RT Journal Article SR Electronic T1 Glitazones in type 2 diabetes: an update JF Drug and Therapeutics Bulletin JO Drug Ther Bull FD BMJ Publishing Group Ltd SP 25 OP 29 DO 10.1136/dtb.2008.03.0008 VO 46 IS 4 YR 2008 UL http://dtb.bmj.com/content/46/4/25.abstract AB Relevant BNF section: BNF 6.1.2.3The glitazones and their combination products are licensed for type 2 diabetes mellitus and now account for over 50% of NHS expenditure on oral hypoglycaemic drugs.1 In 2001, for â–¼pioglitazone and rosiglitazone (the two glitazones licensed in the UK), we concluded that evidence (from short-term studies) supported their use in combination with metformin or a sulphonylurea in patients unsuited to one or other of these drugs, but not more practical glitazone use, such as monotherapy or as part of triple therapy.2 We also said that their long-term effects were not yet clear.2 Since then, both drugs have also been licensed for monotherapy, as part of triple therapy that includes metformin and a sulphonylurea and, for pioglitazone, use with insulin.3,4 Here we reassess glitazones in light of published efficacy data and safety concerns raised in recent years.