|
|
Avandia -Type 2 Diabetes |
|
|
|
Avandia
is used to hold down blood sugar
levels in people with type 2
diabetes (also known as "non-insulin
dependent" or "adult onset"
diabetes).
Blood sugar levels are ordinarily
controlled by the body's natural
supply of insulin, which helps sugar
move out of the bloodstream and into
the cells. In type 2 diabetes, the
buildup of sugar in the blood is
often due not to a lack of insulin,
but to the body's inability to make
proper use of it. Avandia works
first by decreasing sugar
production, then by helping the body
make more efficient use of whatever
insulin is available. Avandia does not
increase the actual amount of
insulin in circulation.
Avandia is a new type of diabetes
medication. It can be used alone or
in conjunction with insulin,
metformin (Glucophage), or a member
of the sulfonylurea class of
diabetes drugs (Diabinese, Micronase,
Orinase). Avandia takes effect slowly.
You may not see a reduction in blood
sugar levels for the first 2 weeks
of therapy, and it may take 2 to 3
months for the medication to deliver
maximum results.
|
|
Most important fact
about Avandia
Always remember that Avandia is an
aid to, not a substitute for, good
diet, weight loss, and exercise.
Failure to follow a sound diet and
exercise plan can lead to serious
complications, such as dangerously
high or low blood sugar levels.
Remember, too, that Avandia is not
an oral form of insulin, and cannot
be used in place of insulin.
|
How
to take Avandia?
Your dose of Avandia may be taken
once a day in the morning or divided
in half and taken in the morning and
evening, with or without food.
--If you miss a dose of Avandia...
Take it as soon as you remember. If
it is almost time for the next dose,
skip the one you missed and go back
to your regular schedule. Do not
take 2 doses at once.
--Storage instructions for Avandia...
Store at room temperature in a
tight, light-resistant container. |
Avandia side effects
Side effects of Avandia cannot be anticipated.
If any develop or change in
intensity, inform your doctor as
soon as possible. Only your doctor
can determine if it is safe for you
to continue taking Avandia.
More common side effects of Avandia may
include:
Back pain, fatigue, headache, high
blood sugar, low blood sugar,
respiratory tract infections, sinus
inflammation, swelling
|
Why should Avandia not be
prescribed?
Do not take Avandia if it has ever
given you an allergic reaction.
|
Recommended Dosage of Avandia
Adult
The usual starting dose of Avandia
either alone or in combination with
insulin or another diabetes drug is
4 mg a day or 2
mg a day. If your
sugar levels remain too high after
12 weeks of treatment, the doctor
may increase your dose to 8
milligrams once a day or 4
mg twice a day. However, the
maximum recommended dose of Avandia
in combination with insulin or a
sulfonylurea diabetes drug is 4
milligrams per day. If you do
develop low blood sugar, your
insulin or sulfonylurea drug dosage
will need to be decreased by your
doctor.
|
Possible food and
drug interactions when taking Avandia
No drug interactions with Avandia
have been reported at this time
|
|
Avandia
|
Prices |
|
Gen.
Avandia 2mg (90 pills) |
$80.10 |
|
Gen.
Avandia 2mg (180 pills) |
$149.40 |
|
Gen.
Avandia 4mg (90 pills) |
$103.50 |
|
Gen.
Avandia 4mg (180 pills) |
$198.00 |
|
Gen.
Avandia 8mg (90 pills) |
$135.00 |
|
Gen.
Avandia 8mg (180 pills) |
$261.00 |
|
|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
