If you have type 2 diabetes, your body doesn't make or use the hormone insulin normally, so it can't control the amount of sugar, or glucose, in the blood.
Avandia is in the thiazolidinedione class of drugs, which work by making your body's cells more sensitive to insulin.
The drug is manufactured by GlaxoSmithKline and was approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1999.
It's also available in a combination with metformin (Glucophage, Avandamet) and in a fixed-dose combination with glimepiride (Avandaryl).
In 2007, a review of research into rosiglitazone led to much controversy, investigations, lawsuits, and special FDA limits on prescribing the drug.
The review had indicated Avandia could cause heart attacks and death in some people.
But later, the FDA decided the risk of heart attack and death with Avandia was no different than it was for other diabetes drugs.
As of 2014, the FDA lifted some restrictions, but required providers who prescribe the drug to get special training about the research.
Avandia Warnings
Avandia used to have a black-box warning for heart attack and death, but the FDA has removed that warning.Avandia still carries a black-box warning because it may cause or worsen congestive heart failure.
In congestive heart failure, your heart is unable to pump enough blood with oxygen to your body.
Before taking Avandia, tell your doctor about any conditions you've had that may be related to or affect the heart, such as:
- Congestive heart failure
- A heart attack, a heart defect, an irregular heartbeat, or other heart disease
- Stroke or other blood-circulation conditions
- High cholesterol
- High blood pressure
- Sleep apnea
- A diabetic eye disease, such as macular edema
- Liver disease
- Shortness of breath
- Difficulty walking or exercising
- Swelling of the arms, hands, feet, ankles, or legs
- Stomach swelling or pain
- Waking during the night feeling short of breath
- Frequent dry cough or wheezing
- Fast or racing heartbeat
- Difficulty thinking clearly
- Confusion
- Increased fatigue
- Significant weight gain in a short period of time
You should not take Avandia if you have type 1 diabetes (the body can't make insulin) or diabetic ketoacidosis (a dangerous condition that can occur if high blood sugar is untreated).
Women who take Avandia may be more likely to suffer from bone fractures in the upper arm, hand, or foot.
Avandia helps control type 2 diabetes but doesn't cure it. It may take two weeks for your blood-sugar level to decline and up to three months for its full effects.
Continue to take it even if you feel well. Don't stop taking it without talking to your doctor first.
Avandia may change your blood-sugar levels. You should know the symptoms of high (hyperglycemic) or low (hypoglycemic) blood-sugar episodes and be prepared to treat them.
Tell your physician if you experience an illness, fever, injury, or unusual stress while taking Avandia, because these can change your blood sugar and the Avandia dosage you need.
Your doctor will probably want to frequently check glucose levels while you're taking Avandia. Keep all healthcare appointments, including the ones for tests at a lab.
Always wear a diabetic identification (ID) bracelet to be sure you get proper treatment in case of an emergency.
Avandia Lawsuits
Lawsuits over Avandia have claimed that the drug's manufacturer did not inform people about potentially life-threatening risks, such as heart failure, heart attack, stroke, bone fractures, vision loss, or death.As a result, GlaxoSmithKline has paid tens of millions of dollars in settlements.
But in 2013, an FDA review committee decided that Avandia and other rosiglitazone drugs do not cause more heart attacks or death than other diabetes medications, according to their review of research.
Pregnancy and Avandia
Avandia may cause harm to an unborn baby.Tell your doctor if you're pregnant or plan to become pregnant before taking Avandia.
The drug may increase the chance that you'll become pregnant, even if you don't have regular monthly periods.
Talk to your doctor about effective birth-control methods.
You shouldn't breastfeed while taking Avandia, because it's not known whether the drug passes into breast milk or could harm a breastfeeding baby.
Avandia Side Effects
Common Side Effects of Avandia
Tell your doctor if any of the following side effects become severe or don't go away:- Headache
- Runny nose or cold symptoms
- Sore throat
- Back Pain
Serious Side Effects of Avandia
Call your doctor immediately if you experience any of the symptoms listed in the Warning section or any of the following serious side effects:- Chest pain
- Pain in the jaw, arm, back, neck, or stomach
- Lightheadedness
- Breaking out in a cold sweat
- Loss of appetite, nausea or vomiting, or stomach pain
- Yellowing of the eyes or skin (jaundice)
- Dark-colored urine
- Eyesight changes
- Pale skin
- Dizziness
- Swelling of the eyes, face, lips, tongue, or throat
- Hoarseness
- Difficulty swallowing or breathing
- Hives or itching
- Fever
- Blisters
- Changes in menstrual cycles
Avandia Interactions
- Gemfibrozil (Lopid)
- Insulin or other medications for diabetes
- Medications for high blood pressure, high cholesterol, heart failure, or prevention of heart attack or stroke
- Rifampin (Rifadin), an antibiotic used for tuberculosis
Avandia and Alcohol
Alcohol can cause your blood-sugar levels to decrease.Ask your doctor if it's safe to drink alcohol while on Avandia.
Avandia Dosage
Dosage is based on your condition, response to treatment, and other medicines you take.
Try to take Avandia at the same time every day. Don't take more or less of the drug than is prescribed.
Your doctor may increase your dose after 8 to 12 weeks, depending on your response to the treatment.
Avandia Overdose
If you suspect an overdose, contact a poison-control center or emergency room immediately.You can reach a poison-control center at (800) 222-1222.
Avandia Missed Dose
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember, unless it's almost time for your next one.Don't double up to make up for a missed dose.
Avandia Pictures
