What is the most important information I should know about Avandia (Rosiglitazone)?
Thiazolidinediones, including rosiglitazone, cause or exacerbate congestive heart failure in some patients. After initiation of Avandia, and after dose increases, observe patients carefully for signs and symptoms of heart failure (including excessive, rapid weight gain, dyspnea, and/or edema). If these signs and symptoms develop, the heart failure should be managed according to current standards of care. Furthermore, discontinuation or dose reduction of Avandia must be considered.
Avandia is not recommended in patients with symptomatic heart failure. Initiation of Avandia in patients with established NYHA Class III or IV heart failure is contraindicated.
Usually, liver function is monitored with blood tests at the start of treatment, every two months for the first year of treatment, and periodically thereafter during treatment with rosiglitazone. Notify your doctor immediately if you develop nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, unusual fatigue, loss of appetite, yellow skin or eyes, or dark urine. These symptoms may be early signs of liver problems.
Notify your doctor immediately if you experience an unusually rapid increase in weight or edema (water retention), shortness of breath, or chest pain during treatment with rosiglitazone. These may be early symptoms of heart problems.
Rosiglitazone usually does not cause hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). However, hypoglycemia may occur as a result of skipped meals, excessive exercise, or alcohol consumption while taking rosiglitazone. Know the signs and symptoms of hypoglycemia, which include:
- headache,
- drowsiness,
- weakness,
- dizziness,
- fast heartbeat,
- sweating,
- tremor, and nausea.
Carry non-dietetic hard candy or glucose tablets with you to treat episodes of low blood sugar.
Always remember that Avandia is an aid to, not a substitute for, good diet, weight loss, and exercise. Failure to follow a sound diet and exercise plan can lead to serious complications, such as dangerously high or low blood sugar levels. Remember, too, that Avandia is not an oral form of insulin, and cannot be used in place of insulin.
What should I discuss with my doctor before taking Avandia (Rosiglitazone)?
Do not take rosiglitazone without first talking to your doctor if you have liver disease.
Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you
- have heart failure or heart disease;
- have edema (water retention or swelling);
- have type 1 diabetes mellitus;
- have a serious infection, illness, or injury; or
- need surgery.
You may not be able to take rosiglitazone, or you may need a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.
Treatment with rosiglitazone may cause resumption of fertility by allowing for the return of ovulation (production of eggs) in certain women with insulin resistance who were not ovulating before treatment with rosiglitazone. Talk to your doctor about adequate forms of birth control while taking rosiglitazone if birth control is desired.
Contact your doctor if you develop a fever or an infection, require surgery, or if you experience a serious injury. Illness or injury may cause a loss of blood sugar control and insulin (or an adjustment of a current insulin dose) may be required for a period of time.
Rosiglitazone is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is not known whether rosiglitazone will harm an unborn baby. Generally, insulin is the drug of choice for controlling diabetes during pregnancy. Do not take rosiglitazone without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment.
It is not known whether rosiglitazone passes into breast milk. Do not take rosiglitazone without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
The safety and effectiveness of rosiglitazone have not been established for children.
Most important information about Avandia
More information about AVANDIA (Rosiglitazone):
AVANDIA (Rosiglitazone): What You Should Know
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Tags: Avandia (Rosiglitazone), Conditions & Treatments, Medications, Type 2 Diabetes
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