Common uses
This medicine is used to treat type 2 diabetes by reducing the
resistance your body has to insulin. It is used either alone or in
combination with other anti-diabetes medicines, including metformin or
insulin, as part of a diet and exercise program.
Before using
Additional monitoring of your dose or condition may be needed if you
are taking ketoconazole, birth control pills, or other medicine for
diabetes (such as insulin, glipizide, or glyburide).
Use of this medicine is not recommended if you have newly diagnosed or
worsening heart failure (acute congestive heart failure), type 1 diabetes,
diabetic ketoacidosis, active liver disease, or experienced jaundice with
troglitazone. Inform your doctor of any other medical conditions,
including heart disease (e.g., chronic congestive heart failure),
allergies, pregnancy, or breast-feeding.
Use of this medicine in children under age 18 is not recommended.
Discuss with your doctor the risks and benefits of giving this medicine to
your child. Contact your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions or
concerns about taking this medicine.
Directions
Follow the directions for using this medicine provided by your doctor.
This medicine may be taken on an empty stomach or with food. Store this
medicine at room temperature at 77 degrees f (25 degrees c) in a
tightly-closed container, away from heat, moisture, and light.
If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. If it
is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to
your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.
Cautions
Do not stop using this medicine or other diabetes medicine without
first checking with your doctor. Check with your doctor before adjusting
the dose of your diabetes medicine or changing your diet. If you are
taking this medicine with other diabetes medicine, you are at an increased
risk of becoming hypoglycemic (low blood sugar). Signs of hypoglycemia
include an increased heartbeat, headache, sweating, tremor, increased
hunger, changes in vision, nervousness, or tiredness. Discuss with your
doctor or nurse how to handle hypoglycemic reactions.
Keep all doctor and laboratory appointments while you are using this
medicine. Laboratory and/or medical tests such as liver function tests and
hba1c blood levels may be done to monitor your progress or to check for
side effects. Before you have any medical or dental treatments, emergency
care, or surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are using this
medicine.
Before you begin taking any new medicine, either prescription or
over-the-counter, check with your doctor or pharmacist. For women taking
birth control pills: this medicine may decrease the effectiveness of your
birth control pill. To prevent pregnancy, use an additional form of birth
control.
For women: this medicine may increase your chance of pregnancy
by causing ovulation to resume in premenopausal women who have not been
ovulating. If you plan on becoming pregnant, discuss with your doctor the
benefits and risks of using this medicine during pregnancy. It is unknown
if this medicine is excreted in breast milk. Do not breast-feed while
taking this medicine.
Possible side effects
A side effect that may occur while taking this medicine is sore throat.
If it continues or is bothersome, check with your doctor.
Contact your doctor immediately if you experience the following side
effects: bloating or swelling of ankles, feet, or hands; chest pain; rapid
weight gain; shortness of breath; fatigue; unexplained nausea or vomiting;
stomach pain; loss of appetite; unusual thirst; unusual amount of urine;
dark urine; or yellowing of the skin or eyes. If you notice other effects
not listed above, contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.
If you take too much
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or
emergency room immediately.
Additional information
Follow the dietary plan provided by your doctor. Carry an
identification card at all times that says you are diabetic. Monitor your
blood sugar levels regularly according to your doctor's directions. If
your blood sugar level is often higher than it should be and you are
taking this medicine according to directions, check with your doctor.
Do not share this medicine with others for whom it was not prescribed.
Do not use this medicine for other health conditions. Keep this product
out of the reach of children. If using this medicine for an extended
period of time, obtain refills before your supply runs out.
Drug interactions
Drug interactions can result in unwanted side effects or prevent a
medicine from doing its job. Some medicines or medical conditions may
interact with this medicine. Inform your doctor or pharmacist of all
prescription and over-the-counter medicine that you are taking.
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