Recently, it was observed that rosiglitazone increased the risk of myocardial infarction. The American Food and Drug Administration therefore issued a safety alert. The practice guideline 'Diabetes mellitus type 2' of the Dutch College of General Practitioners only leaves room for the use of another thiazolidinedione, pioglitazone, and even that advice has been questioned. The new information on the serious adverse effects of rosiglitazone may further reduce the willingness to prescribe this drug for patients with type 2 diabetes.