What is Avandia: Uses, Warnings & Interactions

Updated May 14, 2025  •  Published Dec 31, 2020

Avandia overview

BRAND NAMES:

  • Avandia

Generic Names:

  • Avandia

Uses:

  • Treats type 2 diabetes.

Therapeutic Classes:

  • Hypoglycemic

Forms:

  • Tablet

How it’s taken:

  • By mouth

What is Avandia used for?

What form(s) does Avandia come in

  • Tablet

What are common Avandia doses?

  • Tablet 2MG

  • Tablet 4MG

Common Avandia prescriptions

  • Avandia
    2mg tablet

  • Avandia
    4mg tablet

How to take Avandia

  • Take your medicine as directed. Your dose may need to be changed several times to find what works best for you.

  • This medicine should come with a Medication Guide. Ask your pharmacist for a copy if you do not have one.

  • Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

  • Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.

  • Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.

  • Take your medicine as directed. Your dose may need to be changed several times to find what works best for you.

  • This medicine should come with a Medication Guide. Ask your pharmacist for a copy if you do not have one.

  • Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

What to do if you miss a dose of Avandia

Avandia contraindications

  • This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to rosiglitazone, or if you have severe heart failure.

Avandia warnings

  • Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have heart failure, heart problems, or you had a heart attack. Tell your doctor if you have liver disease, edema (fluid retention or swelling), or macular edema.

  • This medicine may cause the following problems:An increased risk of heart or blood vessel problemsLiver problemsMacular edema (swelling in the back of the eye)An increased risk for bone fractureLow blood sugar

  • Even if you had problems ovulating and had irregular periods in the past, this medicine may cause you to ovulate. If you could become pregnant, you should discuss birth control options with your doctor.

  • Tell any doctor or dentist who treats you that you are using this medicine. This medicine may affect certain medical test results.

  • Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.

  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

  • Shaking, trembling, sweating, fast or pounding heartbeat, lightheadedness, hunger, or confusion

Avandia interactions

  • Some foods and medicines can affect how rosiglitazone works. Tell your doctor if you are using the following: GemfibrozilRifampinInsulin or other medicines to treat diabetesBlood pressure medicine

  • This medicine may cause the following problems:An increased risk of heart or blood vessel problemsLiver problemsMacular edema (swelling in the back of the eye)An increased risk for bone fractureLow blood sugar

  • Even if you had problems ovulating and had irregular periods in the past, this medicine may cause you to ovulate. If you could become pregnant, you should discuss birth control options with your doctor.

  • Tell any doctor or dentist who treats you that you are using this medicine. This medicine may affect certain medical test results.

  • Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.

  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Avandia side effects

Serious Side Effects

  • Chest pain that may spread to your arms, jaw, back, or neck, trouble breathing, nausea, unusual sweating, fainting

  • Shaking, trembling, sweating, fast or pounding heartbeat, lightheadedness, hunger, or confusion

  • Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing

  • Dark urine or pale stools, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, stomach pain, or yellow skin or eyes

  • Blistering, peeling, or red skin rash

  • Blurred vision or other vision changes

  • Rapid weight gain, swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet