Side Effects of Rosiglitazone

As with any medication, there are potential side effects of rosiglitazone, including upper respiratory infections, headaches, and back pain. Most people, however, tolerate the medication well. When side effects do occur, they are generally minor. If you experience more serious side effects, such as trouble breathing, a rapid increase in weight, or vision changes, you should report them immediately to your healthcare provider.

 

Rosiglitazone Side Effects: An Introduction

As with any medicine, there are possible side effects of rosiglitazone maleate (Avandia®). However, not everyone who takes rosiglitazone will experience side effects. In fact, most people tolerate the medication well. When side effects do occur, in most cases they are minor and either require no treatment or can be easily treated by you or your healthcare provider.
 
(The side effects discussed below are not a complete list of the side effects reported with this drug. Your healthcare provider can discuss a more complete list of rosiglitazone side effects with you.)
 

Common Rosiglitazone Side Effects

Rosiglitazone has been studied thoroughly in clinical trials, with many people having been evaluated. In these studies, the side effects occurring in a group of people taking the drug are always documented and compared to side effects that occur in a similar group of people not taking the medicine. Based on these studies, the most common rosiglitazone side effects include:
 
  • Upper respiratory infections (similar to the common cold) -- occurring in up to 9.9 percent of people
  • Broken bones in women (especially in the arm, hand, or foot) -- up to 9.3 percent of women
  • Injury -- in up to 7.6 percent
  • Headache -- in up to 5.6 percent
  • Swelling or water weight gain (edema) -- in up to 4.8 percent (see Avandia and Weight Gain)
  • Back pain -- in up to 4 percent
  • Anemia -- in up to 1.9 percent.
     
(Click Lipid Effects of Avandia for more information about other possible rosiglitazone side effects.)
 
(Side Effects of Rosiglitazone Continued: Page 2)
Add this article to your Favorites     Email this article     Print
Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;