Common uses
This medicine is used to treat type 2 diabetes by reducing the resistance your body has to insulin. It is used either alone or in combination with other anti-diabetes medicines, including metformin or insulin, as part of a diet and exercise program.
Before using
Additional monitoring of your dose or condition may be needed if you are taking other medicine for diabetes. Inform your doctor of any other medical conditions, allergies, pregnancy, or breast-feeding. Use of Avandia is not recommended if you have newly diagnosed or worsening heart failure (acute congestive heart failure) or type 1 diabetes. Additional monitoring of your dose or condition may be needed if you have heart disease (e.g., chronic congestive heart failure) or liver disease. Contact your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns about taking Avandia.
Directions
Follow the directions for using Avandia provided by your doctor. This medicine may be taken on an empty stomach or with food. Store Avandia at room temperature at 77 degrees f (25 degrees c) in a tightly-closed container, away from heat, moisture, and light. If you miss a dose of Avandia, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.
Cautions
Do not stop using Avandia or other diabetes medicine without first checking with your doctor. Check with your doctor before adjusting the dose of your diabetes medicine or changing your diet. Keep all doctor and laboratory appointments (e.g., liver function test) while you are using Avandia. Before you begin taking any new medicine, either prescription or over-the-counter, check with your doctor or pharmacist.
For women: Avandia may increase your chance of pregnancy by causing ovulation to resume in women who have not been ovulating. Consult your doctor or pharmacist about the use of reliable birth control while using Avandia. If you plan on becoming pregnant, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using this medicine during pregnancy. It is unknown if Avandia is excreted in breast milk. Do not breast-feed while taking Avandia.
Possible side effects
No common side effects have been reported with the proper use of Avandia. Check with your doctor as soon as possible if you experience unusual tiredness or weakness. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience the following side effects: nausea; vomiting; stomach pain; fatigue; loss of appetite; unusual thirst; unusual amount of urine; dark urine; rapid weight gain; bloating or swelling of ankles, feet, or hands; chest pain; or shortness of breath. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.
If you take too much
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately.
Additional information
Follow the dietary plan provided by your doctor. Carry an identification card at all times that says you are diabetic. Monitor your blood sugar levels regularly according to your doctor's directions. If your blood sugar level is often higher than it should be and you are taking Avandia according to directions, check with your doctor.
Do not share Avandia with others for whom it was not prescribed. Do not use Avandia for other health conditions. Keep this product out of the reach of children. If using Avandia for an extended period of time, obtain refills before your supply runs out.
Drug interactions
Drug interactions can result in unwanted side effects or prevent a medicine from doing its job. Some medicines or medical conditions may interact with Avandia. Inform your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and over-the-counter medicine that you are taking.
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