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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Know the Importance of Blood Sugar Testing

It's very important to check your blood sugar. That way, you know if your diabetes management plan is working.

There are two types of blood sugar tests:

  • Home Tests: The blood sugar test you do at home shows your blood sugar level just at the time of the test. Use the Blood Sugar Tracker (PDF format) to record your blood sugar levels as often as your doctor suggests.
  • A1C Tests: The test your doctor gives you is called the HbA1c test or the "A1C test." It shows your average blood sugar level over the past 2 to 3 months. This test helps you and your doctor get the "big picture" on your blood sugar — how you're doing over time.

Together, these tests can help your doctor decide how to adjust your diabetes management plan, if needed. Your doctor may recommend changes to your diet and activity plans, add medicine, or change the medicine you may currently be taking.

Your body and your diabetes change over time. Remember, most people with type 2 diabetes take medicine, and many take more than one medicine. AVANDIA is one medicine which is often used in combination with other medicines to help control blood sugar in different ways.

A1C is important - what you can do to help

It's so important to set and meet your A1C goal. That's because high blood sugar (hyperglycemia) can increase your risk of diabetes-related complications.

The following questions can help when you talk to your doctor about diabetes and your A1C:

  • What should my blood sugar level be in the morning? After meals? At night?
  • What is my A1C goal? Where am I now?
  • How can I reach my A1C goal?

The American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists recommends reaching an A1C level of 6.5 percent or less. However, A1C goals are individual, so your doctor will tell you where you need to be. Healthy eating, staying physically active and, if needed, the medicine that's right for you, all play a part.

*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.