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Information on Tablets A-Z
BRAND NAME : Rosiglitazone
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Brand Names:
Avandia
Medication prescribed:
Rosiglitazone is used, alone or in combination with other medications, to treat type 2 (noninsulin-dependent) diabetes (formerly 'adult-onset') in people whose diabetes cannot be controlled by diet and exercise alone. Rosiglitazone is in a class of drugs called thiazolidinediones. These drugs work by increasing your body's sensitivity to insulin, a substance your body produces to help control blood sugar levels. Rosiglitazone is not used to treat type 1 (insulin-dependent) diabetes (formerly 'juvenile-onset').
This medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
How should this medicine be used:
Rosiglitazone comes as a tablet to take by mouth. It is usually taken once or twice daily with or without meals. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take rosiglitazone exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.
Rosiglitazone controls type 2 diabetes but does not cure it. Continue to take rosiglitazone even if you feel well. Do not stop taking rosiglitazone without talking to your doctor.
Special precautions:
Before taking rosiglitazone,
tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to rosiglitazone, pioglitazone, troglitazone, or any other drugs.
tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking, especially insulin, other medications for type 2 diabetes, and vitamins or herbal products. Tell your doctor and pharmacist if you have ever taken troglitazone (Rezulin).
tell your doctor if you have or have ever had heart failure, liver disease (including cirrhosis and hepatitis), high cholesterol, edema, (fluid retention problems) or a history of alcohol abuse.
tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding. If you become pregnant while taking rosiglitazone, call your doctor immediately.
you should know that rosiglitazone can restart ovulation in women taking oral contraceptives or those with polycystic ovary disease. You are at risk for pregnancy if adequate birth control is not used. You should discuss a reliable form of birth control with your doctor. If you are taking birth control pills, your doctor may choose to adjust your dose.
Special dietary instructions:
Rosiglitazone should be taken with the same meal(s) every day. Be sure to follow all exercise and dietary recommendations made by your doctor or dietitian. Calorie reduction, weight loss, and exercise will help control your diabetes and will also make rosiglitazone work better. It is important to eat a healthy diet.
Alcohol increases blood sugar; ask your doctor for information on how much alcohol is safe to drink.
If I forget a dose:
Take the missed dose as soon as your remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.
What side effects:
Rosiglitazone usually does not cause hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) when used alone, but it may cause low blood sugar when used with other medications for diabetes. If you have any of the following symptoms, eat or drink a food or beverage with sugar in it, such as hard candy or fruit juice, and call your doctor immediately. Symptoms of low blood sugar include:
shakiness
dizziness
rapid heartbeat
sweating
confusion
blurred vision
headache
numbness or tingling of the mouth
weakness
fatigue
pale color
sudden hunger
If you have any of the following symptoms of hyperglycemia (high blood sugar), call your doctor immediately:
thirst
dry mouth
tiredness
flushing
dry skin
frequent urination
loss of appetite
trouble breathing
Although side effects from rosiglitazone are not common, they can occur. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
sinus or respiratory infection
headache
back pain
diarrhea
tiredness
weight gain
If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:
seizures
loss of consciousness
irregular menstrual cycle (in women)
upset stomach
vomiting
stomach pain
excessive tiredness
dark urine
yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes
shortness of breath
rapid weight gain
swollen ankles or feet
What storage conditions:
Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.
In case of overdose:
In case of overdose, call your local poison control center. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.
Other information:
Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your blood sugar and glycosolated hemoglobin should be checked regularly to determine your response to rosiglitazone.
Rare cases of liver injury and failure have occurred during therapy with troglitazone, a drug similar to rosiglitazone. The potential risk of liver injury with rosiglitazone is not known at this time. It is important that you keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your doctor will order certain laboratory tests before and during your treatment to check your response to rosiglitazone. You will have these tests before you begin to take rosiglitazone, and then every 2 months for the first year of therapy. After the first year, these tests will be done less frequently.
Call your doctor during periods of stress, such as fever, trauma, infection, or prolonged illness. Your medications may need to be adjusted.
Rosiglitazone may cause a slight decrease in red and white blood cells. Before you have any laboratory test, tell the laboratory personnel and your doctor that you take this medication.
Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.
More information: Rosiglitazone
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