Avandia - What is it?
Avandia, active ingredient rosiglitazone maleate, is a medication that prescribed to treat type two or non insulin dependent diabetes. It is sometimes taken alone, but is also be used in conjunction with other types of diabetes medications. It is not intended to treat type one diabetes.
The risk of serious heart problems may increase while taking Avandia. These problems might include stroke or heart attack. This medication should only be taken by specific people that have type two diabetes and cannot control it with other kinds of medications for diabetes.
Who is the maker?
GlaxoSmithKline is the maker of Avandia.
How it works
Avandia belongs to the family of diabetes medicines known as glitazones or thiazolidinediones.
These medications help to improve your body's sensitivity to insulin, which means that it helps your body to more effectively use natural insulin. This can help to lower the levels of blood sugar and keep it better controlled.
Possible side effects
Taking any prescription medication carries risk for side effects. Being treated with Avandia carries a risk of side effects. Not all people that are taking this medicine will suffer side effects because it is generally tolerated well. Should you notice side effects, keep in mind that they are often minor and don't require any treatment. Side effects that are serious aren't often reported.
Most of the commonly reported side effects might include:
- In women - broken bones
- Injuries
- Headaches
- Upper respiratory infections
- Water weight gain or swelling