Avandia is the brand name for the drug rosiglitazone. This medication, manufactured by GlaxoSmithKline, treats type 2 diabetes. It is used in combination with diet and exercise to treat the condition. After initially approving the medication, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) added a new warning to the label. In 2007, GlaxoSmithKline agreed to the new labeling information. The warning includes an increased risk for developing worsening heart disease and the possibility of having a heart attack while taking the medication.
Revised Label Warning
The new warning label with prescription Avandia includes information about the possible effects on the heart. Avandia may cause increased fluid retention and worsen symptoms of congestive heart failure. Individuals already diagnosed with congestive heart failure are at an increased risk of a worsening condition. Individuals with a risk of congestive heart failure may begin to experience symptoms. Patients with heart conditions need close monitoring while taking Avanida, the FDA advises. The medication may also increase the risk for experiencing chest pain or a heart attack. Individuals with known heart conditions, including congenital heart defects, high blood pressure and coronary artery disease, need to consult with the physician about the increased risk before taking Avandia, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) states.
Inconclusive Studies
Although the studies reveal a possible link between taking Avandia and an increase in heart conditions, the medication is still on the market, as of January 2010. The FDA states the reason for not removing the medication from use is because the data is inconclusive in the studies. The increased cardiovascular risk is not known to be larger for Avandia than for other diabetes type 2 oral medications.
Associated Symptoms
Symptoms of congestive heart failure may begin after taking Avandia. Some of these symptoms include shortness of breath, swelling in the extremities and weight gain. Weight gain that occurs in a short amount of time, with no additional reason, is especially worrisome. Fatigue, stomach pain and difficulty breathing while lying down are also symptoms of congestive heart failure, the NIH states. Symptoms of a heart attack include pain in the chest, jaw or left arm. Additional symptoms include shortness of breath and pressure in the chest. If any of these symptoms occur while using Avandia, immediately seek medical attention.
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