I've been on Avandia for 2 1/2 years. Just recently, I've been retaining water (this has never happened to me before). I also noticed chest pain (probably ghost pains). I've also been on insulin for 7 months and gained about 15 pounds. Yikes! So, no more----I'm off everything. I walk 2 times a day an hour each time. I eat very little carbs, fat and only moderate protein. Within 2 weeks, I've lost 8 pounds and several inches around my mid-section. Buy the book "Reversing Diabetes" by Dr. Julian Whittaker. It will change your life.

hof, Olympia

Melinda Montgomery, Olympia, WA/USA

My Father has been a Diabetic since 1986. He has always been a smoker but up until 3 years ago very rarely went to the Doctors. Twelve months ago Dad was precribed Metformin and Avandia as a combind drug to help control his Diabetes. Dad has been diagnosed with C.O.P.D. ( lung Disease ) probably due to smoking. However 6 months ago Dad became so ill he was admitted to hospital. Dad was retaining fluid, he was a very poorly man. He could hardly breath. Apparently he had fluid in his ankles, lungs, heart and abdominal cavity. After a couple of weeks Dad was discharged from hospital. Dad now has Oxygen 24 hours a day. He has now been told that he has heart failiure. Dads quality of life is very poor. My Mum now cares for 24-7. I now wonder weather or not this is because of this drug. The odd thing is Dad went to the Doctors the other day and she said to him that she can not understand why he has detiriorated so rapidily. It's to late for my Dad but I thank god it might not be for other's.

Cheryl Morrissey, Merseyside, United Kingdom

A relative of mine has experienced major side effects from both these drugs - large amounts of fluid retention, massive increases in weight (2 stone in 8 weeks) even when following diet & exercise regime, hypoglycaemic attacks, low mood & periods of confusion. she had never experienced these symptoms before as a type II diabetic and after coming off the rosiglitazone, never experienced them again until her GP then prescribed piaglitazone. the same symptoms came back with a vengence...and stopped once she decided to come off them. Of course all drugs have the risk of side-effects but when is enough enough? At least my relative didn't develop heart failure.

EB, Salford, UK