How to use
Generic Avandia (Rosiglitazone) should be taken orally, once or twice a day and with or without food. Your doctor will determine the best dosage for you based on your medical condition, response to treatment and whether or not you are also taking other anti-diabetic medication. To enjoy the maximum benefits of this medication, you should take it regularly and at approximately the same times each day.

Overdose
If you think you have taken too much of this medication, contact your local poison control center or the emergency medical services immediately.

Missed Dose
If you missed a dose of Generic Avandia (Rosiglitazone), take it as soon as you remember. If it is nearly time for your next scheduled dosage, skip the missed dose and return to your normal schedule. Do not double up on this medication to make up for a missed dose.

Notes
Like all other medications for the treatment of diabetes, you will only obtain the maximum results of Generic Avandia (Rosiglitazone) if you use it in combination with a healthy diet and regular exercise.

Check your glucose levels regularly and discuss the results with your doctor. He will also organize regular medical or laboratory tests to chart your progress and check for any side effects. Make sure you do not miss any of these appointments.

Do not share this medication with others as they may have a condition that is not effectively treated with Generic Avandia (Rosiglitazone). 

Storage
Store Generic Avandia (Rosiglitazone) at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (15-30 degrees C) and away from light and moisture. KEEP THIS AND ALL MEDICATIONS OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN.

Important note
The above information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgement of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed that the taking of this medication is safe, appropriate or effective for you.

* Illustrations are for graphic purposes only and the ordered medication may differ in appearance.

Precautions

Before taking Generic Avandia (Rosiglitazone), you should discuss your entire medical history with your doctor. Especially mention the following:

• Any allergies
• Heart conditions (e.g. chronic congestive heart failure, heart attack, angina)
• Type 1 diabetes (insulin-dependent diabetes)
• Very high blood glucose (diabetic ketoacidosis)
• Newly diagnosed or worsening heart failure (acute congestive heart failure)
• A history of liver disease
• Active liver diseases
• Fluid in your lungs
• Swelling (edema)
• Anemia
• High blood cholesterol
• Eye (retina) problems
• Bone problems (e.g. osteoporosis, osteopenia)

If you currently suffer or ever have suffered from any of the above, you may not be able to take Generic Avandia (Rosiglitazone) or you may need a dosage adjustment.

Extremely high or low glucose levels may cause unwanted side effects, such as blurred vision, dizziness or drowsiness. Do not drive or operate heavy machinery until you are certain you can perform these activities safely.

When your body is under stress due to the effects of injury, surgery or illness, it is harder to control your glucose levels. If you are experiencing anything like this, you need to inform your doctor, as he may want to implement changes in your medication, treatment plan or glucose testing.

Generic Avandia (Rosiglitazone) may increase the risk of bone fractures in female patients. To lower this risk, you should be very cautious when perform activities such as contact sports.

Generic Avandia (Rosiglitazone) is classed as Pregnancy Category C by the FDA, which means this medication is not expected to harm an unborn baby. Discuss the risk and benefits of taking these pills with your doctor if you are currently pregnant or planning to become pregnant during treatment.

It is not known whether Generic Avandia (Rosiglitazone) passes into breast milk, therefore it is not recommended to use this medication while breastfeeding. Discuss your options with your doctor.

This medication may cause changes in your menstrual cycle and increase your chance of getting pregnant. Ask your doctor about reliable forms of birth control.

Drug Interactions

Before taking Generic Avandia (Rosiglitazone), you should discuss all other medication you are currently using with your doctor to make sure there will be no negative interactions Especially mention:

• Other anti-diabetic medications (e.g. insulin, metformin or sulfonylureas such as glyburide)
• Gemfibrozil
• Herbal or natural products (e.g. fenugreek, ginseng, gymnema)
• Nitrates (e.g. isosorbide dinitrate)
• Quinolone antibiotics (e.g. ciprofloxacin)

Beta-blockers may prevent the fast or pounding heartbeat, which is normally one of the side effects of hypoglycemia. Other symptoms of a low glucose level, such as dizziness, hunger and sweating are unaffected by this medication.

This is only a partial list and it is possible there are other medication which negatively interact with Generic Avandia (Rosiglitazone). Inform your doctor of all other prescription and non-prescription medication you are using, including herbal pills, dietary supplements, vitamins, minerals and medication prescribed by other doctors. Do not start or stop taking any medication without consulting your doctor first.

The following common side effects of Generic Avandia (Rosiglitazone) may occur:

• Headache
• Cough

These effects will disappear over time. If any of these side effects persist or worsen, you should notify your doctor as soon as possible.

Inform your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following unlikely but serious side effects:

• Fast or pounding heartbeat
• Changes in menstrual cycles
• Bone fractures

Seek immediate medical attention of you have any of these very unlikely but very serious side effects:

• Dark urine
• Yellowing of eyes or skin
• Persistent nausea or vomiting
• Stomach or abdominal pain
• Vision changes (e.g. color or night vision problems)

Generic Avandia (Rosiglitazone) does not usually cause hypoglycemia. However, if you take other anti-diabetes medication, drink too much alcohol, do not consume enough calories or exercise too heavily, low blood sugar may occur. Symptoms of hypoglycemia include:

• Cold sweats
• Blurred vision
• Dizziness
• Drowsiness
• Shaking
• Fast heartbeat
• Headache
• Fainting
• Tingling of the hands or feet
• Hunger

Carry glucose tablets or sugary snacks with you at all times, in case you experience low blood sugar. To help prevent hypoglycemia, you should eat regularly and not skip meals.

Symptoms of high blood sugar (hyperglycemia) include:

• Thirst
• Increased urination
• Confusion
• Drowsiness
• Flushing
• Rapid breathing
• Fruity breath odor

If you experience any of the above symptoms, you should inform your doctor straightaway, as you may require a dosage increase.

Infrequently, Generic Avandia (Rosiglitazone) may cause or worsen certain heart problems, such as congestive heart failure or heart attacks. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience any of the following symptoms:

• Swelling of the hands or feet
• Unusual or sudden weight gain
• Trouble breathing
• Chest pain or discomfort

In rare cases, you may experience a severe allergic reaction to Generic Avandia (Rosiglitazone). Get emergency medical attention if you have any of the following symptoms:

• Rash
• Itching or swelling (especially of the face, tongue or throat)
• Dizziness
• Trouble breathing

This is only a partial list and other side effects may occur. Let your doctor know straightaway if you experience any side effects other than the ones mentioned above, especially if they are bothersome.