Avandia not currently being sold

According to its manufacturer (Woodward Pharma Services), Avandia is not currently being sold. It’s not known if Avandia will be made available again. If you have questions about an Avandia prescription you may have, talk with your doctor.

If you have type 2 diabetes, your doctor might suggest Avandia (rosiglitazone) as a treatment option. It’s a prescription medication used along with diet and exercise to help manage blood sugar levels in adults with type 2 diabetes.

Avandia should not be used to treat type 1 diabetes.

Avandia comes as a tablet that you swallow. You’ll likely take it long term if you and your doctor agree it’s working well for you.

For more information about Avandia, including details about its uses, see this in-depth article.

Like other drugs, Avandia can cause mild to serious side effects (also referred to as adverse effects). Keep reading to learn more.

Some people may have mild to serious side effects during their Avandia treatment.

Examples of Avandia’s commonly reported side effects include:

These are just a few of the more common side effects reported by people who took Avandia in studies. But not everyone who takes Avandia will have adverse effects.

Keep reading to learn about other side effects Avandia may cause. You can also review Avandia’s full prescribing information.

As with most medications, treatment with Avandia can cause mild side effects.

Examples of mild side effects that have been reported with Avandia include:

In most cases, these side effects should be temporary. And some may be easily managed. But if you have symptoms that are ongoing or bother you, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. And don’t stop taking Avandia unless your doctor recommends it.

Avandia may cause mild side effects other than the ones listed above. See the Avandia prescribing information for details.

Note: After the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves a drug, it tracks side effects of the medication. If you’d like to notify the FDA about a side effect you’ve had with Avandia, visit MedWatch.

* To learn more about this side effect, see the “Side effects explained” section below.

Severe side effects from taking Avandia can occur but weren’t common in the drug’s studies.

Serious side effects reported during the studies include:

If you develop serious side effects while taking Avandia, call your doctor right away. If the side effects seem life threatening or you think you’re having a medical emergency, immediately call 911 or your local emergency number.

* Avandia has a boxed warning for this side effect. This is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). To learn more, see the “Side effects explained” section below.
† To learn more about this side effect, see the “Side effects explained” section below.
‡ An allergic reaction is possible after using Avandia. But this side effect wasn’t reported in studies.

Learn more about some of the side effects Avandia may cause.

Risk of congestive heart failure

Avandia has a boxed warning regarding the risk of congestive heart failure, but this condition wasn’t common in the drug’s studies. A boxed warning is the most serious warning the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) gives to a medication.

Avandia can cause fluid buildup in your body and weight gain. Having too much fluid in your body can make your heart work harder, leading to congestive heart failure.

This risk is thought to be higher in people who take Avandia together with insulin. Due to this risk, it’s recommended that you do not take these two medications together.

Symptoms of heart failure can include:

  • feeling more tired than usual
  • shortness of breath
  • swelling, especially in your ankles, feet, or lower legs
  • unusually fast weight gain (such as gaining a few pounds over a few days)

If you have heart failure with symptoms, doctors may not prescribe Avandia for you as it could worsen your condition.

What might help

Contact your doctor right away if you notice symptoms of heart failure while taking Avandia.

If you develop heart failure from taking Avandia, your doctor will likely lower your dose or have you permanently stop taking it. They can also treat your heart failure to help reduce any symptoms you may be having.

Severe low blood sugar

Like most medications used to treat diabetes, Avandia may cause low blood sugar. In some cases, blood sugar levels can become severely low, but this wasn’t common in the drug’s studies.

Having low blood sugar can cause symptoms such as:

If your blood sugar becomes too low, it can cause loss of consciousness or coma. It can even be fatal in extreme cases.

You’re at an increased risk of low blood sugar while taking Avandia if you:

  • skip meals
  • use other medications that lower your blood sugar
  • have a medical condition that places you at higher risk of low blood sugar

What might help

Talk with your doctor about checking your blood sugar while taking Avandia. And be sure to ask what you should do if your blood sugar becomes too low. Your doctor can help you develop a low blood sugar action plan.

If you have low blood sugar that feels serious or life threatening, call 911 or get emergency medical help right away.

Weight gain

Weight gain is a possible side effect of taking Avandia. People taking Avandia gained around 3 to 9 pounds during studies. The risk of weight gain increases with higher doses of the medication.

Weight gain, especially rapid weight gain, can also be a sign of heart failure. Avandia has a boxed warning about the risk of congestive heart failure.

What might help

Contact your doctor if you’re concerned about weight gain while taking Avandia. It’s especially important to talk with your doctor if you notice a rapid increase in your weight. An example would be gaining a few pounds overnight or over a few days. This can be a sign of fluid retention and heart failure.

Macular edema

Macular edema is a side effect Avandia can cause, but it wasn’t reported in the drug’s studies. It has happened since the drug became available for use, though.

With macular edema, fluid builds up in a part of your eye called the macula. This condition doesn’t always cause symptoms, but you may notice blurry or worsening vision. Some people taking Avandia who developed macular edema also had edema (fluid buildup) in other body areas, including the lower legs and feet.

People with diabetes are already at risk of macular edema. This is because, over time, a high blood sugar level can damage the blood vessels in your eyes.

What might help

The American Diabetes Association recommends that people with diabetes get regular eye exams. An eye exam can help detect eye problems, such as macular edema. Your doctor can tell you more regarding how often you should have your eyes examined if you have diabetes.

Contact your doctor if you notice symptoms of macular edema while taking Avandia. Symptoms improve for some people once they stop taking the drug.

Allergic reaction

Like most drugs, Avandia can cause an allergic reaction in some people. While this side effect wasn’t reported in studies, it has been reported since Avandia came on the market.

Symptoms can be mild to serious and can include:

  • skin rash
  • itchiness
  • flushing (temporary warmth, redness, or deepening of skin color)
  • swelling under your skin, typically in your eyelids, lips, hands, or feet
  • swelling of your mouth, tongue, or throat, which can make it hard to breathe

What might help

If you have mild symptoms of an allergic reaction, such as a mild rash, call your doctor right away. They may suggest an over-the-counter oral antihistamine, such as Benadryl (diphenhydramine), or a topical product, such as hydrocortisone cream, to manage your symptoms.

If your doctor confirms you’ve had a mild allergic reaction to Avandia, they’ll decide if you should continue using it.

If you have symptoms of a severe allergic reaction, such as swelling or trouble breathing, call 911 or your local emergency number right away. These symptoms could be life threatening and require immediate medical care.

If your doctor confirms you’ve had a serious allergic reaction to Avandia, they may have you switch to a different treatment.

Keeping track of side effects

During your Avandia treatment, consider keeping notes on any side effects you’re having. You can then share this information with your doctor. This is especially helpful when you first start taking new drugs or using a combination of treatments.

Your side effect notes can include things such as:

  • what dose of drug you were taking when you had the side effect
  • how soon you had the side effect after starting that dose
  • what your symptoms were
  • how it affected your daily activities
  • what other medications you were taking
  • any other information you feel is important

Taking notes and sharing them with your doctor will help them learn more about how Avandia affects you. They can then use this information to adjust your treatment plan if needed.

Get answers below to some frequently asked questions about Avandia’s side effects.

Can Avandia cause any long-term side effects?

Yes, Avandia may cause some long-term side effects.

Long-term side effects reported in studies of Avandia include:

The risk of bone fracture appears to increase if you’ve taken Avandia for a year or longer.

Macular edema could happen at any time during treatment, even if you’ve taken Avandia for a long time without any problems.

Talk with your doctor or pharmacist if you’d like to learn more about long-term side effects Avandia may cause.

* Avandia has a boxed warning for this side effect. This is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). To learn more, see the “Side effects explained” section above.

Will taking Avandia increase my risk of urinary tract infections (UTIs)?

It’s not likely. UTI wasn’t a side effect reported by people taking Avandia in the drug’s studies.

Certain other medications used to treat diabetes can increase your risk of UTIs, though. Examples include:

But this side effect isn’t expected with Avandia.

Talk with your doctor or pharmacist if you have other questions about your diabetes treatment plan and UTI risk.

Does Avandia cause any kidney-related side effects?

No, it’s not thought that Avandia causes kidney-related side effects. None were reported by people taking Avandia in the drug’s studies.

Certain other medications used to treat diabetes can cause kidney-related side effects. Examples include:

But this side effect isn’t expected with Avandia.

Diabetes itself can cause kidney problems. This is because, over time, a high blood sugar level can damage the vessels that supply blood to your kidneys. This can result in problems such as chronic kidney disease. Avandia works to lower blood sugar levels over time.

Talk with your doctor if you have other questions about your kidney health and diabetes.

There are certain precautions to consider before taking Avandia. This includes a boxed warning about the risk of congestive heart failure.

Boxed warning: Risk of congestive heart failure

Avandia has a boxed warning for the risk of congestive heart failure. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Treatment with Avandia may cause heart failure, or worsen it in people who already have it. Due to this risk, doctors may not prescribe Avandia if you already have heart failure.

To learn more, see the “Side effects explained” section above.

Other warnings

Avandia may not be right for you if you have certain medical conditions or other factors that affect your health. Talk with your doctor about your health history before starting Avandia. Below are some factors to consider.

Type 1 diabetes. Avandia should not be used to treat type 1 diabetes. It’s only prescribed for people with type 2 diabetes. If you have type 1 diabetes, talk with your doctor about treatment options for your condition.

Heart problems. Taking Avandia may increase your risk of heart attack. If you have existing heart problems, you may be at higher risk of this side effect. Your doctor can help determine whether taking Avandia is safe for you.

Liver problems. In rare cases, taking Avandia can cause liver problems. You may be at higher risk of this side effect if you already have a liver condition, such as hepatitis.Your doctor can help determine whether Avandia is safe for you. They’ll likely order a blood test to check your liver function before you start Avandia. (This helps determine if your liver is healthy enough to take this medication.) Your doctor will also order this test occasionally throughout your Avandia treatment.

Macular edema. Avandia may cause macular edema as a side effect. If you already have macular edema, taking Avandia may worsen your condition. Your doctor can help determine whether taking Avandia is safe for you.

Allergic reaction. If you’ve had an allergic reaction to Avandia or any of its ingredients, your doctor will likely not prescribe it for you. Ask your doctor about other medications that might be better treatment options.

Alcohol use and Avandia

There’s no known direct interaction between consuming alcohol and taking Avandia.

But drinking alcohol may worsen certain side effects of Avandia, such as headache and diarrhea. It can also make it harder to manage blood sugar levels. So alcohol could affect how well Avandia works.

Drinking alcohol may also increase your risk of liver problems, a potential side effect of Avandia. This is because alcohol can also cause liver problems.

If you consume alcohol, talk with your doctor about how much, if any, is safe for you to drink while taking Avandia.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding while taking Avandia

It’s not known whether it’s safe to take Avandia while pregnant or breastfeeding.

If you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning on either, talk with your doctor about safe treatment options for you and your child.

Like most medications, Avandia can cause side effects. But most people are able to take this drug without adverse effects.

Mild side effects caused by Avandia usually go away on their own or can be treated. In rare cases, taking Avandia can cause serious side effects.

Before taking Avandia, talk with your doctor. Ask questions to help you become familiar with this medication and its side effects. Some examples to help get you started are:

  • Does my medical history put me at increased risk of certain side effects if I take Avandia?
  • Do other medications I take increase my risk of side effects from Avandia?
  • If I have side effects while taking Avandia, is there a lower dose I can try instead?
  • Are there ways I can lower my risk of side effects from this medication?

For advice on managing your condition and news on treatments, consider signing up for Healthline’s type 2 diabetes newsletter. You can also find support and advice from our Bezzy type 2 diabetes (T2D) community.

Q:

I’ve had pancreatitis in the past. My doctor tells me this means I shouldn’t take certain diabetes medications. Is it safe for me to take Avandia?

Anonymous

A:

Doctors may prescribe Avandia for people who have a history of pancreatitis. This was not a side effect reported in studies of Avandia.

Certain other medications used to treat diabetes may increase the risk of pancreatitis, though. Examples include drugs such as:

If you’ve had pancreatitis in the past, your doctor will likely not prescribe these medications for you.

Ask your doctor if you have questions about whether it is safe to take Avandia with your medical conditions.

Damilola Omopariola, PharmD, BCACPAnswers represent the opinions of our medical experts. All content is strictly informational and should not be considered medical advice.

Disclaimer: Healthline has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.