Health Alert 248
Dear Subscriber:
There is new evidence of yet more previously unknown drug dangers. The drugs I’m talking about are fibrates and insulin-regulating drugs. Doctors prescribe both for diabetics. But interaction between them may cause more harm than good.
Today we’ll discuss the dangers these drugs pose for diabetics. We’ll also talk about better ways to manage your cholesterol and your insulin.
Diabetics often suffer from high blood fats so doctors may prescribe fibrates to lower triglycerides. We have known for some time that that these drugs cause gallstones, abnormal heart rhythms, and they can be toxic to your liver and kidneys.
But now a study found that people who took the fibrate drug gemfibrozil had higher rates of death from cancer. Even worse, doctors often prescribe fibrates alongside statins to lower cholesterol. But the two together cause even higher risk of cancer, plus increased cases of muscle wasting.
Fibrates also interact with a number of other drugs and substances, including warfarin, some oral drugs used for diabetes, certain antibiotics, and grapefruit juice.
But there’s more.
Big Pharmas claim that drugs like Avandia help diabetics absorb insulin better. And lower their blood-sugar levels. But doctors report severe reactions to the drug. For instance, two Pennsylvania men suffered liver poisoning from Avandia. They recovered after doctors discontinued the drug.
Avandia falls into the same class of drugs as Rezulin-a drug that was recalled because it caused serious liver injury and failure. Now patients have brought a number of legal actions against Avandia’s maker for congestive heart failure and liver damage caused by the drug.
Yet doctors commonly mix and match drugs like these for diabetics. It’s another case of the cure being worse than the disease. The truth is most people can control
diabetes with diet and exercise.If you’re a diabetic and need extra help with your cholesterol levels, turn first to natural remedies. Look to things like chromium picolinate, garlic, vitamin C, and vitamin E.
The best way to regulate insulin is to change your diet. Limit grains and high-carb vegetables in your diet. Increase healthy protein and good fats. And start exercising regularly. Refer to my book, The Doctor’s Heart Cure, for an easy diet and exercise plan you can tailor to your lifestyle.
If you must take either of these drugs, insist on regular checkups to monitor side effects and interactions. Drugs that show no interaction at first may cause problems over time. So if you notice anything unusual, report it to your doctor right away.
To Your Good Health,
Al Sears MD
1 Newman, Dr. Thomas; Carcinogenicity of lipid-lowering drugs; Journal of the American Medical Association, January 3, 1996
2 Winchell, Dr. James H.; Update from the Medical Journals, www.intelihealth.com; Nov 30,2004
3 WHAT ARE DRUG THERAPIES AND OTHER TREATMENTS FOR UNHEALTHY LEVELS OF CHOLESTEROL?, The American Diabetes Association
4 Mercola, Dr. Steven R; Other Diabetes Drug Also Causing Liver Failure; www.mercola.com
5 Caprez & Associates Law Firm; www.caprez.com
6 Mercola, Dr. Steven R; Other Diabetes Drug Also Causing Liver Failure; www.mercola.com