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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Tips for Talking to Your Doctor About Diabetes

It can be hard to know how to talk to your doctor about diabetes. There is a lot you need to know about your diabetes medicines. Use these tips to help you prepare for a conversation with your doctor.

  • DO make a list of questions to ask. The average doctor appointment lasts only 11 minutes. Make the most of your visit by preparing a list of questions in advance.
  • DO tell your doctor what you observe. Take notes on things you notice about your health, and share them with your doctor.
  • DO keep a list of all the medicines you take. Show this list to your doctor and pharmacist before you start a new medicine. They will tell you if it is okay to take AVANDIA with other medicine.
  • DO ask your doctor if you have any questions about AVANDIA. If you don’t know how to take AVANDIA or don’t know the safety information, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
  • DON’T let yourself be rushed. Doctors tend to wait only 23 seconds before interrupting and redirecting the purpose of your visit. Be ready to slow the conversation down to get answers to your questions.
  • DON’T be afraid to talk about insurance and medical costs. Your doctor may suggest a treatment option that your medical plan won’t cover.

You can also use the doctor conversation starter. Print it out and take it to your next doctor’s appointment.

Learn why living a healthy lifestyle is an important part of your diabetes treatment.

*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.