What is rosiglitazone?
Rosiglitazone is an oral diabetes medicine that helps control blood sugar levels.
Rosiglitazone is for people with type 2 diabetes. Rosiglitazone is sometimes used in combination with other medicines, but it is not for treating type 1 diabetes.
Rosiglitazone is not recommended for use with insulin.
Taking rosiglitazone may increase your risk of serious heart problems, such as heart attack or stroke. Therefore, rosiglitazone is available only to certain people with type 2 diabetes that cannot be controlled with other diabetes medications.
Rosiglitazone is available only under a special program called Avandia-Rosiglitazone Medicines Access Program. You must be registered in the program and sign documents stating that you understand the risks and benefits of taking this medication.
Rosiglitazone may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
What is the most important information I should know about rosiglitazone?
Taking rosiglitazone may increase your risk of serious heart problems, such as heart attack or stroke. Therefore, rosiglitazone is available only to certain people with type 2 diabetes that cannot be controlled with other diabetes medications.
Rosiglitazone is available only under a special program called Avandia-Rosiglitazone Medicines Access Program. You must be registered in the program and sign documents stating that you understand the risks and benefits of taking this medication.
Do not use rosiglitazone if you have type 1 diabetes, or if you are in a state of diabetic ketoacidosis (call your doctor for treatment with insulin).
Before taking rosiglitazone, tell your doctor if you have congestive heart failure or heart disease, a history of heart attack or stroke, liver disease, or eye problems caused by diabetes.
Know the signs of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) and how to recognize them: headache, hunger, weakness, sweating, tremors, irritability, or trouble concentrating.
Women may also be more likely than men to have bone fractures in the upper arm, hand, or foot while taking rosiglitazone. Talk with your doctor if you are concerned about this possibility.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking rosiglitazone?
Do not use rosiglitazone if you have type 1 diabetes, or if you are in a state of diabetic ketoacidosis (call your doctor for treatment with insulin).
To make sure you can safely take rosiglitazone, tell your doctor if you have any of these other conditions:
congestive heart failure or heart disease;
a history of heart attack or stroke;
liver disease; or
eye problems caused by diabetes.
Women may be more likely than men to have bone fractures in the upper arm, hand, or foot while taking rosiglitazone. Talk with your doctor if you are concerned about this possibility.
FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether rosiglitazone will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using this medication.
Some women using rosiglitazone have started having menstrual periods, even after not having a period for a long time due to a medical condition. You may be able to get pregnant if your periods restart. Talk with your doctor about the need for birth control.
It is not known whether rosiglitazone passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.