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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Stay on Your Medicine

Take AVANDIA the way your doctor tells you to. This is an important step toward managing your diabetes and reaching your blood sugar goals. Here are a few things to keep in mind:

  • AVANDIA is a pill prescribed by your doctor to lower your blood sugar. It can be taken once or twice a day, with or without food.
  • Remember to keep taking AVANDIA, as prescribed by your doctor, even if you're feeling better and your blood sugar level has improved. Sign up for the AVANDIA savings program to get a 30-day trial and up to $25 off your next three refills.
  • As with other medicines, you may have side effects while taking AVANDIA. Talk to your doctor if you have any side effects.
  • Be sure to read the Medication Guide for AVANDIA before you start taking AVANDIA and each time you get a refill. There may be new information. This information does not take the place of talking with your doctor about your medical condition or your treatment. If you have questions about AVANDIA, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Helpful tips to remember to take your medicine:

  • Take AVANDIA at the same time every day. Make taking it part of your daily routine, like brushing your teeth.
  • Post a reminder on the bathroom mirror or refrigerator.
  • Put pills near your coffeemaker, lunch bag, toothbrush, or nightstand.
  • After you take your medicines, mark an X on a calendar.
  • Use a daily or weekly pill box. You can buy these boxes in most drug stores. Some have sections for the time of day that pills need to be taken.
  • Refill your prescription before it runs out. Write a note to remind yourself when you need a refill.

*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.