Avandia

Avandia (Rosiglitazone) is used along with diet and exercise in patients with type 2 diabetes to control blood sugar levels.

About

Avandia is a thiazolidinedione antidiabetic. It lowers blood sugar by making the cells of the body more sensitive to the action of insulin. Avandia is used for treating type 2 diabetes in certain patients. It is used along with diet and exercise. It may be used alone or with other antidiabetic medicines.

How to take

Avandia may be taken with or without a meal. It is advised to take Avandia at the same time every day–this way it will be easier for you to remember to take your medication. The full effects of Avandia may not be seen for 2 to 3 months. Consult your doctor regarding the dosage suitable for you.

Missed dose

If you miss a dose take it as soon as you remember. However if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the Missed Dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

Warnings and precautions

Before taking Avandia, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances, if you have experienced liver problems, including yellowing of the skin, with troglitazone, if you have a history of heart disease (e.g., chronic congestive heart failure), if you are planning to become pregnant or are breast–feeding. If you become pregnant, discuss the benefits and risks of using Avandia during pregnancy with your doctor. Do not breast–feed while taking Avandia. Some medicines may interact with Avandia. Therefore tell your doctor of all prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement that you are taking. Before you have any medical or dental treatments, emergency care, or surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are using Avandia. If you are taking insulin, during periods of stress such as fever, infection, or surgery, you may need to change your insulin dose. Talk with your doctor. When using Avandia with insulin or other diabetes medicine, be sure that you and your family members know the risks, symptoms (e.g., numbness, fatigue, hunger, sweating, rapid pulse, confusion), and treatment (e.g., sugar–containing drinks or food) of low blood sugar. Carry an identification card at all times that says you are diabetic. Monitor your blood sugar regularly. Avandia may cause ovulation in women who have not reached menopause but do not ovulate. Be sure to use adequate birth control methods while using Avandia. Lab tests, including liver function and blood, will be required while you are using Avandia. Be sure to keep all doctor and lab appointments. Avandia should not be used in children.

Side effects

Some of the Possible Side Effects: back pain, diarrhea, headache, injury, sinus infection, upper respiratory tract infection. Contact your doctor if any of these or other side effects occur. If you experience any of the following serious side effects, you should seek medical attention immediately- allergic reactions (rash, hives, difficulty breathing, tightness in the chest, swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue), abdominal pain, bloating or swelling of the ankles, feet, or hands, chest pain, confusion, dark urine, fast heartbeat, hunger, loss of appetite, nausea, numbness, pain, rapid weight gain, shortness of breath, stomach problems, sweating, tiredness, unusual thirst or amount of urine, vision changes, vomiting, yellowing of the skin.

Storage

Store at room temperature at 77 degrees F (25 degrees C) away from light and moisture. Brief storage between 59-86 degrees F (15-30 degrees C) is permitted. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.