Avandia

Avandia is a drug for treating for type 2 diabetes. Avandia medication can be friendly with other diabetes drugs like sulfonylurea-metformin, insulin and sulfonylurea. This drug can be only taken with the doctor’s prescription and careful examination must first be done to ensure safe medication.

Patients with allergic reactions to food, dyes, preservatives, substances and other drugs are more likely to be reconsidered when given an Avandia prescription. Diabetic patients who are using ketoconazole, itraconazole, montelukast, rifampin and diabetes drugs may experience interactions. In addition to this, a list of drugs can pose risks especially to a diabetes patient. These drugs can significantly change blood sugar level so one must be very careful when taking drugs along with Avandia.

Drugs that may cause blood sugar increase or blood sugar reduction when taken with Avandia are diuretics, thyroid hormones, tegaserod, tacrolimus, sulfonamides, azulfidine, gantrisin, septra, bactrim, cortisone, prednisone, herbal supplements, sulfonamides, ofloxacin, levofloxacin, ciprofloxacin, Phenytoin, pentamidine, nictotine, octreotide, asthma medicines, cough and cold medicines, weight loss drugs, anabolic steroids, metoclopramide, isoniazid, guanethidine, lithium, glucagon, somatropin, growth hormones, fenofribate, gemfibrozil, fibric acid derivative drugs, epinephrine, diazoxide, disopyramide, cyclosporine, clonidine, cisapride, chromium, anti-depression drugs, drugs for psychotic disturbances, calcium channel blockers, nifedipine, amlodipine, beta blockers, propranolol, metoprolol, atenolol, baclofen, aspirin, ritonavir, indinavir, saquinavir, ACE inhibitors, lisinopril, enalapril, captopril and alcohol.

The doctor should also know about your intake of OTC drugs, caffeinated drinks, cigarette smoking and use of illegal drugs.

Patients who may have certain medical conditions may also need to be examined by the doctor. The doctor will need to check on conditions like kidney diseases, liver diseases, heart diseases, swelling of the leg or feet, swelling of the arms and allergic reactions to food, drugs, preservatives, substances and rosiglitazone – the active ingredient of Avandia. Doctors will also consider pregnancy and breast feeding.

There should be utmost care when taking Avandia. Take Avandia tablet whole and not crushed or cut in pieces. Always follow the instructions given to you by the doctor. Sit up straight to facilitate the swallowing of the tablet. Follow up swallowing with a glass of water. Ask your doctor if it is fine to take Avandia tablet with regular meal. Usually, food is combined with Avandia to prevent stomach upsetting. Make a good habit of taking your tablet by remembering and taking your dose at the same schedule every day. This will prevent you from missing out a dose.

Always carry an extra supply of Avandia tablets in your bag, especially when you are out of town. If you happen to miss a dose and it’s close to the next schedule then just resume the intake on the next schedule.

Some of the side effects of Avandia do not need to be reported immediately to the doctor. These side effects are common and may disappear after a few days of medication. Usual Avandia side effects are headache, diarrhea and back ache. However if these side effects occur persistently, notify your doctor right away.

On the other hand, some side effects of Avandia are serious. These should need immediate medical attention. Serious Avandia side effects are: swelling of the feet or the legs, hand swelling, uncommon weakness or tiredness, shaking, heartbeat irregularities, rashes on the skin, fast increase of weight, muscle pain, vomiting, nausea, drowsiness, diarrhea, pale skin, cooling of skin, cold sweating, breathing trouble, brown colored urine, yellowing of skin or eyes, blurry vision, confusion, nervousness and anxiety.

Treatment with Avandia must be coupled with a balanced and proper diet. Check with your doctor regularly. It’s also good to monitor your blood sugar using a handy device. Place your Avandia in a safe place, preferably in an air tight container with temperature not exceeding 25 degrees Celsius.