What are the clinical considerations in patient selection and treatment initiation with the TZDs?
Before therapy with a TZD is initiatied, liver function tests (LFTs) should be performed. LFTs should be performed every 2 months during the first year of TZD therapy and periodically thereafter. Therapy with a TZD should be discontinued if ALT levels increase to 3 times the upper limit of normal and stay at that level. All of the TZDs can cause fluid retention, which can exacerbate or lead to congestive heart failure. The TZDs should be used with caution in patients who are at risk for heart failure, and patients should be monitored for signs or symptoms of heart failure.
Related Questions
- Is it allowable for clinical collaboration to be general clinical treatment information, and not specific to the treatment of a particular patient?
- What are the clinical considerations in patient selection and treatment initiation with the TZDs?
- What patient selection considerations must a patient meet?
