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Avandia
Uses:
Avandia is used to treat diabetes.
How to Take:
Take by mouth, with or without food, as directed. Dosage is based on your
medical condition and response to therapy. Avandia may be used in addition
to other medications to treat diabetes. Take all other medication as directed
by your doctor. If you are currently taking troglitazone, wait at least
one week between stopping troglitazone and starting therapy with this
drug. Consult your doctor or pharmacist.
Side Effects:
Headache may occur. If this effect persists or worsens, notify your doctor
promptly. Unlikely but report promptly: back pain, cough, unusual tiredness
or weakness, swelling, changes in menstrual cycle, unusual thirst or urination.
Very unlikely but report promptly: dizziness, tremors, rapid pulse, vomiting,
stomach pain, dark urine, yellowing eyes or skin. If you notice other
effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
Precautions:
Tell your doctor your medical history, including: allergies, high cholesterol,
swelling (edema), heart problems (e.g., congestive heart failure), fertility
problems (e.g., ovulation problems), very high blood glucose (diabetic
ketoacidosis), blood problems (e.g., anemia), liver disease. Consult your
doctor or pharmacist to learn the symptoms of high or low blood sugar.
Some symptoms of high blood sugar include thirst and increased urination.
Low blood sugar may cause you to feel shaky, sweaty, hungry or have an
increased pulse. Carry glucose tablets or gel to treat low blood sugar.
Consult your pharmacist. During times of stress, such as fever, infection,
injury or surgery, it may be more difficult to control your blood sugar.
Consult your doctor, as additional medication may be required. Avandia
can cause changes in the menstrual cycle (ovulation) in women with certain
fertility problems. Consult your doctor or pharmacist about the use of
reliable birth control while using Avandia. Avandia should be used only
when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with
your doctor. Insulin may be substituted for Avandia during your pregnancy;
follow all instructions carefully. It is not known whether Avandia is
excreted into breast milk. Because of the potential risk to the infant,
breast-feeding while using Avandia is not recommended. Consult your doctor
before breast-feeding.
Drug Interactions:
Tell your doctor of all prescription and nonprescription medication you
may use, especially of: diabetes drugs such as troglitazone. Do not start
or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.
Overdose:
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or
emergency room immediately.
Notes:
Do not share Avandia with others. It is recommended you attend a diabetes
education program to understand diabetes and all important aspects of
its treatment including meals, exercise, personal hygiene, medication
and getting regular eye and medical exams. Consult your doctor or pharmacist.
Keep all medical appointments. Laboratory and/or medical tests (e.g.,
liver function tests) will be performed to monitor for side effects and
response to therapy. Regularly check your blood or urine for sugar, as
directed by your doctor or pharmacist. Controlling high blood sugar helps
prevent heart disease, strokes, kidney disease and circulation problems.
Missed Dose:
If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is near the
time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing
schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.
Storage:
Store at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 to 30 degrees
C) away from light and moisture.
NOTE: The above information is intended to supplement, not substitute
for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist, or other
healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that the
use of the product is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult
your healthcare professional before taking the product. |
