Weak meta-analysis study and reactionary

Implications:     Both of Dr. Steven Nissen’s publications are meta-analysis, implying a weakness in their sampling.  In my opinion, more refined studies with larger sample sizes and standardized measurements with Actos, Avandia and placebo or other medications need to be evaluated.  Selection of favorable studies can dramatically influence the result of both meta-analyses.  Additionally, there is a possibility that Dr. Nissen may have to create this newer compilation that to thwart the defiant stance by Glaxo SmithKline.     Additionally, since both of the medications belong in the same therapeutic and chemical class, there is usually a high correlation of ADRs (adverse drug reactions) and SEs (side effects). - Aemad A. Aslam, RPh, MBA

Analysis:     As was the cases with Vioxx and Celebrex several years ago, both of those medications are from the same medication class, it follows that it is very likely that the side effect profile will match.  Consequently, they both did have significant overlap.  Since both Actos and Avandia are glitazones, the same reasoning would follow.  Hence, the side effect profiles would mirror each other and not be inversely related as Dr. Nissen’s study implies.