What is Avandamet (Metformin Rosiglitazone)?

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What is Avandamet (Metformin Rosiglitazone)?
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Metformin and rosiglitazone is a combination of two oral diabetes medicines that help control blood sugar levels.

Metformin and rosiglitazone is for people with type 2 diabetes who do not use daily insulin injections. This medication is not for treating type 1 diabetes.

Metformin and rosiglitazone may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Generic: Metformin Rosiglitazone

What class of treatment is Avandamet (Metformin Rosiglitazone)?

Category: Metabolic Agents / Antidiabetic Agents / Antidiabetic Combinations

Type: Prescription

What conditions or indications might Avandamet (Metformin Rosiglitazone) treat?

Diabetes Mellitus
Diabetes Mellitus Type II

What are the possible side effects of Avandamet (Metformin Rosiglitazone)?

Stop using metformin and rosiglitazone and get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

* feeling short of breath, even with mild exertion
* swelling or rapid weight gain
* fever, chills, body aches, flu symptoms
* severe blistering, peeling, and red skin rash; or
* nausea, stomach pain, low fever, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes)

Less serious side effects may include:

* sneezing, runny nose, cough or other signs of a cold
* back pain, joint or muscle pain; or
* mild diarrhea

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect.
What other drugs affect Avandamet (Metformin Rosiglitazone)?

You may be more likely to have hyperglycemia (high blood sugar) if you are taking metformin and rosiglitazone with other drugs that raise blood sugar:

* diuretics (water pills)
* steroids (prednisone and others)
* phenothiazines (Compazine and others)
* thyroid medicine (Synthroid and others)
* birth control pills and other hormones
* seizure medicines (Dilantin and others); and
* diet pills or medicines to treat asthma, colds or allergies

You may be more likely to have hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) if you are taking metformin and rosiglitazone with other drugs that lower blood sugar:

* some nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
* aspirin or other salicylates (including Pepto-Bismol)
* sulfa drugs (Bactrim and others)
* a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI)
* beta-blockers (Tenormin and others); or
* probenecid (Benemid)

Some medications may interact with metformin and rosiglitazone:

* gemfibrozil (Gemcor)
* rifampin (Rifater, Rifadin, Rimactane)
* nifedipine (Adalat, Procardia)
* cimetidine (Tagamet) or ranitidine (Zantac)
* amiloride (Midamor) or triamterene (Dyrenium)
* digoxin (Lanoxin)
* morphine (MS Contin, Kadian, Oramorph)
* procainamide (Procan, Pronestyl, Procanbid), quinidine (Cardioquin, Quinidex, Quinaglute)
* trimethoprim (Proloprim, Primsol, Bactrim, Cotrim, Septra); or
* vancomycin (Vancocin, Lyphocin)

This list is not complete and there may be other drugs that can interact with metformin and rosiglitazone. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor.
What should I avoid while taking Avandamet (Metformin Rosiglitazone)?

Avoid drinking alcohol while taking metformin and rosiglitazone. Alcohol lowers blood sugar and may increase the risk of lactic acidosis while you are taking this medicine.
How should I take Avandamet (Metformin Rosiglitazone)?

Take this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take the medication in larger amounts, or take it for longer than recommended by your doctor.

Take metformin and rosiglitazone with meals, especially during the first few weeks of therapy.

Metformin and rosiglitazone is only part of a complete program of treatment that also includes diet, exercise, and weight control. It is important to use this medicine regularly to get the most benefit. Get your prescription refilled before you run out of medicine completely.

Your medication needs may change if you become sick or injured, if you have a serious infection, or if you have any type of surgery.

Take care not to let your blood sugar get too low, causing hypoglycemia. You may have hypoglycemia if you skip a meal, exercise too long, drink alcohol, or are under stress.

Know the signs of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) and how to recognize them:

* hunger, headache, confusion, irritability
* drowsiness, weakness, dizziness, tremors
* sweating, fast heartbeat
* seizure (convulsions); or
* fainting, coma (severe hypoglycemia can be fatal)

Always keep a source of sugar available in case you have symptoms of low blood sugar. Sugar sources include orange juice, glucose gel, candy, or milk. If you have severe hypoglycemia and cannot eat or drink, use an injection of glucagon. Your doctor can give you a prescription for a glucagon emergency injection kit and tell you how to give the injection.

Your doctor may have you take extra vitamin B12 while you are taking metformin and rosiglitazone. Take only the amount of vitamin B12 that your doctor has prescribed.

If you need to have any type of x-ray or CT scan using a dye that is injected into your veins, you may need to temporarily stop taking metformin and rosiglitazone. Be sure the surgeon knows ahead of time that you are using this medication.

Store this medicine at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
What happens if I overdose on Avandamet (Metformin Rosiglitazone)?

Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine.

An overdose of metformin and rosiglitazone may cause a life-threatening condition called lactic acidosis. Get emergency medical help if you have any of these symptoms of lactic acidosis: weakness, increasing sleepiness, slow heart rate, cold feeling, muscle pain, shortness of breath, stomach pain, feeling light-headed, and fainting.
What happens if I miss a dose of Avandamet (Metformin Rosiglitazone)?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember (be sure to take the medicine with food). If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the medicine at the next regularly scheduled time. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
What is the most important information I should know about Avandamet (Metformin Rosiglitazone)?

Do not use metformin and rosiglitazone if you have kidney disease, or if you are in a state of diabetic ketoacidosis (call your doctor for treatment with insulin).

Before taking metformin and rosiglitazone, tell your doctor if you have congestive heart failure or heart disease, a history of heart attack or stroke, liver disease, or eye problems caused by diabetes.

Some people have developed a life-threatening condition called lactic acidosis while taking metformin and rosiglitazone. Get emergency medical help if you have any of these symptoms of lactic acidosis: weakness, increasing sleepiness, slow heart rate, cold feeling, muscle pain, shortness of breath, stomach pain, feeling light-headed, and fainting.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking Avandamet (Metformin Rosiglitazone)?

Some people have developed a life-threatening condition called lactic acidosis while taking metformin and rosiglitazone. Get emergency medical help if you have any of these symptoms of lactic acidosis: weakness, increasing sleepiness, slow heart rate, cold feeling, muscle pain, shortness of breath, stomach pain, feeling light-headed, and fainting.

Do not use metformin and rosiglitazone if you have kidney disease, or if you are in a state of diabetic ketoacidosis (call your doctor for treatment with insulin).

Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you have congestive heart failure or heart disease, a history of heart attack or stroke, liver disease, or eye problems caused by diabetes.

Some women using metformin and rosiglitazone have started having menstrual periods, even after not having a period for a long time due to a medical condition. You may be able to get pregnant if your periods restart. Talk with your doctor about the need for birth control.

Women may also be more likely than men to have bone fractures in the upper arm, hand, or foot while taking metformin and rosiglitazone. Talk with your doctor if you are concerned about this possibility.

FDA pregnancy category C. This medication may be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.

It is not known whether metformin and rosiglitazone passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not take metformin and rosiglitazone without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
What warnings do you have for Avandamet (Metformin Rosiglitazone)?

The following warnings are available for this medication:

* Take as directed.
* Take with food/milk.
* Do not take if pregnant.
* Do not drink alcohol.

Where can I get more information regarding Avandamet (Metformin Rosiglitazone)?

Your pharmacist can provide more information about metformin and rosiglitazone.

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