home > drugs a-z list > avandia (rosiglitazone maleate) drug center > avandia (rosiglitazone maleate) drug - patient how to take

In this Article

• What is rosiglitazone (Avandia)?
• What are the possible side effects of rosiglitazone (Avandia)?
• What is the most important information I should know about rosiglitazone (Avandia)?
• What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking rosiglitazone (Avandia)?
• How should I take rosiglitazone (Avandia)?
• What happens if I miss a dose (Avandia)?
• What happens if I overdose (Avandia)?
• What should I avoid while taking rosiglitazone (Avandia)?
• What other drugs will affect rosiglitazone (Avandia)?
• Where can I get more information?

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking rosiglitazone (Avandia)?

Do not use rosiglitazone if you have type 1 diabetes, or if you are in a state of diabetic ketoacidosis (call your doctor for treatment with insulin).

If you have certain conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely use this medication. Before taking rosiglitazone, tell your doctor if you have:

• congestive heart failure or heart disease;
• a history of heart attack or stroke;
• liver disease; or
• eye problems caused by diabetes.

Taking certain oral diabetes medications may increase your risk of serious heart problems. However, not treating your diabetes can damage your heart and other organs. Talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of treating your diabetes with rosiglitazone.

Some women using rosiglitazone have started having menstrual periods, even after not having a period for a long time due to a medical condition. You may be able to get pregnant if your periods restart. Talk with your doctor about the need for birth control.

Women may also be more likely than men to have bone fractures in the upper arm, hand, or foot while taking rosiglitazone. Talk with your doctor if you are concerned about this possibility.

Categoría C del embarazo por la FDA. No se conoce si rosiglitazone le puede hacer daño al bebé nonato. Antes de usar esta medicina, dígale a su médico usted está embarazada o planea tener un embarazo durante su tratamiento.

It is not known whether rosiglitazone passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not take rosiglitazone without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I take rosiglitazone (Avandia)?

Take this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take the medication in larger or smaller amounts, or take it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the best results from this medication.

Rosiglitazone is usually taken in the morning and evening. You may take the medicine with or without food.

Rosiglitazone is only part of a complete program of treatment that also includes diet, exercise, and weight control. Your doctor may also recommend other medicines to treat your diabetes.

It is important to use this medicine regularly to get the most benefit. Get your prescription refilled before you run out of medicine completely.

To be sure this medication is helping your condition, your blood will need to be tested on a regular basis. Your liver function may also need to be tested, and you may need regular eye exams. It is important that you not miss any scheduled visits to your doctor.

Your medication needs may change if you become sick or injured, if you have a serious infection, or if you have any type of surgery. Your doctor may want you to stop taking rosiglitazone for a short time if any of these situations affect you.

Take care not to let your blood sugar get too low, causing hypoglycemia. You may have hypoglycemia if you skip a meal, exercise too long, drink alcohol, or are under stress.

Know the signs of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) and how to recognize them:

• hunger, headache, confusion, irritability;
• drowsiness, weakness, dizziness, tremors;
• sweating, fast heartbeat;
• seizure (convulsions); or
• fainting, coma (severe hypoglycemia can be fatal).

Always keep a source of sugar available in case you have symptoms of low blood sugar. Sugar sources include orange juice, glucose gel, candy, or milk. If you have severe hypoglycemia and cannot eat or drink, use an injection of glucagon. Your doctor can give you a prescription for a glucagon emergency injection kit and tell you how to give the injection.

Store rosiglitazone at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light.