A drug for type 2 diabetes that has been recommended for suspension by an expert panel is still being prescribed by the NHS, the BBC warns.

The UK Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has recommended suspending the use of the Glaxo Smithkline drug Avianda as it is being investigated for causing a raised risk of heart attacks and heart failure throughout Europe.

The drug, also known as Rosiglitazone, was prescribed over a million times last year and is the subject of a panorama documentary

http://news.bbc.co.uk/panorama/hi/default.stm

The MHRA sent letters to healthcare professionals asking them to “consider alternative treatments where appropriate”.