Avandia
Generic Name: Rosiglitazone
What is Avandia?
Avandia is used to treat adults with type 2 diabetes (non-insulin-dependent) along with diet, exercise, and if needed, weight loss. It can be used alone or with other diabetes medications.What is the most important information I should know about Avandia?
Avandia may cause fluid retention, swelling (edema), and weight gain. These side effects may cause heart failure or make other heart problems worse. You should not take Avandia if you have severe heart failure. Even if your symptoms (such as shortness of breath or swelling) are not severe, Avandia may not be the right medication for you. Call your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following: swelling or fluid retention, especially in the ankles or legs; shortness of breath or trouble breathing, especially when you lie down; fast increase in weight; or unusual tiredness.Avandia may also cause chest pain or a heart attack. The risk seems to be higher in patients who take Avandia with insulin or nitrate medicines. If you have chest pain, call your doctor right away.
Avandia may cause low blood sugar, making you feel lightheaded, dizzy, shaky, and hungry. Call your doctor if this is a continuous problem for you.
Report any vision changes to your doctor immediately. You should have regular eye exams while taking Avandia.
Call your doctor immediately if you experience any stomach pain, loss of appetite, yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes (jaundice), nausea and vomiting, or dark urine, as these could be signs of liver damage.
If you are premenopausal and experiencing irregular monthly periods, Avandia may increase your chances of becoming pregnant.
Who should not take Avandia?
Do not begin treatment with Avandia if you are allergic to any of its ingredients. Also, do not begin treatment with this drug if you have heart or liver problems; heart failure; a diabetic eye disease called macular edema; type 1 diabetes; had liver problems while taking another diabetes medicine called Rezulin (troglitazone); have a history of diabetic ketoacidosis (a life-threatening medical emergency caused by insufficient insulin); are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding; are a premenopausal woman who does not have periods regularly or at all.What should I tell my doctor before I take the first dose of Avandia?
Tell your doctor about all prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal medications you are taking before beginning treatment with Avandia. Also, talk to your doctor about your complete medical history, especially if you have heart or liver problems, have a type of diabetic eye disease called macular edema (swelling of the back of the eye), are pregnant, or plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding.What is the usual dosage?
The information below is based on the dosage guidelines your doctor uses. Depending on your condition and medical history, your doctor may prescribe a different regimen. Do not change the dosage or stop taking your medication without your doctor's approval.Adults: The usual starting dose is 4 milligrams (mg) once a day or 2 mg twice a day. Your doctor may adjust your dose until your blood sugar is under control.
How should I take Avandia?
Take Avandia with or without food, exactly as your doctor prescribes. Follow your doctor's recommendations regarding diet, exercise, and testing your blood sugar regularly while taking Avandia.What should I avoid while taking Avandia?
Avoid becoming pregnant or nursing while on Avandia. Also avoid taking insulin or nitrates while taking Avandia.What are possible food and drug interactions associated with Avandia?
If Avandia is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Avandia with the following: insulin; nitrate medicines such as nitroglycerin or isosorbide; gemfibrozil; rifampin; and any medicines for high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or for prevention of heart disease or stroke.What are the possible side effects of Avandia?
Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, tell your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking this drug.Side effects may include: cold symptoms, headache
Serious side effects may include: anemia, edema (swelling/fluid retention, shortness of breath, quick weight increase, tiredness), fractures (usually in the hand, upper arm, or foot) in women, heart failure or other heart problems such as chest pain or heart attack, liver problems, low blood sugar, macular edema (swelling in the back of the eye), ovulation (release of egg from an ovary, possibly leading to pregnancy), weight gain
Can I receive Avandia if I am pregnant or breastfeeding?
The effects of this drug on pregnancy are unknown, and it may pass into your breast milk. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding before beginning treatment with Avandia.What should I do if I miss a dose of Avandia?
If you miss a dose of Avandia, take it as soon as you remember. If it it almost time for your next dose, skip the one you missed and return to your regular schedule. Do not take two doses to make up for a missed dose.How should I store Avandia?
Store at room temperature.
I'm Shereen A. Gharbia, PharmD. Welcome to PDR Health!
