What is Avandamet (Rosiglitazone/Metformin) prescribed for?

The medication, Avandamet, is a combination of 2 drugs: Rosiglitazone and Metformin. It is normally used with a proper diet and exercise program to help control high blood sugar with people diagnosed with Diabetes type 2.  By controlling high blood sugar, it helps to prevent kidney damage, blindness, nerve problems, loss of limbs, and sexual function problems.  With proper control over diabetes you may also lessen the risk of heart attack and stroke.

How does Avandamet (Rosiglitazone/Metformin) work?

Rosiglitazone and Metformin lower the blood sugar by helping to restore the body’s proper response to insulin.  Metofrmin itself decreases the amount of sugar your liver makes and what your stomach/intestines absorb.

Take this medication by mouth, as directed by your doctor.  It is usually taken once or twice daily. It is best to relay to your doctor of all the other products you use, which includes prescription and non prescription drugs, and any herbal products. Keep in mind your doctor may start you on this medication at a lower dosage and gradually increase the dosage to reduce the risk of any side effects.

Keep in mind that this dosage is based on your medical condition and response to the treatment. Speak with your doctor if your condition does not improve or worsens.

Before taking this medication, notify your doctor if you are allergic to Rosiglitazone or Metformin, or to any other glitazones such as pioglitazone, as well as any other allergies you may have.

Your medical history is something you should relay to your doctor, especially if you have or have had the following; Kidney and liver disease, breathing problems (such as obstructive lung disease, severe asthma) heart disease, blood problems, fluid in the lungs, eye problems, and bone problems.

You may experience blurred vision, dizziness, or drowsiness due to extremely low or high blood sugar. Do not drive, use machinery, or do any activity that requires alertness or clear vision until you are sure you can perform such activities safely.

Limit alcohol while taking this medication because it can increase your risk of developing low blood sugar.

High fever, "water pills" (diuretics such as hydrochlorothiazide), too much sweating, diarrhea, or vomiting may cause loss of too much body water (dehydration) and increase your risk of lactic acidosis. Stop taking this medication and tell your doctor right away if you have prolonged diarrhea or vomiting. Be sure to drink enough fluids to prevent dehydration unless your doctor directs you otherwise.

It may be harder to control your blood sugar when your body is stressed (such as due to fever, infection, injury, or surgery). Consult your doctor because this may require a change in your treatment plan, medications, or blood sugar testing.

This medication may increase the risk of bone fracture (usually in the upper arm, hand, or foot), especially in women. See also Notes section.

Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects of this medication, especially low blood sugar and lactic acidosis.

Nausea, stomach upset, diarrhea, or metallic taste may occur at the beginning of treatment as your body adjusts to the medication. If stomach symptoms return later (after you are on the same dose for several days or more), tell your doctor right away. Returning stomach symptoms may be due to lactic acidosis.

Headache, joint pain, weight gain, loss of appetite, cough, or fever may also occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: bone fracture, vision changes (such as color changes or night vision problems).

Rosiglitazone has rarely caused very serious liver disease. Tell your doctor right away if you develop symptoms of liver disease, including: nausea/vomiting that doesn't stop, loss of appetite, stomach/abdominal pain, yellowing eyes/skin, dark urine.

This medication does not usually cause low blood sugar (hypoglycemia). Low blood sugar may occur if this drug is prescribed with other diabetes medications, or if you do not consume enough calories from food, or if you do unusually heavy exercise. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist about whether the dose of your other diabetes medication(s) needs to be lowered. Symptoms of low blood sugar include sudden sweating, shaking, fast heartbeat, hunger, blurred vision, dizziness, or tingling hands/feet.

Get medical help right away if you have any very serious side effects, including: symptoms of a heart attack (such as chest/jaw/left arm pain, shortness of breath, unusual sweating).

 What happens if I suddenly stop taking this medication?

There may be a relapse in symptoms as well as side effects. You should speak your doctor before stop taking this medication.

What is the best dosage to take?

The diagnosis with your doctor will be able to determine the best dosage for your treatment. Work with your doctor closely for dosage and dosing schedules.

What happens if I miss a dose?

You should take the missed dose as soon you realize you have forgotten. If the forgotten dose is closer to your next scheduled dose, take the next schedule dose to avoid overlapping in dose.

What is the best way to store this medication?

This medication is stored at room temperature, and should be kept away from children and pets. Do not throw away this medication in the wastebasket. If you are uncertain how to dispose of this medication speak with your pharmacist for help in safely disposing of this medication.