Avandia prescribing information |
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Avandia description
Avandia is an antidiabetic drug used to lower blood sugar in type II (non insulin dependent) diabetic patients. It belongs to the group of antidiabetic drugs called thiazolidinediones along with other drugs such as actos. This drug boosts the utility of insulin by the cells of the body by making them more sensitive to insulin. This helps to lower the concentration of glucose in the blood.
About the Drug
Diabetes is a condition where there is inability of the body to control blood sugar level due to malfunction in the production of insulin by the beta cells of the pancreas. In type II diabetes the individual is able to produce some insulin however it is not being used by the cells of the body resulting in a rise in blood glucose concentration. Avandia when taken increases the sensitivity of the cells to insulin so that they take up sugar and as a result the concentration of glucose in the body is normalised. This drug is only beneficial to diabetes patients who already make some insulin. Avandia received FDA approval in May 1999.
How to Use
Avandia is available to be taken orally as 2, 4 and 8mg tablets. This medication should be combined with regular exercise and a controlled diet in patients with type II diabetes. It is an alternative usually recommended for patients not able to take actos and are unresponsive to other medications. The usual recommendation is to take 4 to 8mg (but not higher) of avandia two times a day regardless of meal times. It may be used in combination with other anti-diabetic drug if advised by the doctor.
Possible Side Effects
Side effects that may manifest while taking avandia include fatigue, headache, infections in the upper respiratory tract, back pain, hyperglycaemia, hypoglycaemia, diarrhoea and sinusitis. There is also a recent report of links to heart attack. If you should notice any side effect while taking avandia, contact your doctor.
Drug Interactions
The effectiveness of avandia may be decreased if taken with rifampin. While Gemfibrozil causes an increase in the blood concentration of avandia this could exacerbate the side effects of the drug on the patient. Clinical trials show an increased risk of developing chest pain and heart attacks for patients who combined avandia with nitrate therapy. Nonetheless inform your doctor prior to beginning medication or before taking any other drug while on Avandia.
Pregnant and Nursing Mothers
Avandia may pass through the placenta to reach the unborn child therefore should not be taken while in pregnancy. It is not certain whether the drug reaches breast milk therefore it is best for nursing mothers to avoid taking this drug.
Storage
Store the drug between 15 and 30 degree Celsius (room temperature).
Avandia notes:
Avandia is a drug that helps in reducing the amount of glucose in the blood. Belonging to the class of anti-diabetic drugs known as "thiazolidinediones", this drug is used in treating type II diabetes. The other members in this class are pioglitazone (Actos) and troglitazone or Rezulin. Rosiglitazone also termed as "insulin sensitizer" helps in attaching to the insulin receptors on cells throughout the body, thereby causing the cells to become more sensitive to insulin. This way, glucose is removed from the blood. Some insulin is produced by the pancreas for rosiglitazone to function.
There are so many avandia side effects and avandia warning reported so far. As per the Avandia news, some common side effects of the drug include back pain, headache, fatigue, respiratory tract infections, high blood sugar, sinus inflammation and swelling. Congestive heart failure and low blood sugar are rare side effects. Those suffering from heart problems should avoid this drug. People having liver disease and poor kidney function are not supposed to take this drug. The avandia should not be taken by children under 18. always consume the drug as per the avandia prescription information. The high avandia dosage can result in serious consequences. The starting dosage of the drug should be 4 milligrams once a day or 2 milligrams twice a day.
Avandia review article...
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Antidiabetic agents
Avandia prescribing information
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