Avandia (Rosiglitazone)

What is Avandia?

Avandia (rosiglitazone maleate) is an oral anti-diabetic drug (thiazolidinedione-type, also called ‘glitazones’).

What is Avandia used for?

Avandia is used to control high blood sugar in patients with type 2 diabetes. This helps in preventing kidney damage, blindness, loss of limbs, nerve problems and sexual disorders. It may also reduce the risk of heart attack or stroke.

How does Avandia work?

Avandia works by restoring body’s response to naturally-produced insulin and by reducing the amount of sugar produced by the liver.

How to use Avandia

Avandia should be taken in the manner prescribed by the doctor. Taking it for longer periods or in larger amounts than recommended can cause health problems.

The drug is usually taken once or twice daily. It can be taken with or without food.

Monitor your blood glucose levels on a regular basis.

Avandia warnings and precautions

Do not take Avandia if you have type1 diabetes or if you are in a state of diabetic ketoacidosis. Prior to taking Avandia, tell your doctor if you have heart or liver disease, eye problems caused by diabetes, congestive heart failure, or a history of stroke or heart attack.

Women who have not had their menstrual periods for a long time, due to certain medical conditions, may start having periods again. Since this has a direct connection with pregnancy, you may need effective birth control pills.

Avoid drinking alcohol while using Avandia. Some oral diabetes medicines may enhance the risk of severe heart problems. Therefore, avoid taking such medicines with Avandia.

Pregnant and lactating women should not use the drug without consulting their doctors.

What do I do if I have missed a Avandia dose?

If you have missed your Avandia dose you can take the missed dose as soon as you remember but do not take it if it is time for your next dose.

What do I do if I have taken a Avandia overdose?

If you have taken an Avandia overdose you should seek emergency medical attention.

Avandia interactions

Before taking Avandia, consult your doctor if you are taking drugs like rifampin (Rifater, Rimactane, Rifadin); gemfibrozil (Gemcor); or a nitrate drug for heart problems or chest pain, such as isosorbide mononitrate (Imdur, Monoket, ISMO), isosorbide dinitrate (Sorbitrate, Dilatrate-SR, Isordil), or nitroglycerin (Nitrolingual, Nitro-Bid, Nitrostat, Nitro-Dur).  

If you take Avandia with other drugs that increase blood sugar, you may get hyperglycemia (high blood sugar). Therefore avoid taking those drugs with Avandia. A list of such drugs include diuretics (water pills), steroids (prednisone), thyroid medicine (Synthroid), birth control pills, isoniazid, phenothiazines (Compazine), seizure medicines (Dilantin), diet pills or medicines to treat asthma, cold or other allergies.

You may get hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) if you use Avandia with other drugs that lower blood sugar. A list of these drugs include sulfa drugs (Bactrim), a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI), nonsteroidal anti

Avandia side effects

Avandia side effects include hives, breathing trouble, rapid weight gain or loss of appetite, chest pain, increased sweating, pain spreading to shoulder or arm, fever, nausea, stomach ache, increased thirst, increased frequency of urination, dark urine, clay-colored stools, weakness, blurred vision, jaundice, bruising or bleeding; swelling of face, tongue, lips or throat and other allergic reactions. If you get any of these side effects after using Avandia, stop taking the medicine and contact your doctor.

Runny nose, sneezing, cough or other symptoms of cold, mild diarrhea, weight gain, headache, or back pain are some less serious side effects of Avandia.