Patient/caregiver was educated on contraindications for Rosiglitazone use as follows:
- Cardiac arrhythmias: Rosiglitazone use carries the risk of causing fast, pounding, and abnormal heartbeat, leading to severe debility, cardiac arrhythmias, and associated complications. Abnormal heartbeat can result in episodes of chest pain, palpitations, dizziness, shortness of breath, and increase risk for clot formation. Individuals with inherent history of abnormal heartbeat and cardiac arrhythmias can be at increased risk for exacerbation with rosiglitazone use. So, rosiglitazone is better avoided for a safer alternative in individuals with history of cardiac arrhythmias.
- History of bladder cancer: Use of rosiglitazone is associated with increased risk for bladder cancer in some individuals. Individuals with other risk factors for bladder cancer, such as, family history, smoking, and chronic industrial chemical exposures, must be increasingly cautious with use of rosiglitazone, as the risk factors could complement each other. This complementation of risk factors could steeply increase risk for bladder cancer. Before using rosiglitazone, individuals must discuss with their physician regarding any personal history of bladder cancer, safety with the drug use, and risk for cancer relapse.
- Liver dysfunction: Rosiglitazone is extensively metabolized in the liver and all the inactive metabolites are mainly excreted in urine by the kidneys. If liver function is deficient, the metabolism of this medication could suffer. This can lead to increased blood levels of the medication for longer periods of time, resulting in toxicity and consequent side effects. Rosiglitazone could be avoided for a safer alternative in individuals with such health history. Individuals with history of compromised liver function must discuss with their physician regarding safety with rosiglitazone use. While using rosiglitazone, periodical labs for evaluation of liver function could be ordered in individuals with compromised liver function.
