Prescribing Information, including Boxed WARNING                          For Healthcare Professionals
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION for AVANDIA® (rosiglitazone maleate)
AVANDIA can cause or worsen heart failure. If you have severe heart failure (very poor pumping ability of the heart), you cannot be started on AVANDIA (see Boxed WARNING).
SAFETY INFORMATION CONTINUED BELOW 
AVANDIA rosiglitazone maleate | Diabetes Medication
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Blood Sugar Test Information

It is important for you to know your blood sugar goal. Check with your doctor to find out the right blood sugar level for you.

It is important to check your own blood sugar with a home test. You may take your blood-sugar reading several times a day. Ask your doctor how often you should test your blood sugar.

A home blood sugar test often shows that blood sugar levels are about 10% lower than in lab tests. So, it’s important to have your doctor perform a blood sugar test in addition to the tests you do at home.

Check your blood sugar often. Aim to lower your blood sugar level and keep it there.

How to Perform a Blood Sugar Test

You can perform your own blood sugar test in one of two ways:

  • The finger-stick method
  • The non-invasive method

Finger-stick Method

The finger-stick method involves pricking your finger or another part of your body with a small needle to draw a drop of blood. A blood glucose meter then “reads” your blood sugar level and displays the number on its screen. Follow these steps to test your blood sugar using the finger-stick method.

Step 1

hand washing before blood sugar test

Wash your hands with warm water and dry them well with a clean towel. You can also use an alcohol wipe to clean the finger before you draw blood from it.

Hold your hand below your waist for about a minute. This helps blood pool in the finger, making it easier to get enough blood for the test.

Step 2

holding a blood glucose meter

After preparing your lancet and glucose meter, have a clean test strip ready. Stick the side of your fingertip with the lancet. Don’t stick the tip of your finger. It will hurt more and you may not get enough blood. There are many kinds of lancets and meters. Some draw blood from your forearm. Your lancet and meter may not look like the one in this photo.

Step 3

applying droplet to blood sugar test strip

Place a drop of blood on the correct spot on the test strip.

Step 4

getting blood sugar test results

To get your results, follow the instructions that came with your blood sugar meter. Most meters can show your results in seconds.

Step 5

hand washing after blood sugar test

Write down the results and the time you did the blood sugar test. (Some meters will automatically keep track of this information for you.)

Your healthcare provider will use the records you take to see how well you’re managing your blood sugar levels.

Non-invasive Method

The non-invasive method uses a device similar to a watch that takes blood sugar readings through your skin.

*Only your doctor can decide if AVANDIA is right for you. AVANDIA is not right for everyone.
Taking AVANDIA with insulin or nitrates is not recommended.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION for AVANDIA® (rosiglitazone maleate)

AVANDIA can cause or worsen heart failure. If you have severe heart failure (very poor pumping ability of the heart) you cannot be started on AVANDIA. AVANDIA is also not recommended if you have heart failure with symptoms (such as shortness of breath or swelling), even if these symptoms are not severe.

AVANDIA may increase your risk of other heart problems that occur when there is reduced blood flow to the heart, such as chest pain (angina) or heart attack (myocardial infarction). This risk appeared higher in patients taking medicines called nitrates or insulin.

If you have chest pain or a feeling of chest pressure, you should seek immediate medical attention, regardless of what diabetes medicines you are taking. If you take AVANDIA, tell your doctor right away if you have swollen legs or ankles, a rapid increase in weight or difficulty breathing, or unusual tiredness; experience changes in vision; become pregnant.

Before taking AVANDIA, review your medical history and tell your doctor if you:

Women taking AVANDIA should know that AVANDIA may increase the risk of pregnancy. More fractures have been observed in women taking AVANDIA. Other possible side effects of AVANDIA include anemia and hypoglycemia. Your doctor should do blood tests to check your liver before you start AVANDIA and during treatment as needed.

Prescription AVANDIA, along with diet and exercise, helps improve blood sugar control in adults with type 2 diabetes.

For more information about AVANDIA, please see Medication Guide and full Prescribing Information, including Boxed WARNING.