Using Avandia to Help Manage Type 2 Diabetes

Avandia, along with diet, exercise, and other lifestyle changes, can help with type 2 diabetes, to lower blood sugar in many cases. It can be prescribed by itself or along with other medications. Although Avandia is not formulated to cause insulin manufacturing in the body, it does help your body to respond to the insulin that is made.

Avandia comes in a pill form and is generally taken in 2 mg doses, twice a day, or a one-dose 4 mg prescription, used daily. Your doctor should keep a good eye on your blood sugar levels until the prescription has been adjusted to suit your individual needs. Also, it can take a couple of weeks for Avandia to work to its potential. Take this medication with or without food or drink.

Possible side effects of Avandia include heart failure, weight gain, fluid retention, especially in ankles or legs, shortness of breath, particularly when lying down, and fatigue. If the prescription is not set at the correct dosage you could also experience dizziness, shakiness, severe hunger – all symptoms of blood sugar that is too low.

While taking Avandia, child-bearing-aged women can experience an increased chance of pregnancy, since ovulation can happen more frequently and can even occur in premenopausal women.

There is an increased chance of liver problems while taking this medication. Call your physician immediately if you experience severe stomach pain, nausea or vomiting, loss of appetite, increased fatigue, dark urine or yellowing of skin or eyes.

Avandia may not be right for you if you’ve previously had heart problems, have type 1 diabetes, have macular edema (swelling behind the eyes), have liver problems, are pregnant or want to become pregnant, or if you are breast feeding. If you’re premenopausal, without regular periods, you may possibly take Avandia but might also need to take a form of birth control.

Avandia does not mix well with certain prescriptions, non-prescription medicines and some vitamins or herbal supplements. Check with your doctor before taking Avandia with any other medication. Some people are allergic to some of the ingredients in Avandia, so get a complete list of ingredients before beginning the treatment.

Avandia is helping thousands of people lower their blood sugar and control type 2 diabetes. Avandia could be right for you so talk to your physician about adding Avandia to your treatment schedule.