Rosiglitazone is used, alone or in combination with other medications, to treat type 2 (noninsulin-dependent) diabetes (formerly 'adult-onset') in people whose diabetes cannot be controlled by diet and exercise alone. Rosiglitazone is in a class of drugs called thiazolidinediones. These drugs work by increasing your body's sensitivity to insulin, a substance your body produces to help control blood sugar levels. Rosiglitazone is not used to treat type 1 (insulin-dependent) diabetes (formerly 'juvenile-onset').

This medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

Special precautions

Before taking rosiglitazone,

• Tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to rosiglitazone, pioglitazone, troglitazone, or any other drugs.

• Tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any drugs, especially insulin, other medications for type 2 diabetes, and vitamins or herbal products. Tell your doctor and pharmacist if you have ever taken troglitazone (Rezulin).

• Tell your doctor if you have or have ever had heart failure, liver disease (including cirrhosis and hepatitis), high cholesterol, edema, (fluid retention problems) or a history of alcohol abuse.

• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding. If you become pregnant while taking rosiglitazone, call your doctor immediately.

• You should know that rosiglitazone can restart ovulation in women taking oral contraceptives or those with polycystic ovary disease. You are at risk for pregnancy if adequate birth control is not used. You should discuss a reliable form of birth control with your doctor. If you are taking birth control pills, your doctor may choose to adjust your dose.

Side effects

Rosiglitazone usually does not cause hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) when used alone, but it may cause low blood sugar when used with other medications for diabetes. If you have any of the following symptoms, eat or drink a food or beverage with sugar in it, such as hard candy or fruit juice, and call your doctor immediately. Symptoms of low blood sugar include:

• shakiness

• dizziness

• rapid heartbeat

• sweating

• confusion

• blurred vision

• headache

• numbness or tingling of the mouth

• weakness

• fatigue

• pale color

• sudden hunger

If you have any of the following symptoms of hyperglycemia (high blood sugar), call your doctor immediately:

• thirst

• dry mouth

• tiredness

• flushing

• dry skin

• frequent urination

• loss of appetite

• trouble breathing

Although side effects from rosiglitazone are not common, they can occur. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

• sinus or respiratory infection

• headache

• back pain

• diarrhea

• tiredness

• weight gain

If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:

• seizures

• loss of consciousness

• irregular menstrual cycle (in women)

• upset stomach

• vomiting

• stomach pain

• excessive tiredness

• dark urine

• yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes

• shortness of breath

• rapid weight gain

• swollen ankles or feet

Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory.

Do not let anyone else take your medication.

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