News Summary: FDA reviews heart risks of Avandia

RISK REVIEW: The Food and Drug Administration meets this week to reassess the safety of Avandia, a former blockbuster diabetes pill that was subjected to major safety restrictions in 2010.

HISTORY OF HEART TROUBLES: Avandia was first approved in 1999 and grew into the best-selling diabetes drug in the world by 2006. But FDA limited prescriptions for the drug in 2010 after years of concern that it might increase the risk of heart attack.

EXPERT OPINION: The FDA will ask a panel of experts at this week's meeting to review a new analysis that shows Avandia is as safe as other diabetes drug. Experts could recommend lifting restrictions on the drug, among other options.