Side Effects of Advandia

What are the possible side effects of taking Advandia?
-sneezing, runny nose or cough
-headache
-gradual weight gain
-mild diarrhea
-back pain

Stop using Advandia and call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:
-shortness of breath
-swelling or rapid weight gain
-chest pain, or ill feeling
-nausea
-stomach pain
-low fever
-loss of appetite
-dark urine
-clay-colored stools
-jaundice
-blurred vision
-increased thirst or hunger
-pale skin
easy brusing or bleeding

Note, you should get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

Important Info about Advandia

If you have type 1 diabetes, absolutely do not use Advandia. Same casae if you are in a state of diabetic ketoacidosis (call your doctor for treatment with insulin).

Before you start to take Advandia, let your doctor know if you have congestive heart failure or heart disease, a history of heart attack or stroke, liver disease, or eye problems caused by diabetes.

Know the signs of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) and how to recognize them, including hunger, headache, confusion, irritability, drowsiness, weakness, dizziness, tremors, sweating, fast heartbeat, seizure (convulsions), fainting, or coma (severe hypoglycemia can be fatal). You should always keep a source of sugar available in case you have symptoms of low blood sugar. Some women using Advandia have started having menstrual periods, even after not having a period for a long time due to a medical condition. Women may also be more likely than men to have bone fractures in the upper arm, hand, or foot while taking Advandia. Consult with your doctor if you are concerned about this possibility.

Advandia versus Metformin

Advandia is a well-known medication for diabetes. A lot of people have the misconception that metformin can take the place of advandia, thinking that metformin is the generic for advandia and it costs a lot less. The big question is, do they work the same way?

The anwer is NO! These diabetes medications belong to two different classes of drugs and, because of this, each addresses different defects known to be present in type 2 diabetes. Advandia, generic name rosiglitazone, is part of a group of compounds called thiazolidinediones. The mechanism of action of this class of drugs is to improve target cell sensitivity to insulin — in other words, muscle and fat cells are more responsive to insulin. Metformin, brand name Glucophage, is part of a group of compounds called biguanides. The mechanism of action of this class of drugs is to decrease liver production of glucose, decrease intestinal glucose absorption, and increase glucose uptake by muscle and fat cells.