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Brand Names: Rezulin

Generic Name: troglitazone (oral) (Pronunciation: troe glih TAH zone)

• What is troglitazone (Rezulin)?
• What are the possible side effects of troglitazone (Rezulin)?
• What is the most important information I should know about troglitazone (Rezulin)?
• Who should not take troglitazone (Rezulin)?
• How should I take troglitazone (Rezulin)?
• What happens if I miss a dose (Rezulin)?
• What happens if I overdose (Rezulin)?
• What should I avoid while taking troglitazone (Rezulin)?
• What other drugs will affect troglitazone (Rezulin)?
• Where can I get more information?

What is troglitazone (Rezulin)?

Troglitazone has been withdrawn from the U.S. market.

Troglitazone is an antihyperglycemic agent. It helps your body respond better to insulin and it reduces the amount of sugar produced by your liver. It can help control blood sugar levels.

Troglitazone is used to treat non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (type II diabetes), along with diet and exercise, and insulin, a sulfonylurea, or metformin (Glucophage) if necessary.

Troglitazone may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

What are the possible side effects of troglitazone (Rezulin)?

Stop taking troglitazone and seek emergency medical attention if you experience an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives).

In rare cases, troglitazone has caused severe liver damage resulting in death or liver transplant. Notify your doctor immediately if you develop nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, unusual fatigue, loss of appetite, yellow skin or eyes, itching, clay-colored stools, or dark urine. These symptoms may be early signs of liver damage.

Although troglitazone does not usually cause hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), hypoglycemia may result from skipped meals, excessive exercise, or alcohol consumption. Know the signs and symptoms of hypoglycemia, which include headache, drowsiness, weakness, dizziness, fast heartbeat, sweating, tremor, and nausea. Carry a piece of hard candy or glucose tablets with you to treat episodes of low blood sugar.

Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

What is the most important information I should know about troglitazone (Rezulin)?

Troglitazone has been withdrawn from the U.S. market.

In rare cases, troglitazone has caused severe liver damage resulting in death or liver transplant. Notify your doctor immediately if you develop nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, unusual fatigue, loss of appetite, yellow skin or eyes, itching, clay-colored stools, or dark urine. These symptoms may be early signs of liver damage.

Your doctor will need to monitor your liver function with blood tests before starting treatment with troglitazone, every month for the first year of treatment, and every 3 months (quarterly) thereafter.

Troglitazone usually does not cause hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). However, hypoglycemia may occur as a result of skipped meals, excessive exercise, or alcohol consumption. Know the signs and symptoms of hypoglycemia, which include headache, drowsiness, weakness, dizziness, fast heartbeat, sweating, tremor, and nausea. Carry a piece of hard candy or glucose tablets with you to treat episodes of low blood sugar.

Avoid alcohol. It lowers blood sugar and may interfere with your diabetes treatment.

Troglitazone may decrease the effects of some birth control pills. A higher dose of birth control pills, or another form of birth control, may be necessary while taking troglitazone to prevent pregnancy.