultation with a healthcare provider, have decided not to take pioglitazone for medical reasons.

Enrollment information is available on the Avandia website and information about the FDA's actions regarding the drug is on the agency's website.