Patient/caregiver was educated on contraindications for Avandia use as follows:
- Cardiac arrhythmias: Avandia 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 avandia use. So, avandia is better avoided for a safer alternative in individuals with history of cardiac arrhythmias.
- History of macular damage: 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. Use of avandia can contribute to significant fluid retention in the body. Fluid could be retained in the macula, resulting in swelling of macula and macular edema. Macular edema detaches the macula and retina 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. Use of avandia in individuals with history of macular damage can deteriorate the vision further and increase risk for blindness. So, avandia is better avoided for a safer alternative in individuals with history of macular injury and compromised vision.
- History of bladder cancer: Use of avandia 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 avandia, as the risk factors could complement each other. This complementation of risk factors could steeply increase risk for bladder cancer. Before using avandia, individuals must discuss with their physician regarding any personal history of bladder cancer, safety with the drug use, and risk for cancer relapse.
