rosiglitazone (oral) Health Article

Generic name(s):

rosiglitazone (oral)

Brand name(s):

rosiglitazone, Avandia

What is the most important information I should know about rosiglitazone?

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).

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.

Know the signs of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) and how to recognize them, including hunger, headache, confusion, irritability, drowsiness, weakness, dizziness, tremors, sweating, fast heartbeat, seizure (convulsions), fainting, or coma (severe hypoglycemia can be fatal). Always keep a source of sugar available in case you have symptoms of low blood sugar. 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.

What is rosiglitazone?

Rosiglitazone is an oral diabetes medicine that help control blood sugar levels.

Rosiglitazone is for people with type 2 (non-insulin-dependent) diabetes. Rosiglitazone is sometimes used in combination with insulin or other medications, but it is not for treating type 1 diabetes.

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

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

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).

Before taking this medication, 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.

If you have any of these conditions, you may not be able to use rosiglitazone, or you may need a dosage adjustment or special tests during treatment.

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. FDA pregnancy category C. This medication may be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment. 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.