Patient/caregiver was educated on precautions to be observed while taking Avandia use as follows:
- Avandia is extensively metabolized in the liver and all the inactive metabolites are mainly excreted in urine by the kidneys. Individuals with compromised liver function cannot metabolize avandia normally. This results in the medication staying in circulation for longer time than normal and can be toxic. Individuals with history of compromised liver function must let their physician know regarding the same. While taking avandia, periodical labs could be ordered for evaluation of liver functions. So, maintain compliance with follow-up physician appointments and lab draws ordered, if any, for evaluation of liver function. Be accommodative to the changes in dose of avandia or treatment plan accordingly, to achieve an optimum blood sugar control response and prevent development of any undesired side-effects.
- Use of Avandia is associated with increased risk for bladder cancer in some individuals. 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. 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.
- Macula is the central portion of the retina that helps us to have the most clear and sharpest vision. A layer of nerve tissue exists beneath the retina and macula. Retinal and macular contact with this nerve tissue is important for the visual signal to be conducted to the brain, processed, and finally, to be able to see. Avandia use can result in fluid retention in the macula, resulting in swelling of macula and macular edema. Macular edema detaches the macula from the nerve tissue beneath. This leads to poor conduction of visual signals to the brain, impaired processing of the image, and consequently, leads to blurred vision. Individuals taking avandia must be aware of the possibility of vision changes with the medication and report to the physician at the earliest upon noting any. While taking avandia, observe compliance with visits to the eye doctor and periodical vision check. This helps to catch any macular changes in the early stages and prevent any serious compromise with the vision.
