The medicine we use: Avandia.

uses of Avandia

Avandia is an anti-diabetic drug ( thiazolidinedione-type, also called " glitazones " ) used with a proper diet and exercise program to control high blood sugar in patients with type 2 diabetes ( non-insulin-dependent diabetes ) . Avandia works by helping to restore your body's proper response to insulin, thereby lowering your blood sugar. Effectively controlling high blood sugar helps prevent heart disease, strokes, kidney disease, blindness, and circulation problems, as well as sexual function problems ( impotence ) .

Avandia is used either alone or in combination with other anti-diabetic medications ( e. g. , metformin, sulfonylureas, insulin ) .

how to use of Avandia

Read the Patient Information Leaflet available from your pharmacist before we start taking Avandia and each time we get a refill. If we have any questions, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Take Avandia by mouth, with or without food, usually once or twice daily, or as directed by your doctor. Dosage is based on your medical condition, response to therapy, and if we are taking other anti-diabetic drugs.

Use Avandia regularly in order to get most benefit from it. Remember to use it at same time ( s ) each day. Monitor blood glucose levels on a regular basis.

It may take up to 2 to 3 months before full benefit of Avandia takes effect.

Take all other medications for diabetes as directed by your doctor.

side effects of Avandia

See also Warning section.

Headache or cough may occur while use Avandia. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

Remember that your doctor has prescribed Avandia because he or she has judged that the benefit to we is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using Avandia don't have serious side effects.

Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur:

Tell your doctor immediately if any of these highly unlikely but very serious side effects occur:

Avandia usually doesn't cause low blood sugar ( hypoglycemia ) , but this effect may occur while use Avandia if you don't consume enough calories ( from food, juices, fruit, etc. ) . The symptoms include chills, cold sweat, dizziness, drowsiness, shaking, rapid heart rate, weakness, headache, fainting, tingling of hands or feet, or hunger. It's a good habit to carry glucose tablets or gel to treat low blood sugar. If we are in a situation where we do not have these reliable forms of glucose, eat a quick source of sugar such as table sugar, honey, or candy, or drink a glass of orange juice or non-diet soda to quickly raise your blood sugar level. Tell your doctor immediately about reaction. To help prevent hypoglycemia, eat meals on a regular schedule and do not skip meals.

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

A serious allergic reaction to Avandia is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction include:

This isn't a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

precautions of Avandia

Before taking Avandia, tell your doctor or pharmacist if we are allergic to it; or to other " glitazones " such as pioglitazone; or if you have any other allergies.

Promptly talk with your doctor or pharmacist about benefits and possible risks of Avandia, even if you have been taking it for awhile, especially if you have heart problems. Don't stop taking it unless directed to do so.

Avandia shouldn't be used if we have certain medical conditions. Before using this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist if we have:

Before using Avandia, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of:

We may experience blurred vision, dizziness, or drowsiness due to extremely low or high blood sugar levels; use caution engaging in activities requiring alertness such as driving or using machinery.

Limit alcohol while taking Avandia because it can increase the risk of your blood sugar getting too low ( hypoglycemia ) .

During times of stress, such as fever, infection, injury or surgery, it may be more difficult to control your blood sugar. Consult your doctor, as additional medication may be required.

Avandia may increase the risk of bone fracture ( upper arm, hand, foot ) in female patients. To lower chance of getting injured, use caution when doing activities such as contact sports.

Avandia can cause changes in menstrual cycle ( ovulation ) in women with certain fertility problems. Consult your doctor or pharmacist about use of reliable birth control while taking this medication.

Avandia should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. Your doctor may substitute insulin for Avandia during your pregnancy. Follow all instructions carefully.

It is unknown if Avandia passes into breast milk. Breast-feeding while using Avandia isn't recommended. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

interactions of Avandia

Your healthcare professionals ( e. g. , doctor or pharmacist ) may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for it. Don't start, stop or change dosage of any medicine before checking with them first.

Before using Avandia, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription/herbal products you may use, especially of:

Beta-blocker medications ( e. g. , metoprolol, propranolol, glaucoma eye drops such as timolol ) may prevent the fast/pounding heartbeat we would usually feel when your blood sugar level falls too low ( hypoglycemia ) . Other symptoms of low blood sugar such as dizziness, hunger, or sweating are unaffected by these drugs.

This document doesn't contain all possible interactions. Therefore, before using Avandia, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all the products you use. Keep a list of all your medications with you, and share the list with your doctor and pharmacist.

Delivery options for Avandia

Looking for beauty. That's here.

Internet Drugs Falsely Claim to Prevent, Treat STDs. FDA is alerting consumers about certain drugs they may have purchased on the Internet. The drugs falsely claim to prevent and treat a variety of sexually transmitted diseases, including herpes and chlamydia

Botulism Risk from Canned Green Beans. FDA is warning consumers about potentially contaminated canned cut green beans manufactured by New Era Canning Company, New Era, Mich. New Era is voluntarily recalling the green beans because they may be contaminated with Clostridium botulinum (C. botulinum), the bacterium that causes botulism.

"My Medicines" � This Brochure Can be a Lifesaver. "My Medicines," a brochure offered by FDA's Office of Women's Health, can play a vital role in the medical treatment you receive during an emergency.

FDA Approves Drug-Eluting Heart Stent. FDA has approved The Endeavor Zotarolimus-Eluting Coronary Stent, manufactured by Medtronic, Inc., of Minneapolis. It's the first drug-eluting stent that FDA has approved since 2004

Device Identifies Fatty Deposits in Coronary Arteries. A new medical device allows doctors to see the plaque buildup on the wall of coronary arteries. Many heart attacks occur when a fatty coronary plaque ruptures, forming dangerous blood clots.

Prilosec and Nexium: No Increased Risk of Heart Problems Found. After a comprehensive, scientific review, FDA has determined that Prilosec (omeprazole) and Nexium (esomeprazole) are not likely to be associated with an increased risk of heart problems