Indications
Rosiglitazone is used, together with diet and exercise, to control blood sugar in adults with type 2 diabetes. In Bangladesh it is mostly available combined with Metformin. It is generally used when other diabetes medicines have not worked well enough or are not suitable.
How It Works
Rosiglitazone belongs to the thiazolidinedione (glitazone) group. It makes the body’s muscle, fat and liver cells more sensitive to insulin, so that the body’s own insulin works better and blood sugar comes down. Its full effect takes several weeks to develop.
Dosage and Administration
Take as prescribed. The usual starting dose is 4 mg daily (as one dose or two divided doses), which the doctor may increase after about 8 weeks to a maximum of 8 mg daily. Combination tablets with Metformin are taken with meals, usually twice daily, to reduce stomach upset. Do not stop or change the dose on your own.
Interactions
Using it with insulin increases the risk of fluid retention and heart failure and is generally avoided. Other diabetes medicines such as Glimepiride increase the risk of low blood sugar. Gemfibrozil raises Rosiglitazone levels and Rifampicin lowers them. Pain killers such as Ibuprofen may add to fluid retention.
Contraindications
Do not take if you have heart failure or a history of it, a recent heart attack or angina, liver disease, diabetic ketoacidosis, type 1 diabetes, or if you are allergic to Rosiglitazone. Combination tablets with Metformin should also not be used in severe kidney disease.
Side Effects
- Swelling of the ankles and legs (fluid retention), weight gain
- Low red blood cell count (anaemia)
- Raised cholesterol
- Increased risk of broken bones, especially in women
- Headache, back pain, upper respiratory infections
Get urgent medical help if you have shortness of breath, rapid weight gain or swelling, chest pain, signs of a heart attack, blurred or reduced vision (possible fluid in the back of the eye), yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark urine, or signs of a serious allergic reaction.
Pregnancy and Lactation
Do not use during pregnancy or while breastfeeding; insulin is normally used instead. Rosiglitazone may cause ovulation to restart in some women who were not ovulating, so use contraception if pregnancy is not wanted.
Precautions and Warnings
Rosiglitazone has been linked to heart failure and possibly heart attacks, and its use is restricted in many countries; your doctor will weigh the benefits and risks. Liver tests should be checked before and during treatment. Report swelling, breathlessness or sudden weight gain promptly. Have regular eye checks.
Overdose
Overdose is not expected to cause severe low blood sugar on its own, but combination products may. Seek medical advice promptly.
Therapeutic Class
Oral antidiabetic; thiazolidinedione (insulin sensitiser).
Storage
Store below 30°C in a dry place, away from light and out of the reach of children.
Prepared by the Oshud Alo team from standard drug references. For information only; always follow your doctor's advice.