Avandia

Drug Uses

Avandia is an anti-diabetic drug used to control blood sugar levels in people with non-insulin dependent diabetes. The drug needs to be combined with a proper diet and regular exercise to maximize its efficiency.

How it is taken

You may take Avandia once a day with or without a meal. It is preferred that you take it once in the morning or at the same time everyday which will make it easier for you to remember your dosage time. The full effects of the drug may not be seen for up to 2 to 3 months.

Missed Dosage

If you miss a dose of Avandia, then you may take it as soon as you remember and adjust the remaining doses accordingly. However, if it is nearly time for the next dose then you may skip this dose and continue with the regular dosage. Do not take a double dose to make up for the missed dose.

Overdose

If you suspect an overdose, then seek medical care immediately.

Discuss with your doctor about any prior medical condition that you may have including allergies to medicines, food or other substances, liver problems, including yellowing of the skin, with troglitazone, if you have a history of heart disease (e.g., chronic congestive heart failure), are taking insulin, during periods of stress such as fever, infection, or surgery,

You must not take Avandia if you have type 1 diabetes.

Certain drugs can interact with Avandia and hence, mention clearly to your doctor or pharmacist all medicines, dietary supplements and herbal prescriptions that you are taking, especially any of the following.

If you are pregnant or suspect that you are, then consult your doctor about the risks before using Avandia. It is unknown whether Avandia is secreted in breast milk. Avoid breast feeding while using the drug.

Carry an ID card on person that says that you have diabetes. Combine the medication with a proper diet, other forms of medication like insulin or oral diabetic medicines and exercise to gain maximum benefits from it.

Monitor your blood sugar level at all times to gauge the effectiveness of the treatment.

Speak to your doctor about maintaining your blood sugar level at all times (fever, stress, fatigue, injury)

When using Avandia with insulin or other diabetes medicine, be sure that you and your family members know the risks, symptoms (e.g., numbness, fatigue, hunger, sweating, rapid pulse, confusion), and treatment (e.g., sugar–containing drinks or food) of low blood sugar

Periodic lab tests may be recommended to monitor your health while taking the drug. Ensure that you do not miss any lab tests.

Some of the common possible side effects of Avandia are back pain, diarrhea, headache, injury, sinus infection and upper respiratory tract infection.

Other severe side effects include allergic reactions (rash, hives, itching, difficulty breathing, tightness in the chest, swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue), abdominal pain, bloating or swelling of the ankles, feet, or hands, chest pain, confusion, dark urine, fast heartbeat, hunger, loss of appetite, nausea, numbness, pain, rapid weight gain, shortness of breath, stomach problems, sweating, tiredness, unusual thirst or amount of urine, vision changes, vomiting, yellowing of the skin.

You must seek medical attention immediately if any of these side effects occur.