This medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
Special precautions
Before taking rosiglitazone,
Tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to rosiglitazone, pioglitazone, troglitazone, or any other drugs.
Tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any drugs, especially insulin, other medications for type 2 diabetes, and vitamins or herbal products. Tell your doctor and pharmacist if you have ever taken troglitazone (Rezulin).
Tell your doctor if you have or have ever had heart failure, liver disease (including cirrhosis and hepatitis), high cholesterol, edema, (fluid retention problems) or a history of alcohol abuse.
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding. If you become pregnant while taking rosiglitazone, call your doctor immediately.
You should know that rosiglitazone can restart ovulation in women taking oral contraceptives or those with polycystic ovary disease. You are at risk for pregnancy if adequate birth control is not used. You should discuss a reliable form of birth control with your doctor. If you are taking birth control pills, your doctor may choose to adjust your dose.
Side effects
Rosiglitazone usually does not cause hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) when used alone, but it may cause low blood sugar when used with other medications for diabetes. If you have any of the following symptoms, eat or drink a food or beverage with sugar in it, such as hard candy or fruit juice, and call your doctor immediately. Symptoms of low blood sugar include:
shakiness
dizziness
rapid heartbeat
sweating
confusion
blurred vision
headache
numbness or tingling of the mouth
weakness
fatigue
pale color
sudden hunger
If you have any of the following symptoms of hyperglycemia (high blood sugar), call your doctor immediately:
thirst
dry mouth
tiredness
flushing
dry skin
frequent urination
loss of appetite
trouble breathing
Although side effects from rosiglitazone are not common, they can occur. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
sinus or respiratory infection
back pain
diarrhea
weight gain
If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:
seizures
loss of consciousness
irregular menstrual cycle (in women)
upset stomach
vomiting
stomach pain
excessive tiredness
dark urine
yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes
shortness of breath
rapid weight gain
swollen ankles or feet
Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory.
Do not let anyone else take your medication.
