 Rosiglitazone is used, alone or in combination with other medications, to treat type 2 (noninsulin-dependent) diabetes (formerly 'adult-onset') in people whose diabetes cannot be controlled by diet and exercise alone. Rosiglitazone is in a class of drugs called thiazolidinediones. These drugs work by increasing your body's sensitivity to insulin, a substance your body produces to help control blood sugar levels. Rosiglitazone is not used to treat type 1 (insulin-dependent) diabetes (formerly 'juvenile-onset').
This medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
Special precautions
Before taking rosiglitazone,
- You should know that rosiglitazone can restart ovulation in women taking oral contraceptives or those with polycystic ovary disease. You are at risk for pregnancy if adequate birth control is not used. You should discuss a reliable form of birth control with your doctor. If you are taking birth control pills, your doctor may choose to adjust your dose.
- Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding. If you become pregnant while taking rosiglitazone, call your doctor immediately.
- Tell your doctor if you have or have ever had heart failure, liver disease (including cirrhosis and hepatitis), high cholesterol, edema, (fluid retention problems) or a history of alcohol abuse.
- Tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any drugs, other medications for type 2 diabetes, especially insulin, and vitamins or herbal products. Tell your doctor and pharmacist if you have ever taken troglitazone (Rezulin).
- Tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to rosiglitazone, troglitazone, pioglitazone, or any other drugs.
Side effects
Rosiglitazone usually does not cause hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) when used alone, but it may cause low blood sugar when used with other medications for diabetes. If you have any of the following symptoms, eat or drink a food or beverage with sugar in it, such as hard candy or fruit juice, and call your doctor immediately. Symptoms of low blood sugar include:
- sudden hunger
- pale color
- fatigue
- weakness
- numbness or tingling of the mouth
- headache
- blurred vision
- confusion
- sweating
- rapid heartbeat
- dizziness
- shakiness
If you have any of the following symptoms of hyperglycemia (high blood sugar), call your doctor immediately:
- trouble breathing
- loss of appetite
- frequent urination
- dry skin
- flushing
- tiredness
- dry mouth
- thirst
Although side effects from rosiglitazone are not common, they can occur. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
- weight gain
- tiredness
- diarrhea
- back pain
- headache
- sinus or respiratory infection
If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:
- swollen ankles or feet
- rapid weight gain
- shortness of breath
- yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes
- dark urine
- excessive tiredness
- stomach pain
- vomiting
- upset stomach
- irregular menstrual cycle (in women)
- loss of consciousness
- seizures
Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory.
Do not let anyone else take your medication.
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