Before you begin taking a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or Allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use Avandia (Rosiglitazone).
Fluid retention and heart failure: Avandia (Rosiglitazone) can cause fluid buildup in the body, which may lead to heart failure. Your doctor will monitor you for these problems. If you develop fluid buildup or swelling, shortness of breath, fatigue, or excessive weight gain while taking Avandia (Rosiglitazone), contact your doctor immediately. People with a history of heart failure should not take Avandia (Rosiglitazone).
Since the risk of heart failure and fluid buildup increases when Avandia (Rosiglitazone) is used with other antidiabetes medications, Avandia (Rosiglitazone) should only be used alone or in combination with a sulfonylurea (such as Glyburide or Gliclazide) OR Metformin, but not with other diabetes medications (such as insulin), and not with both a sulfonylurea AND metformin together.
Fractures: Women taking Avandia (Rosiglitazone) may be at an increased risk of bone fractures, especially of the upper arm, hand, and foot. Discuss the risk and benefits of using Avandia (Rosiglitazone) with your doctor.
Heart attack and chest pain: Avandia (Rosiglitazone) can increase the risk of chest pain (Angina) and heart attacks. If you have underlying heart disease, or are at a high risk of heart attack, discuss the risks and benefits of using Avandia (Rosiglitazone) with your doctor. Avandia (Rosiglitazone) is not recommended for people who take nitrates (e.g., Nitroglycerin, isosorbide mononitrate, isosorbide dinitrate), which are used to relieve chest pain.
Liver: Avandia (Rosiglitazone) may cause liver damage. Your doctor will monitor your liver function while you are taking Avandia (Rosiglitazone). 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
Loss of blood glucose control: Loss of blood glucose control can occur during times of acute stress such as Fever, trauma, infection, or surgery. During these times, your doctor may temporarily stop Avandia (Rosiglitazone) and use insulin until you have recovered.
Ovulation: Some women using Avandia (Rosiglitazone) may start having menstrual periods, even after not having a period due to a medical condition (e.g., Polycystic Ovary Syndrome). As a result, you could get pregnant while taking Avandia (Rosiglitazone). Talk to your doctor about the need for birth control.
Vision: Avandia (Rosiglitazone) may cause swelling of the Retin A in the eye. If you experience any vision changes while taking Avandia (Rosiglitazone), contact your doctor immediately.
Pregnancy: Avandia (Rosiglitazone) should not be used during pregnancy. Usually insulin is used to control high blood sugars during pregnancy. If you become pregnant while taking Avandia (Rosiglitazone), contact your doctor immediately.
Breast-feeding: It is not known if Avandia (Rosiglitazone) passes into breast milk. If you are a breast-feeding mother and are taking Avandia (Rosiglitazone), it may affect your baby. Talk to your doctor about whether you should continue breast-feeding.
Children: The safety and effectiveness of Avandia (Rosiglitazone) have not been established for children less than 18 years of age.
