What is Avandia?
Avandia is an oral diabetes medication that helps control blood sugar levels.Avandia can be used in conjunction with diet and exercise for adults with type II diabetes mellitus to help control blood sugar levels.Avandia does not treat type I diabetes.Avandia should not be used with insulin. This medicine may increase the risk of heart problems if taken with insulin.
Warnings
Avandia may cause or worsen congestive heart disease. This medicine should not be used if your heart failure is severe or uncontrolled.If you experience shortness of breath (especially while lying down), unusual fatigue, swelling, or a rapid weight increase, stop using Avandia immediately and contact your doctor.
Before you take this drug
Avandia should not be used if:
- Heart failure that is severe or uncontrollable
- Diabetic ketoacidosis (call your doctor for treatment).
Tell your doctor about any of the following to ensure that Avandia will be safe for you:
- Heart disease or congestive heart failure?
- A stroke or heart attack
- Diabetes can cause eye problems.
- Liver disease
You may be at greater risk for serious heart problems if you take Avandia, but untreated diabetes can also cause damage to your heart and other organs. Speak to your doctor regarding the risks and benefits associated with this medication.If you're pregnant or plan to become pregnant, follow your doctor’s instructions for using this medicine. High blood sugar can cause complications for both the mother and the baby.Rosiglitazone can stimulate ovulation and increase the risk of unintended pregnancies in women who are not yet menopausal. Speak to your doctor about the risks.Rosiglitazone may increase the risk of a woman breaking a bone. Speak to your doctor about how you can keep your bones strong.Avandia should not be used while breastfeeding.Avandia cannot be used by anyone under the age of 18.
How to take Avandia?
Adhere to all directions listed on your prescription label and read any medication guides or instruction sheets provided with your medication. Read all the instructions and directions included on the prescription label. Sometimes your doctor will change the dose.Avandia may be taken either with or without food.You might feel very hungry or dizzy. You might also be confused, anxious, irritable, or confused. If you want to treat hyperglycemia quickly, consume or drink something that will provide sugar quickly (such as fruit juice, hard candies, crackers, or raisins).In the event of severe hypoglycemia, your doctor may prescribe a glucagon injectable kit. Make sure that your family and friends are familiar with how to administer this injection in case of an emergency.Stress can affect blood sugar levels. Other factors that may influence blood sugar include illness, surgery, or alcohol consumption. Consult your doctor before changing the dose or schedule of your medication.Your blood sugar level may not improve for up to two weeks. Continue to take the medication according to instructions, and inform your doctor if you do not see improvement in 2 or 3 months.Avandia may be part of a larger treatment plan that includes diet, exercise, and weight management, as well as blood sugar testing and other medical attention. You should follow your doctor's advice.Keep this medicine at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and light. When not in use, keep the bottle tightly shut.
Details on dosage
Adult dosage for diabetes type 2:
Initial dose: Orally, 4 mg once daily.
Increase the dose to 8 mg/day if you do not see improvement after 8–12 weeks.
Maximum dose: 8 mg/day
Comments:
Take as a single daily dose or divide into two doses.
Monitor closely for fluid-related adverse events during initiation and dosage titration.
Use: As an adjunct to diet, exercise, and glycemic control for adult patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.
What happens if I miss the dose?
If you are almost due for your next dose, skip the missed one. Never take two doses of the same medicine at once.
What happens if I overdose?
Call the Poison Help Line at 1-800-222-1222 or seek emergency medical care. Low blood sugar can cause extreme weakness, blurred or distorted vision, sweating, and difficulty speaking. Other symptoms include tremors, confusion, nausea, vomiting, and seizures.
Aviod this
If your doctor prescribes any restrictions regarding food, beverage, or activity, follow their instructions.
Side effects of Avandia
If you experience signs of an Avandia allergic reaction (hives, itching, or burning eyes) or a severe reaction on your skin (fever, sore mouth, skin pain or blistering, or a red or purple rash), seek emergency medical attention.If you experience any of these symptoms, stop using the medicine immediately and contact your doctor.
If you experience:
- Shortness of breath, especially when lying down; unusual fatigue; swelling; rapid weight gain;
- Chest pain or pressure, pain spreading into your jaw or shoulder, or nausea
- Pale skin, feeling faint or light-headed, cold hands and/or feet
- Changes in your vision
- You may experience sudden, unusual pain in the hand, arm, or foot.
Avandia may cause side effects such as:
- Headache
- Cold symptoms include stuffy noses, sinus pain, sneezing, and sore throats.
There may be other side effects. For medical advice on side effects, call your doctor. The FDA can be contacted at 1-800-FDA-1088 to report side effects.
Interaction with other drug
Inform your doctor if insulin is used. Avandia can increase the risk of heart problems if you use insulin.
Inform your physician of all medications you are currently taking. Rosiglitazone can interact with many drugs, including:
- Blood pressure medication
- Cholesterol medication
- Heart medication
This list is incomplete, and other drugs can interact with rosiglitazone. These include prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. This list does not include all drug interactions.
