Avandia Side Effects
Avandia Side Effects
eMedTV
Although most people have no problems when taking Avandia, side effects are possible, such as upper respiratory infections, headaches, or back pain. In most cases, side effects are minor and can be easily treated. However, there are several less common (but more serious) side effects of Avandia that you should report to your healthcare provider, such as trouble breathing, a rapid increase in weight, or vision changes.
Avandia Side Effects: An Introduction
As with any medicine, side effects are possible with Avandia? (rosiglitazone maleate). However, not everyone who takes the drug will experience side effects. In fact, most people tolerate it well. If Avandia side effects do occur, in most cases, they are minor and either require no treatment or can be easily treated by you or your healthcare provider.
(This article covers many, but not all, of the possible side effects with Avandia. Your healthcare provider can discuss a more complete list of Avandia side effects with you.)
Common Side Effects of Avandia
Avandia has been studied thoroughly in clinical trials, with many people having been evaluated.
In these studies, the side effects occurring in a group of people taking the drug were documented and then compared to side effects that occurred in a similar group of people not taking the medicine. This way, it was possible to see what side effects occurred, how common they were, and how they compared to the group not taking the medicine.
Based on these studies, the most common side effects of Avandia included:
* Upper respiratory infections (similar to the common cold) -- in up to 9.9 percent of people
* Broken bones in women (especially in the arm, hand, or foot) -- up to 9.3 percent of women
* Injury -- in up to 7.6 percent
* Headache -- in up to 5.6 percent
* Swelling or water weight gain (edema) -- in up to 4.8 percent (see Avandia and Weight Gain)
* Back pain -- in up to 4 percent
* Anemia -- in up to 1.9 percent.
Avandia Side Effects to Report
There are a number of less common (but potentially serious) side effects with Avandia that you should report immediately to your healthcare provider. These include but are not limited to:
* Symptoms of high blood sugar, including:
o Increased hunger
o Increased thirst
o Increased urination
o Blurred vision
o Fatigue
o Shortness of breath
o Nausea or vomiting
* Symptoms of low blood sugar, including:
o Sweating
o Shakiness
o Extreme hunger
o Dizziness
o Cold sweats
o Blurry vision
o Changes in behavior, such as irritability
o Loss of coordination
o Difficulty speaking
o Confusion
o Seizures
* Trouble breathing (it may be a sign of new or worsening congestive heart failure)
* Swelling, especially in the legs or ankles
* Rapid increase in weight (three to five pounds in less than one week)
* Liver problems, including:
o Nausea or vomiting
o Stomach pain
o Unusual or unexplained tiredness
o Loss of appetite
o Dark urine
o Yellowing of your skin or the whites of your eyes
* Vision changes
* Signs of an allergic reaction, including:
o An unexplained skin rash
o Itching
o Hives
o Wheezing or trouble breathing
o Unexplained swelling.
Avandia Side Effects: Final Thoughts
You may experience some or none of the side effects of Avandia listed in this article. Unfortunately, there is no way for your healthcare provider to know beforehand if you will have side effects from a medicine that you have never tried. Therefore, be sure to let your healthcare provider know if you develop any side effects while taking the drug. Also, let your healthcare provider know if you develop something that "just does not seem right." While it may not be an Avandia side effect, your healthcare provider will be able to diagnose and treat the problem.
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