What is Avandia (Rosiglitazone) prescribed for?

Avandia, used with a proper diet and execise program, can control high blood sugar in people with type 2 diabetes.  By controlling the high blood sugar, you can also control the risks, and prevent kidney damage, blindness, nerve problems, loss of limbs, and sexual function problems. And with proper control of diabetes type 2, you may lessen the risk of a heart attack or stroke.

How does Avandia (Rosiglitazone) work?

Rosiglitazone belongs to a class of medication known as glitazones. It lowers blood sugar by helping to restore your body’s proper response to insulin.

Take this medication by mouth, with our without food, as directed by your doctor.  It is usually taken once or twice daily. Use this medication regularly to gain the most benefit. Also keep in mind the dosage you are give is based on  your medical condition and your response to the treatment. It may take up tot 2 to 3 months before you notice anything of signifigance.

Tell your doctor if you condition does not improve or worsens.

Before taking rosiglitazone, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to other glitazones such as pioglitazone; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: liver disease, heart disease (such as congestive heart failure, heart attack, angina), fluid in the lungs, swelling (edema), anemia, eye (retina) problems, bone problems (such as osteoporosis, osteopenia).

Limit alcohol while taking this medication because it can increase your risk of developing low blood sugar.

It may be harder to control your blood sugar when your body is stressed (such as due to fever, infection, injury, or surgery). Consult your doctor because this may require a change in your treatment plan, medications, or blood sugar testing.

Headache or cough may occur. If either of these effects persists or worsens, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: fast/pounding heartbeat, changes in menstrual cycles, bone fracture, vision changes (such as color changes or night vision problems).

Rosiglitazone has rarely caused very serious liver disease. Tell your doctor right away if you develop symptoms of liver disease, including: nausea/vomiting that doesn't stop, loss of appetite, stomach/abdominal pain, yellowing eyes/skin, dark urine.

Symptoms of high blood sugar (hyperglycemia) include thirst, increased urination, confusion, drowsiness, flushing, rapid breathing, and fruity breath odor. If these symptoms occur, tell your doctor right away. Your dosage may need to be increased.

Get medical help right away if you have any very serious side effects, including: symptoms of a heart attack (such as chest/jaw/left arm pain, shortness of breath, unusual sweating).

What is Avandia?

Avandia is a brand-name anti-diabetic medication manufactured by GlaxoSmithKline. It comes in the form of a tablet for oral administration in three strengths; 2, 4, and 8mg of rosiglitazone. This medication is available in all three strengths at My Drug Center, accessible with a valid prescription.

What is Avandia used for?

The purpose of Avandia is to help control blood sugar levels in those with type 2 diabetes; this condition causes blood sugar levels to become abnormally high. High blood sugar can lead to some unwanted health risks which is why it is important to keep blood sugar under control. Lowering blood sugar in those with diabetes can help reduce the risk of kidney damage, blindness, and nerve problems; it may also help lessen the risk of heart attack and stroke.

How does Avandia work?

In people with type 2 diabetes; the cells in the body are not able to respond to insulin properly. Insulin is naturally made in the pancreas and is needed to turn blood sugar into energy. Avandia works by binding to a group of nuclear receptor proteins found in fat cells, allowing them to become more responsive to insulin. As a result, the insulin – which the body is now able to properly respond too - moves the excess blood sugar from the blood into the cells throughout your body to be used for energy thus reducing the total amount of blood sugar found in the body.

When was Avandia put on the market?

Avandia was first patented in 1987 and over ten years later in 1999, it was made available on the market; the annual sales for the medication peaked in 2006. By 2012, the patent for the drug expired, allowing generic manufactures to create their own generic rosiglitazone if desired. As of 2021, there is still no generic alternative available for rosiglitazone in the United States.

What is the generic name for Avandia?

The generic name for Avandia is named after the active ingredient; rosiglitazone. Though there is not generic available for purchase yet, we do carry the brand name medication at a low cost at My Drug Center; Avandia can be found for as low as $2.43 per tablet, accessible with a valid prescription.

What are the side effects of Avandia?

Side effects of rosiglitazone (Avandia) may include headache or cough. These side effects should not alarm you; however, if they are persistent or become worse, you may be able to speak with your doctor about switching to an alternate medication.