Avandia
Generic Name:
Rosiglitazone maleate
Brand Names:
Avandia
Avandia Description:
Avandia is used in the treatment of patients with type 2 diabetes, or adult-onset, non-insulin dependent diabetes. Avandia works to control high blood sugar by helping the body to utilize insulin more effectively. The medication is part of a total diabetes treatment plan that may include other diabetes medications, as well as diet and exercise to manage weight.
Avandia is not used to treat patients with type 1 diabetes, diabetic ketoacidosis, or those under 18 years of age.
If you have experienced serious side effects following the use of Avandia you may have legal options to seek compensation to cover the cost of medical expenses, pain and suffering. For additional information about Avandia lawsuits, please call 1-800-439-8180 or fill out the form on this page.
Avandia Side Effects:
Avandia may cause serious heart-related complications or liver problems. Notify your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following side effects with Avandia use:
- Changes in vision
- Dark urine
- Fractures or broken bones, especially in women
- Jaundice (yellowing of the skin or the whites of the eyes)
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea
- Rapid increase in weight
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, especially when lying down
- Swelling, especially in the ankles or legs
- Unusual fatigue
- Vomiting
For more information, see our Avandia side effects page.
Avandia Uses:
Avandia is used to control blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes. By helping the body use its own natural insulin more effectively, Avandia can give diabetic patients more control over the disease. High blood sugar that is left uncontrolled can lead to diabetic complications such as kidney failure, stroke, heart disease, blindness, or amputation of a limb.
It is not recommended to combine Avandia treatment with insulin or nitrate medications.
Avandia Interactions:
Combining Avandia with insulin or nitrate medications such as nitroglycerin or isosorbide can increase the risk of heart-related chest pain (angina) or heart attack (myocardial infarction). It is generally not recommended to combine these medications.
Do not combine Avandia with medications for high blood pressure, high cholesterol, heart failure, or the prevention of heart disease without first talking with your doctor.
Avandia may also interact with the following medications and supplements:
- Bitter melon
- Fenugreek
- Gemfibrozil
- Glucomannan
- Guar gum
- Psyllium
- Rifampin
- St. John’s Wort
- Trimethoprim
Avandia Dosage Information:
Typical Dosage Recommendations
Avandia is usually prescribed as an initial dosage of 4 mg per day, taken in one dose. If two doses are preferred, 2 mg may be taken twice per day. Dosage may be increased after 8 to 12 weeks of treatment to 8 mg once a day, or 4 mg twice per day. Doses can be taken with or without food.
Missing a Dose of Avandia
If a dose of Avandia is missed, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and wait to return to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double dose on this medication.
Avandia Overdose
Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have overdosed on Avandia.
Avandia FDA Approval:
May 25, 1999
Avandia Recall/Black Box Warning Information:
There is a Black Box warning on Avandia concerning the risk of congestive heart failure and myocardial ischemia. Avandia and other thiazolidinedione antidiabetic medications may cause or worsen congestive heart failure in certain patients. At the beginning of Avandia treatment and after dose increases, patients should be observed for signs of heart failure which include rapid weight gain, swelling, or difficulty breathing.
Avandia should not be taken by patients who have heart failure with even mild symptoms, and especially not be those with established NYHA Class III or IV heart failure.
Avandia is associated with an increased risk of myocardial ischemic events including chest pain (angina) and heart attack.
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