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Avandia

(rosiglitazone)

In this factsheet:
• How does Avandia work? What will it do for me?
• How should I use Avandia?
• What form(s) does Avandia come in?
• Who should NOT take Avandia?
• What side effects are possible with Avandia?
• Are there any other precautions or warnings for Avandia?
• What other drugs could interact with Avandia?

DIN (Drug Identification Number)

How does Avandia work? What will it do for me?

Rosiglitazone is used to treat a certain type of diabetes mellitus (type 2 diabetes, formerly known as non-insulin dependent diabetes). This medication reduces levels of blood glucose (sugar in the blood) by helping insulin to work more effectively and allowing the cells of the body to take glucose in more easily. The full effects of this medication are usually seen within 8 to 12 weeks.

This medication is used to lower blood glucose when diet, exercise, and weight reduction have not lowered blood glucose levels enough on their own. Lowering and controlling blood glucose levels may help prevent or delay complications of diabetes such as heart disease, kidney disease, or blindness.

Your doctor may have suggested this medication for conditions other than the ones listed in these drug information articles. If you have not discussed this with your doctor or are not sure why you are taking this medication, speak to your doctor. Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor.

Do not give this medication to anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms as you do. It can be harmful for people to take this medication if their doctor has not prescribed it.

How should I use Avandia?

The dose of rosiglitazone will vary according to the circumstances of the person taking it. The average starting dose is 4 mg once daily or 2 mg twice daily. After 8 to 12 weeks, your doctor may increase the dose to 8 mg once daily or 4 mg twice daily, if necessary.

Rosiglitazone may be taken with or without food.

It is important that this medication be taken exactly as prescribed by your doctor. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible and continue with your regular schedule. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

It is important to follow your doctor's instructions regarding blood glucose monitoring to ensure that you get the maximum benefit from the medication.

Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are taking the medication without consulting your doctor.

Store this medication at room temperature and keep it out of the reach of children.

Do not dispose of medications in wastewater (e.g. down the sink or in the toilet) or in household garbage. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medications that are no longer needed or have expired.

What form(s) does Avandia come in?

2 mg
Each pink, pentagonal film-coated TILTAB tablet, debossed with SB or GSK on one side and "2" on the other, contains rosiglitazone maleate equivalent to rosiglitazone 2 mg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, lactose monohydrate, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, polyethylene glycol 3000, sodium starch glycolate, titanium dioxide and triacetin; colourant: one or more of the following: synthetic red and yellow iron oxides and talc.

4 mg
Each orange, pentagonal film-coated TILTAB tablet, debossed with SB or GSK on one side and "4" on the other, contains rosiglitazone maleate equivalent to rosiglitazone 4 mg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, lactose monohydrate, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, polyethylene glycol 3000, sodium starch glycolate, titanium dioxide and triacetin; colourant: one or more of the following: synthetic red and yellow iron oxides and talc.

8 mg
Each red-brown, pentagonal film-coated TILTAB tablet, debossed with SB or GSK on one side and "8" on the other, contains rosiglitazone maleate equivalent to rosiglitazone 8 mg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, lactose monohydrate, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, polyethylene glycol 3000, sodium starch glycolate, titanium dioxide and triacetin; colourant: one or more of the following: synthetic red and yellow iron oxides and talc.

Some medications may have other generic brands available. Always ask your doctor or pharmacist about the safety of switching between brands of the same medication.

Who should NOT take Avandia?

Rosiglitazone should not be taken by anyone who:

• is allergic to rosiglitazone or any of the ingredients of this medication
• is pregnant
• has a cardiac condition that restricts all forms of physical activity (confined to bed or chair) due to discomfort; discomfort also occurs at rest (NYHA Class IV)
• has a cardiac condition that significantly limits physical activity (but is comfortable at rest; NYHA Class III)
• has or has a history of heart failure
• has serious liver function impairment

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