Avandia (rosiglitazone)

Avandia (rosiglitazone)

• Because of its mechanism, Avandia only works if endogenous insulin is available. Therefore, Avandia is not indicated for type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) or diabetic ketoacidosis
• Avandia is not recommended to be used concomitantly with insulin

Controlling hyperglycemia with Avandia prevents downstream complications such as kidney damage, loss of limbs, blindness, heart attack, stroke, or nerve problems. It is important that diabetes remains controlled to lessen the chance of related complications.

HOW DOES AVANDIA WORK?

Insulin resistance plays a key role in the pathophysiology diabetes. In animal models, Avandia decreases concentrations of blood glucose and lessens hyperinsulinemia through action in the muscle, liver, and adipose tissues. Avandia has also been shown to block gluconeogenesis in the liver. Avandia has also not demonstrated hypoglycemia or altered glucose tolerance in animal studies.

 SIDE EFFECTS

• Headache
• Cough
• Upper respiratory tract infection
• Cold symptoms such as a stuffy nose, sore throat, or sneezing
• Back pain
• Diarrhea
• Drowsiness

WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS

The thiazolidinedione class is known to exacerbate or cause heart failure. Avandia, alone or with other antidiabetic agents, can cause fluid retention leading to heart failure. Physicians should monitor patients for signs and symptoms of heart failure, including:

• Shortness of breath at rest or with activity
• Fatigue and weakness
• Swelling

If patients demonstrate symptoms of heart failure, providers should implement proper standards of care. Additionally, Avandia should be discontinued or dose-reduced. If patients have confirmed NYHA Class III or IV heart failure, Avandia is contraindicated. It is not recommended in those who have symptomatic heart failure.

Major Adverse Cardiovascular Events

A meta-analysis of short-term trials demonstrated an elevated risk of myocardial infarction with Avandia treatment versus placebo. However, longer-term studies did not show any increase in mortality or major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) with Avandia compared with placebo.

Edema

In one study, there was a significant increase in median plasma volume in those treated with Avandia compared with placebo. Patients were more likely to experience adverse events if they were on concomitant therapy with Avandia and insulin. Therefore, in patients with edema, Avandia should be used cautiously.

Additionally, because thiazolidinediones can cause fluid retention, congestive heart failure can be worsened. Providers should monitor patients for heart failure symptoms.

Weight Gain

Patients on Avandia both alone and in combination with other antidiabetic agents have demonstrated dose-related weight gain. Weight gain was likely associated with fat accumulation and fluid retention. Patients who exhibit weight gain should be evaluated for edema and congestive heart failure.

Hepatic Effects

Providers should measure liver enzymes in all patients prior to starting Avandia and frequently throughout therapy. Avandia should not be used in those who have elevated baseline liver enzyme levels with ALT greater than 2.5 times the upper limit of normal. Those with only mildly increase liver enzyme levels (less than 2.5 times the upper limit of normal) should use caution and be closely monitored. If enzyme levels increase to more than three times the upper limit of normal, Avandia should be stopped. Additionally, if the patient develops jaundice, Avandia should be discontinued.

Macular Edema

Thiazolidinediones, including Avandia, have been shown to cause macular edema. In trials, macular edema presented as blurred vision and lessened visual acuity. Some patients were asymptomatic. However, most individuals also were experiencing peripheral edema in addition to their macular edema. Diabetic patients and patients on Avandia should have routine eye exams.

Fractures

Studies have demonstrated an increased frequency of bone fractures amongst females taking Avandia. Fractures typically occurred in the feet, hands, and upper arms. Providers should consider the fracture risk of the patient before starting Avandia and evaluate appropriately.

Hematologic Effects

Individuals on Avandia also demonstrated dose-related reductions in hematocrit and mean hemoglobin. This is likely due to Avandia’s effect on plasma volume.

Diabetes and Glucose Control

Individuals on other hypoglycemic drugs concomitantly with Avandia may be at increased risk for hypoglycemia. Providers may want to consider reducing the Avandia dose if patients are also on other antidiabetic agents.

DRUG INTERACTIONS

CYP2C8 Inhibitors and Inducers

CYP2C8 inducers such as rifampin may decrease the area under the curve (AUC) of Avandia. CYP2C8  inhibitors such as gemfibrozil may elevate Avandia’s AUC. Physicians should consider altering therapy if a patient is on a concomitant drug that affects Avandia concentrations.

USE IN SPECIFIC POPULATIONS

Pregnancy

There is not much data available evaluating Avandia during pregnancy. It is not known if Avandia can cause miscarriage or major birth defects. Providers should consider the risks of uncontrolled diabetes during pregnancy when determining if therapy is appropriate.

Lactation

There is no data evaluating Avandia’s presence in human milk, potential effects of Avandia on a breastfed infant, or its influence on milk production. Animal data, though, demonstrates presence of Avandia in rat milk. Animal models, however, are not always indicative of a drug’s effects in humans. Providers should consider the risks of uncontrolled diabetes in the mother and the potential adverse effects of the drug on the infant.

Reproduction

Other thiazolidines have induced ovulation in previously anovulatory women. Providers and patients should consider the risk of unintended pregnancy in premenopausal women looking to start Avandia.

Geriatrics

Pharmacokinetic studies of Avandia indicate that age does not affect Avandia’s safety and efficacy. There were no differences in efficacy or safety when comparing those over the age of 65 and those under the age of 65. In older adults, no dose alterations are necessary.