Common uses

Avandia is an oral diabetes medicine that help control blood sugar levels.
Avandia is for people with type 2 (non-insulin-dependent) diabetes. Avandia is sometimes used in combination with insulin or other medications, but it is not for treating type 1 diabetes.
Avandia may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

Before using

Before taking rosiglitazone, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to other "glitazones" such as pioglitazone; or if you have any other allergies.
Promptly talk with your doctor or pharmacist about the benefits and possible risks of this medication, even if you have been taking it for awhile, especially if you have heart problems. Do not stop taking it unless directed to do so.
This medication should not be used if you have certain medical conditions. Before using this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have: type 1 diabetes (insulin-dependent diabetes), very high blood glucose (diabetic ketoacidosis), newly diagnosed or worsening heart failure (acute congestive heart failure), history of liver disease, active liver disease.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: heart disease (e.g., chronic congestive heart failure, heart attack, angina), fluid in your lungs, swelling (edema), anemia, high blood cholesterol, eye (retina) problems, bone problems (e.g., osteoporosis, osteopenia).
You may experience blurred vision, dizziness, or drowsiness due to extremely low or high blood sugar levels; use caution engaging in activities requiring alertness such as driving or using machinery.
Limit alcohol while taking this medication because it can increase the risk of your blood sugar getting too low (hypoglycemia).
During times of stress, such as fever, infection, injury or surgery, it may be more difficult to control your blood sugar. Consult your doctor, as additional medication may be required.
This medication may increase the risk of bone fracture (upper arm, hand, foot) in female patients. To lower the chance of getting injured, use caution when doing activities such as contact sports.
This medication can cause changes in the menstrual cycle (ovulation) in women with certain fertility problems. Consult your doctor or pharmacist about the use of reliable birth control while taking this medication.
This medication should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. Your doctor may substitute insulin for this drug during your pregnancy. Follow all instructions carefully.
It is unknown if this drug passes into breast milk. Breast-feeding while using this drug is not recommended. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Directions

Take this medication by mouth, with or without food, usually once or twice daily, or as directed by your doctor. Dosage is based on your medical condition, response to therapy, and if you are taking other anti-diabetic drugs. Use this medication regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. Remember to use it at the same time(s) each day. Monitor blood glucose levels on a regular basis. It may take up to 2 to 3 months before the full benefit of this drug takes effect. Take all other medications for diabetes as directed by your doctor.


Cautions

This medication may infrequently cause or worsen certain heart problems (congestive heart failure, heart attack). Seek immediate medical attention if you notice any symptoms of heart problems, including: swelling of the hands/feet, unusual/sudden weight gain, trouble breathing, chest pain/discomfort.


Possible side effects

Headache or cough may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.
Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: fast/pounding heartbeat, changes in menstrual cycles, bone fracture.
Tell your doctor immediately if any of these highly unlikely but very serious side effects occur: dark urine, yellowing of eyes/skin, persistent nausea/vomiting, stomach/abdominal pain, vision changes (e.g., color or night vision problems).
This medication usually does not cause low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), but this effect may occur if you do not consume enough calories (from food, juices, fruit, etc.). The symptoms include chills, cold sweat, dizziness, drowsiness, shaking, rapid heart rate, weakness, headache, fainting, tingling of the hands or feet, or hunger. It is a good habit to carry glucose tablets or gel to treat low blood sugar. If you are in a situation where you don't have these reliable forms of glucose, eat a quick source of sugar such as table sugar, honey, or candy, or drink a glass of orange juice or non-diet soda to quickly raise your blood sugar level. Tell your doctor immediately about the reaction. To help prevent hypoglycemia, eat meals on a regular schedule and do not skip meals.
Symptoms of high blood sugar (hyperglycemia) include thirst, increased urination, confusion, drowsiness, flushing, rapid breathing, or fruity breath odor. If these symptoms occur, tell your doctor immediately. Your medication dosage may need to be increased.
A serious allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, trouble breathing.
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

If you take too much

Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine. You may have signs of low blood sugar, such as hunger, headache, confusion, irritability, drowsiness, weakness, dizziness, tremors, sweating, fast heartbeat, seizure (convulsions), fainting, or coma.

Additional information

Avoid drinking alcohol while taking Avandia. Alcohol lowers blood sugar and may increase the risk of hypoglycemia while you are taking this medicine.

Drug interactions

Your healthcare professionals (e.g., doctor or pharmacist) may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for it. Do not start, stop or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with them first.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription/herbal products you may use, especially of: other anti-diabetic medications (e.g., insulin, metformin, or sulfonylureas such as glyburide), gemfibrozil, herbal/natural products (e.g., fenugreek, ginseng, gymnema), quinolone antibiotics (e.g., ciprofloxacin).
Beta-blocker medications (e.g., metoprolol, propranolol, glaucoma eye drops such as timolol) may prevent the fast/pounding heartbeat you would usually feel when your blood sugar level falls too low (hypoglycemia). Other symptoms of low blood sugar such as dizziness, hunger, or sweating are unaffected by these drugs.
This document does not contain all possible interactions. Therefore, before using this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all the products you use. Keep a list of all your medications with you, and share the list with your doctor and pharmacist.