The most common Avandia® side effects are weight gain and headaches. Less common, but more severe Avandia® side effects include vision problems such as blurred vision, and an allergic reaction, including rash, hives, itching, swelling of the face, and mouth. There are other side effects to Avandia®, but they are less common.
Feelings of tightness in the chest, chest or stomach pain, vomiting, and numbness in the arm or leg are troubling, but rare, Avandia® side effects. Anyone experiencing these symptoms should report them to their physician, but not stop taking the medication. Because Avandia® works by controlling blood sugar, and abruptly stopping the medication can lead to serious complications.
Avandia® may lead to liver or heart failure. It may also cause fluid retention in individuals with congestive heart failure. Individuals with coronary artery disease, heart disease, high blood pressure, or an irregular heart beat should discuss these existing conditions with their physician before taking Advandia®, as these conditions may increase the risk of dangerous side effects.
Taking Avandia® may be the cause of heart attacks in certain individuals. The healthcare provider must carefully weigh the benefits of Avandia® against this risk. Common considerations used to help the healthcare provider come to his decision include whether the patient is currently taking Avandia® problem free, and whether the patient is able to control his blood sugar without using this medication. Anyone concerned about Avandia® side effects should discuss them with a doctor.
Avandia® is in the class of drugs known as thiazolidinediones. It is available as an oral medication, and is used to control blood sugar in individuals with diabetes. Avandia® lowers the amount of sugar in the blood by increasing the body tissues' sensitivity to insulin. It is used along with diet, exercise, and other medications, such as metaformin, to help control blood sugar.
The heart attack risk of Avandia® means that it is typically only prescribed to individuals who have not been successful in controlling their blood sugar. Healthcare providers discuss the benefits and risks of Avandia® before prescribing it and may ask patients to sign a form stating they understand the risks associated with the medication. Anyone taking Avandia® who experiences chest, jaw, or arm pain, or shortness of breath, should seek emergency care immediately, as these can be early symptoms of a heart attack.