GlaxoSmithKline Plc's widely used drug for treating type 2 diabetes, increased the risk of heart death by 64 percent and the risk of heart attack by 43 percent, U.S. researchers said on Monday. (Xinhua/Reuters Photo)

    BEIJING, May 22 (Xinhuanet) -- A scientific analysis shows that the widely prescribed  diabetes pill Avandia increases risk of heart attacks by 43 percent, media reported on Tuesday.

    Avandia, or sold as Avandamet, is taken by more than 6 million people worldwide since it came on the market eight years ago to help control blood sugar in people with the most common form of diabetes. 

    Pooled results of dozens of studies on nearly 28,000 people revealed a 43 percent higher risk of heart attack for those taking Avandia compared to people taking other diabetes drugs or no diabetes medication, according to the analysis published online Monday.

    The study, published by the New England Journal of Medicine, also found a trend toward more heart-related deaths.

    Avandia's maker, Britain-based GlaxoSmithKline PLC, disputed the results of the analysis but acknowledged that its own similar review found a 30 percent increased risk ¡ª information it gave last August and possibly even earlier to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. But the company said that more rigorous studies did not confirm excess risk.

    (Agencies)