Side Effects of AVANDIA
What are the possible side effects of AVANDIA? This is a common question you might ask about any diabetes medicine.
AVANDIA may cause serious side effects including:
New or worse heart failure
See "What is the most important information I should know about AVANDIA?".
Other heart problems
AVANDIA may increase the risk of heart problems related to reduced blood flow to the heart. These include possible increases in the risk of heart-related chest pain (angina) or "heart attack" (myocardial infarction). See "What is the most important information I should know about AVANDIA?".
- Swelling (edema). AVANDIA can cause swelling due to fluid retention. See "What is the most important information I should know about AVANDIA?".
- Weight gain. AVANDIA can cause weight gain that may be due to fluid retention or extra body fat. Weight gain can be a serious problem for people with certain conditions including heart problems. See "What is the most important information I should know about AVANDIA?".
- Liver problems. It is important for your liver to be working normally when you take AVANDIA. Your doctor should do blood tests to check your liver before you start taking AVANDIA and during treatment as needed. Call your doctor right away if you have unexplained symptoms such as:
- nausea or vomiting
- stomach pain
- unusual or unexplained tiredness
- loss of appetite
- dark urine
- yellowing of your skin or the whites of your eyes
- Macular edema (a diabetic eye disease with swelling in the back of the eye). Tell your doctor right away if you have any changes in your vision. Your doctor should check your eyes regularly. Very rarely, some people have experienced vision changes due to swelling in the back of the eye while taking AVANDIA.
- Fractures (broken bones), usually in the hand, upper arm or foot, in females. Talk to your doctor for advice on how to keep your bones healthy.
- Low red blood cell count (anemia).
- Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia). Lightheadedness, dizziness, shakiness or hunger may mean that your blood sugar is too low. This can happen if you skip meals, if you use another medicine that lowers blood sugar, or if you have certain medical problems.
Call your doctor if low blood sugar levels are a problem for you. - Ovulation (release of egg from an ovary in a woman) leading to pregnancy. Ovulation may happen in premenopausal women who do not have regular monthly periods. This can increase the chance of pregnancy. See "What should I tell my doctor before taking AVANDIA?".
The most common side effects of AVANDIA reported in clinical trials included cold-like symptoms and headache.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
For more information about AVANDIA, please see the Medication Guide.

