Avandia: FDA Approved Drug for Type 2 Diabetes - Overview

Dosing, Side Effects and Contraindications

Diabetes continues to be a leading cause of health concern in the United States. For many adults and children, the life altering complications often result in a need to change diet, exercise and assume the use of prescription medication to control blood glucose levels.

For diabetic patients who do require prescription medication, GlaxoSmithKline distributes an FDA approved medication known as Avandia. Used primarily in patients with Type 2 diabetes, Avandia has shown to lead the way in regulating insulin and blood glucose levels in a once-per-day dosing formula.

Dosing of Avandia makes this prescription medication very appealing to the type 2 diabetic patient. With a maximum daily dose of eight milligrams, Avandia is a monotherapy prescription drug, meaning it does not require the use of another drug to become effective. When dosing, the healthcare professional should begin with a low range dose of four milligrams per day over 12 week period with an increase to eight milligrams as needed. For most patients, this dosing regimen can be achieved once-per-day but, for other, the dose may be split in half, administered once in the morning and once in the evening.

As with most FDA approved prescription medications, the use of Avandia, in treating type 2 diabetes, does not come without side effects. Side effects most commonly reported include those which appear to be related to the cold or flu; achy joints and muscle pain with headache. In more severe complications, side effects may include nausea, vomiting, lightheadedness, weight gain and swelling. When these complications are severe, consultation with a healthcare provider may be necessary.