The brand name is Avandia. It contains the active ingredient rosiglitazone. Avandia is commonly used to help the body use insulin effectively, decreasing blood sugar levels.

How should I use this medication?

Take this medication by mouth with a glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. You can take this medication with or without food. Take your medication at the same time each day. Do not take more often than directed. Do not stop taking except on your care team's advice.

A special MedGuide will be given to you by the pharmacist with each prescription and refill. Be sure to read this information carefully each time.

Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. Special care may be needed.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

Where should I keep my medication?

Keep out of the reach of children and pets.

Store at room temperature between 20 and 25 degrees C (68 and 77 degrees F). Keep container tightly closed and protect from light. Throw away any unused medication after the expiration date.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:

• Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
• Chest pain (angina)—pain, pressure, or tightness in the chest, neck, back, or arms
• Heart attack—pain or tightness in the chest, shoulders, arms, or jaw, nausea, shortness of breath, cold or clammy skin, feeling faint or lightheaded
• Heart failure—shortness of breath, swelling of the ankles, feet, or hands, sudden weight gain, unusual weakness or fatigue
• Liver injury—right upper belly pain, loss of appetite, nausea, light-colored stool, dark yellow or brown urine, yellowing skin or eyes, unusual weakness or fatigue
• Low red blood cell level—unusual weakness or fatigue, dizziness, headache, trouble breathing
• Sudden eye pain or change in vision such as blurry vision, seeing halos around lights, vision loss

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):

• Headache
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Sore throat

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• Diabetic ketoacidosis
• Heart disease
• Heart failure
• Kidney disease
• Liver disease
• Macular edema
• Polycystic ovary syndrome
• Swelling of the arms, legs, or feet
• Taking insulin
• Taking nitrates for chest pain
• An unusual or allergic reaction to rosiglitazone, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• Pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• Breast-feeding

What may interact with this medication?

• Gemfibrozil
• Nitrates, such as amyl nitrite, isosorbide dinitrate, isosorbide mononitrate, nitroglycerin
• Other medications for diabetes, especially insulin
• Rifampin

Medications that may affect your blood sugar include:

• Alcohol
• Aspirin and aspirin-like medications
• Certain dietary supplements, such as chromium
• Certain medications for allergies, asthma, cold, or cough
• Certain antibiotics, such as ciprofloxacin, isoniazid, levofloxacin, sulfamethoxazole; trimethoprim
• Certain medications for blood pressure or heart disease
• Certain medications for mental health conditions, such as fluoxetine or olanzapine
• Certain medications for weight loss
• Chloramphenicol
• Diuretics, such as hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ)
• Estrogen and progestin hormones
• MAOIs, such as Carbex, Eldepryl, Marplan, Nardil, and Parnate
• Niacin
• Pentamidine
• Phenytoin
• Probenecid
• Steroid medications, such as prednisone or cortisone
• Testosterone
• Thyroid hormones

Medications that may mask the symptoms of low blood sugar include:

• Beta blockers, such as metoprolol and propranolol
• Clonidine
• Guanethidine
• Reserpine

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medication?

Visit your care team for regular checks on your progress. Tell your care team if your symptoms do not start to get better or if they get worse.

You may need regular tests to make sure your liver is working properly.

You may need blood work done while you are taking this medication. Your care team will monitor your HbA1C (A1C). This test shows what your average blood sugar (glucose) level was over the past 2 to 3 months.

Know the symptoms of low blood sugar and know how to treat it. Always carry a source of quick sugar with you. Examples include hard sugar candy or glucose tablets. Make sure others know that you can choke if you eat or drink if your blood sugar is too low and you are unable to care for yourself. Get medical help at once.

Tell your care team if you have high blood sugar. Your medication dose may change if your body is under stress. Some types of stress that may affect your blood sugar include fever, infection, and surgery.

Do not skip meals. Ask your care team if you should avoid alcohol. Many nonprescription cough and cold products contain sugar or alcohol. These can affect blood sugar.

This medication may increase your risk of having certain heart problems. Get medical help right away if you have any chest pain or tightness, or pain that radiates to the jaw or down the arm, and shortness of breath. These may be signs of a serious medical condition.

This medication may cause you to ovulate, which may increase your chances of becoming pregnant. Talk with your care team about contraception while you are taking this medication. Contact your care team if you think you might be pregnant.

Wear a medical ID bracelet or chain, and carry a card that describes your disease and details of your medication and dosage times.

What are the most serious risks of this medication?

This medicine may cause new or worse heart failure. Do not take this medicine if you have severe heart failure. Talk to your healthcare provider about taking this medicine if you have symptoms of heart failure like shortness of breath or swelling.