Patient/caregiver was educated on side effects of Avandia use as follows:

Liver disease

  1. Use of avandia can result in liver disease and toxicity.
  2. Individuals with liver disease can present with abdominal discomfort, stomach pain, poor appetite, and uncontrolled nausea & vomiting. This can result in reduced intake and weight loss. Liver disease can also contribute to high bilirubin levels in the blood, which can lead to itching and irritation of skin, and yellowing of skin & eyes. High bilirubin levels in the blood can also lead to increased bilirubin elimination in urine, resulting in dark yellow urine.
  3. So, avandia could either be avoided for a safer alternative or used with extra caution maintaining close watch for development of toxic symptoms, in individuals with history of liver dysfunction. Discuss with your physician regarding history of compromised liver function, if any, and your safety with avandia intake. While on avandia, periodical labs for liver function could be ordered and individuals monitored for development of any toxic symptoms. Report to your physician for further management measures, in the event of presentation with any of the symptoms discussed above.

Cold or flu-like symptoms

  1. Avandia use, by some unknown mechanisms, can contribute to cold or flu-like symptoms.
  2. Individuals can present with runny nose, sneezing, and dry cough, but these symptoms are usually self-limited.
  3. Report to your doctor for further recommendations in the event of these symptoms continuing unabated.

Bladder cancer

  1. Use of Avandia is associated with increased risk for bladder cancer in some individuals.
  2. Individuals with other risk factors for bladder cancer, such as, smoking and chronic industrial chemical exposures, must be increasingly cautious with use of avandia, as the risk factors could complement each other.
  3. Individuals taking avandia must be aware of symptoms to be watchful for. Report any symptoms of bladder cancer, such as, blood in the urine, increased lower abdominal pain, increased urge to urinate, and increased urination frequency to your physician for further investigation.

Muscle pain

  1. Avandia, by some unknown mechanisms, can increase risk for damage to the muscle, resulting in some muscle pain and fatigue.
  2. While taking avandia, report to your physician for further recommendations, in the event of presentation with any worsening muscle pain and increasing fatigue.