Avandia® is a prescription medication used to treat diabetes by helping to control blood sugar levels in the body. This medication is used only to treat type 2 diabetes, also known as non-insulin-dependent diabetes. Avandia® may be prescribed alone or in combination with other medications. Common side effects of this medication may include cold symptoms such as a runny nose, cough, or sneezing. Some patients may also experience back pain, diarrhea, or weight gain.
It is important for Avandia® to be taken exactly as prescribed by a doctor. This medication is generally taken twice per day and may be taken with or without food. The prescribing doctor will likely recommend a healthy diet and exercise program to be used along with this medication, and other medications may be prescribed in addition to Avandia®. Blood sugar levels will need to be checked regularly in order to ensure that the medication is working properly.
When taking Avandia®, it is important to take precautions so that the blood sugar levels do not become too low. Some potential signs of low blood sugar include hunger, headache, and difficulty concentrating. Low blood sugar, or hypoglycemia, may occur if the patient skips a meal, exercises too long or too hard, or is under a great deal of stress. Some sugar source should be kept with the patient at all times in case symptoms of hypoglycemia develop.
Some patients may experience negative side effects while taking Avandia®. The most common side effects include cold-like symptoms and headachse. These side effects are usually mild and do not mean the patient should not take the medication. Other common side effects include back pain, diarrhea, and slow weight gain. Any bothersome side effects should be discussed with a doctor.
Some less common side effects of Avandia® that require medical attention may include chest pain, shortness of breath, or rapid weight gain. Some patients may experience severe nausea, vomiting, or stomach pain. Jaundice is a medical condition that causes the skin and the white portions of the eyes to look yellow and may be a potential side effect of this medication. Dark-colored urine or clay-colored stools may indicate kidney or digestive problems and should be reported to a doctor right away. Any other symptoms that develop after beginning this medication should be discussed with a doctor to make sure there are no potential complications involving its use.