In November, Avandia will no longer be sold on pharmacy shelves. Only certified doctors will be allowed to prescribe the drug and patients must be told about the risks.
The FDA says patients who take it are at a higher risk of having a heart attack or stroke. The drug will be available only by mail order at select pharmacies.
In 2007, an agency expert reported Avandia caused heart problems, including deaths, in up to 200,000 people.
