Avandia

Common Name: rosiglitazone

How does Avandia work?

Rosiglitazone is used to treat a certain type of diabetes mellitus (type 2 diabetes, formerly known as non-insulin dependent diabetes). The drug reduces levels of blood glucose (sugar in the blood) by helping insulin to work more effectively and allowing the cells of the body to take glucose in more easily. By controlling blood glucose levels effectively and making cells more "sensitive" to insulin, rosiglitazone can help prevent or delay the long and short-term complications of diabetes (e.g., kidney disease, eye problems, nerve problems). This drug can be used alone or together with other agents used to treat diabetes (e.g., glyburide, metformin, insulin). Your doctor may choose to use this medication for other conditions. If you're unsure why you are taking this medication, contact your doctor.

How should I use Avandia?

The dose of rosiglitazone will vary according to the circumstances of the person taking it. The average starting dose is 4 mg once a day or 2 mg twice a day. After 12 weeks, the doctor may increase the dose to 8 mg once a day or 4 mg twice a day if necessary. Rosiglitazone may be taken with or without food and should be taken regularly as prescribed so that blood levels of the drug are always in the correct range for effectiveness. If a dose of rosiglitazone is missed, take it as soon as you remember, so that levels will be kept as constant as possible in the blood. If it is almost time to take your next dose of rosiglitazone, do not double your dose. Go back to your regular dosing schedule. It is important to follow your doctor's instructions regarding blood glucose monitoring to ensure that you get the maximum benefit from the medication. Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are taking the medication without consulting your doctor. Rosiglitazone should be stored away from heat and direct light.

What form(s) does Avandia come in?

Avandia® is available in strengths of 2 mg, 4 mg, and 8 mg. 2 mg: Each pink, pentagonal, film-coated tablet, marked "SB" on one side and "2" on the other, contains rosiglitazone 2 mg. 4 mg: Each orange, pentagonal, film-coated tablet, marked "SB" on one side and "4" on the other, contains rosiglitazone 4 mg. 8 mg: Each red-brown, pentagonal, film-coated tablet, marked "SB" on one side and "8" on the other, contains rosiglitazone 8 mg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, lactose monohydrate, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, polyethylene glycol, sodium starch glycolate, titanium dioxide, and triacetin; colourant: one or more of the following: synthetic red and yellow iron oxides and talc.

What should I NOT take with Avandia?

Rosiglitazone should not be taken by anyone with: symptoms of liver problems - abdominal or stomach pain, dark urine, loss of appetite, nausea or vomiting, unusual tiredness or weakness, or yellow eyes or skin low blood sugar acute heart failure an allergy to the product or any of its components

Are there any other precautions or warnings for Avandia?

Liver: Report any signs of liver problems to your doctor at once. These signs include: abdominal or stomach pain dark urine loss of appetite nausea or vomiting unusual tiredness or weakness yellow eyes or skin Heart failure: Rosiglitazone can cause fluid build-up in the body, which may lead to congestive heart failure. This medication should not be used by anyone who has had heart failure, or anyone who is at risk of heart failure, including people with swelling due to fluid build-up. People who have had or are at risk of heart failure should have close medical supervision while using rosiglitazone. People who develop fluid build-up or swelling, shortness of breath, fatigue, or excessive weight gain while taking this medication should consult their doctor immediately. Pregnancy: This medication should be used during pregnancy only if the benefits outweigh any risks as determined by your doctor. Usually insulin is used to control high blood sugars during pregnancy. Breast-feeding: Inform your doctor if you are breast-feeding or are intending to breast-feed while taking this medication. Ovulation: Ovulation may resume in women who have not reached menopause but have ceased to ovulate. Birth control may need to be considered in these situations.