Researchers have known for a long time that medications to manage blood glucose levels can have a negative impact on cardiovascular status. Yale School of Medicine recently conducted a study with more than 130 trials involving over 48,000 adult patients that compared rosiglitazone with any control for at least 24 weeks.

Patient Level Data was available for 33 trials which included 21,156 patients. The findings indicate that rosiglitazone was associated with a 33% increased risk of a composite cardiovascular event (heart attack, heart failure, cardiovascular and non-cardiovascular related death). This medication is still available in the United States, however it is rarely prescribed.

It might be a good idea to go through pharmacy records to determine if any of your residents are currently on, or were previously prescribed, this medication. If so, notify your attending physician and request a risk/benefit analysis of continuing the medication. It may make a difference in the lives of your residents!