Avandia

What is it?

An oral hypoglycaemic drug belonging to the thiazolidinedione group which enhance insulin-mediated disposal of glucose. Contains rosiglitazone (as maleate) in tablets of two different strengths, orange 4mg and brown/red 8mg, respectively. All film coated and marked with strength and SB.

Medical Uses

Type 11 diabetes, combined with sulphonylurea in patients who cannot be treated with metformin; combined with metformin in obese patients. In both cases, used when treatment with maximum doses of the single drug is inadequate to control the diabetes.

Dosage

Adults; with suiphonylurea: 4mg once each day, this being the maximum dose. With metformin: 4mg once each day to begin with, increasing to 8mg once each day (or 4mg twice each day), after two months, if required.

Special Care

Kidney impairment. Treatment must be under the supervision of specialist in Type 11 diabetes. Patient must be monitored for fluid retention and signs of cardiac failure, liver function and liver enzymes, anaemia and weight gain. May need to discontinue if monitoring indicates deterioration in patient's condition.

Avoid Use

Children, pregnancy, breastfeeding, liver dysfunction, raised liver enzymes, serious kidney impairment, past history of heart failure.

Possible Drug and Food Interactions

Insulin (should not be used), paclitaxel, NSAIDs.

Known Side Effects

Gastrointestinal upset, headache, tiredness, weight gain, anaemia, rise in blood cholesterol levels, fluid retention, changes in blood glucose levels. All adverse side effects must be reported to the CSM.