Why is Avandia prescribed?

Rosiglitazone (Avandia) is used, alone or in combination with other medications, to treat type 2 (noninsulin-dependent) diabetes (formerly "adult-onset") in people whose diabetes cannot be controlled by diet and exercise alone. Rosiglitazone (Avandia) is in a class of drugs called thiazolidinediones. These drugs work by increasing your bodys sensitivity to insulin, a substance your body produces to help control blood sugar levels. Rosiglitazone (Avandia) is not used to treat type 1 (insulin-dependent) diabetes (formerly "juvenile-onset").

Avandia is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more Avandia information.

How should Avandia be used?

Rosiglitazone (Avandia) comes as a tablet to take by mouth. Avandia is usually taken once or twice daily with or without meals. Follow the Avandia directions on your Avandia prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take rosiglitazone (Avandia) exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of Avandia or take Avandia more often than prescribed by your doctor.

Rosiglitazone (Avandia) controls type 2 diabetes but does not cure it. Continue to take rosiglitazone (Avandia) even if you feel well. Do not stop taking rosiglitazone (Avandia) without talking to your doctor.

What special Avandia precautions should I follow?

Before taking rosiglitazone(Avandia) ,

• tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to rosiglitazone (Avandia) , pioglitazone, troglitazone, or any other drugs.
• tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking, especially insulin, other medications for type 2 diabetes, and vitamins or herbal products. Tell your doctor and pharmacist if you have ever taken troglitazone (Rezulin).
• tell your doctor if you have or have ever had heart failure, liver disease (including cirrhosis and hepatitis), high cholesterol, edema, (fluid retention problems) or a history of alcohol abuse.
• tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding. If you become pregnant while taking rosiglitazone(Avandia) , call your doctor immediately.
• you should know that rosiglitazone (Avandia) can restart ovulation in women taking oral contraceptives or those with polycystic ovary disease. You are at risk for pregnancy if adequate birth control is not used. You should discuss a reliable form of birth control with your doctor. If you are taking birth control pills, your doctor may choose to adjust your Avandia dose.

What special Avandia dietary instructions should I follow?

Rosiglitazone (Avandia) should be taken with the same meal(s) every day. Be sure to follow all exercise and dietary recommendations made by your doctor or dietitian. Calorie reduction, weight loss, and exercise will help control your diabetes and will also make rosiglitazone (Avandia) work better. It is important to eat a healthy diet.

Alcohol increases blood sugar; ask your doctor for information on how much alcohol is safe to drink.

What should I do if I forget an Avandia dose?

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

What side effects can Avandia cause?

Rosiglitazone (Avandia) usually does not cause hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) when used alone, but Avandia may cause low blood sugar when used with other medications for diabetes. If you have any of the following Avandia symptoms, eat or drink a food or beverage with sugar in it, such as hard candy or fruit juice, and call your doctor immediately. Symptoms of low blood sugar include:

• shakiness
• dizziness
• rapid heartbeat
• sweating
• confusion
• blurred vision
• headache
• numbness or tingling of the mouth
• weakness
• fatigue
• pale color
• sudden hunger

If you have any of the following Avandia symptoms of hyperglycemia (high blood sugar), call your doctor immediately:

• thirst
• dry mouth
• tiredness
• flushing
• dry skin
• frequent urination
• loss of appetite
• trouble breathing

Although side effects from rosiglitazone (Avandia) are not common, they can occur. Tell your doctor if any of these Avandia symptoms are severe or do not go away:

• sinus or respiratory infection
• headache
• back pain
• diarrhea
• tiredness
• weight gain

If you experience any of the following Avandia symptoms, call your doctor immediately:

• seizures
• loss of consciousness
• irregular menstrual cycle (in women)
• upset stomach
• vomiting
• stomach pain
• excessive tiredness
• dark urine
• yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes
• shortness of breath
• rapid weight gain
• swollen ankles or feet

What storage conditions are needed for Avandia?

Keep Avandia in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store Avandia at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any Avandia that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your Avandia.

In case of Avandia emergency/overdose

In case of Avandia overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.

What other information should I know about Avandia?

Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your blood sugar and glycosolated hemoglobin should be checked regularly to determine your response to rosiglitazone (Avandia).

Rare cases of liver injury and failure have occurred during therapy with troglitazone, a drug similar to rosiglitazone (Avandia). The potential risk of liver injury with rosiglitazone (Avandia) is not known at this time. It is important that you keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your doctor will order certain laboratory tests before and during your Avandia treatment to check your response to rosiglitazone (Avandia). You will have these tests before you begin to take rosiglitazone (Avandia), and then every 2 months for the first year of therapy. After the first year, these Avandia tests will be done less frequently.

Call your doctor during periods of stress, such as fever, trauma, infection, or prolonged illness. Your medications may need to be adjusted.

Rosiglitazone (Avandia) may cause a slight decrease in red and white blood cells. Before you have any laboratory test, tell the laboratory personnel and your doctor that you take Avandia.

Do not let anyone else take your Avandia. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your Avandia prescription.