Study Links Potentially Dangerous Increase in Blood Sugar with 2 Common Drugs

Boston, MA: A study published in the Journal of Clinical Pharmacology & Therapeutics this month, shows that combination therapy with an antidepressant and a cholesterol-lowering agent can increase blood sugar to potentially dangerous levels.

The study, which used computerized records of patients in the Boston-area, looked at the two drugs paroxetine and pravastin, marketed as Paxil and Pravachol. The authors estimate that as many as 715,000 people may be taking the two drugs.

The finding was unexpected and authors say that it could push glucose-intolerant people into a diabetic state or make existing cases of diabetes harder to manage, the Boston Globe reports.

Initially, it was researchers at Stanford University who identified the drug combination as a possible concern. They had searched a Food and Drug Administration side effects database for signs of diabetes-related drug interactions. They then tested their hypothesis by reviewing hundreds of thousands of patients electronic health records who were seen at Stanford University Hospital, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, or hospitals of Boston-based Partners HealthCare.

Legal Help

If you or a loved one has suffered illness or an adverse health event in this case, please click the link below and your complaint will be sent to a lawyer who may evaluate your claim at no cost or obligation.
Published on Jun-1-11