Avandamet prescription

Avandamet

This page contains drug information on Avandamet.
The information provided includes the following:

what is Avandamet
the possible side effects of Avandamet
what happens if you miss a dose of Avandamet
what happens if you overdose with Avandamet
the most important information about Avandamet
how to use Avandamet
other drugs that may affect Avandamet
what to avoid while using Avandamet

Generic Name: metformin and rosiglitazone (met FORE min and rose ih GLIH ta zone)
Brand Names: Avandamet

What is the most important information I should know about metformin and rosiglitazone?

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A small number of people who have taken metformin (with and without rosiglitazone), have developed a serious condition called lactic acidosis that has been fatal in up to 50% of cases. Lactic acidosis has occurred most often in people whose kidneys were not working properly. Liver problems may also increase the risk of developing lactic acidosis. Stop taking metformin and rosiglitazone and call your doctor immediately if you experience a feeling of general discomfort or sickness; weakness; sore or aching muscles; trouble breathing, unusual drowsiness, dizziness or lightheadedness; unusual or unexplained stomach upset (after the initial stomach upset that may occur at the start of therapy with metformin and rosiglitazone); or the sudden development of a slow or irregular heartbeat. These may be signs of lactic acidosis.

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Notify your doctor immediately if you experience an unusually rapid increase in weight or edema (water retention), shortness of breath, or chest pain during treatment with metformin rosiglitazone. These may be early symptoms of heart problems.

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Notify your doctor immediately if you develop nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, unusual fatigue, loss of appetite, yellow skin or eyes, or dark urine. These symptoms may be early signs of liver problems.

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Avoid excessive alcohol intake while taking metformin and rosiglitazone. Together, alcohol and metformin and rosiglitazone may increase the risk of lactic acidosis and hypoglycemia.

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Metformin and rosiglitazone does not usually cause hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). Nevertheless, hypoglycemia may occur, as a result of skipped meals, excessive exercise, or alcohol consumption. Know the signs and symptoms of low blood sugar, which include hunger, headache, drowsiness, weakness, dizziness, a fast heartbeat, sweating, tremor, and nausea. Carry a non-dietetic candy or glucose tablets to treat episodes of low blood sugar.

What is metformin and rosiglitazone?

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Metformin is used to regulate blood glucose (sugar) levels. Metformin works in three ways: first, it reduces the amount of glucose produced by the liver; second, it reduces the amount of glucose absorbed from food through the stomach; and third, it makes the insulin that the body produces work better to reduce the amount of glucose already in the blood.

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Rosiglitazone is an antihyperglycemic agent. It helps the body respond better to insulin and it reduces the amount of sugar produced by the liver. It can help control blood sugar levels.

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Metformin and rosiglitazone are used together in the treatment of type 2 diabetes.

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Metformin and rosiglitazone may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking metformin and rosiglitazone?

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Do not take metformin and rosiglitazone without first talking to your doctor if you

have type 1 diabetes;

have liver or kidney disease;

have acute or chronic metabolic acidosis, including diabetic ketoacidosis;

have congestive heart failure;

have had a heart attack or a stroke;

have a serious infection, illness, or injury;

need to have surgery;

need to have x-rays or other procedures using injectable contrast agents;

are dehydrated (have lost water from your body) due to diarrhea, vomiting, fever, heat stroke, decreased fluid intake, or any other cause;

have edema (water retention or swelling);

drink alcohol; or

are 80 years of age or older and have not had your kidney function tested.

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You may not be able to take metformin and rosiglitazone, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.

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Treatment with metformin and rosiglitazone may cause resumption of fertility by allowing the return of ovulation (production of eggs) in certain women with insulin resistance who were not ovulating before treatment with metformin and rosiglitazone. Talk to your doctor about adequate forms of birth control while taking metformin and rosiglitazone if birth control is desired.

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Contact your doctor if you develop a fever or an infection, require surgery, or if you experience a serious injury. Illness or injury may cause a loss of blood sugar control and insulin (or an adjustment of a current insulin dose) may be required for a period of time.

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Metformin and rosiglitazone is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is not known whether it will be harmful to an unborn baby. Generally, insulin is the drug of choice for controlling diabetes during pregnancy. Do not take metformin and rosiglitazone without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment.

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It is not known whether metformin and rosiglitazone passes into breast milk. Do not take metformin and rosiglitazone without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

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If you are over the age of 65 years, there may be an slight increase in the risk of developing lactic acidosis due to a natural decline in kidney function with advancing age. A lower dose or special monitoring may be necessary during treatment.

How should I take metformin and rosiglitazone?

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Take metformin and rosiglitazone exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain the instructions to you.

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Take each dose with a full glass of water.

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Take metformin and rosiglitazone with meals to reduce nausea, diarrhea, and upset stomach that may occur with metformin and rosiglitazone therapy. These symptoms may be more likely to occur during the first few weeks of therapy.

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It is important to take metformin and rosiglitazone regularly to get the most benefit.

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A decrease in vitamin B12 may also occur during metformin and rosiglitazone therapy. Your doctor may want to monitor blood levels of vitamin B12 and you may need to take a B12 supplement. A vitamin B12 deficiency may rarely cause anemia.

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Your doctor may want to monitor your blood sugar control and other factors with blood tests during treatment.

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Usually, liver function is monitored with blood tests at the start of treatment, every two months for the first year of treatment, and periodically thereafter during treatment with rosiglitazone. Notify your doctor immediately if you develop nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, unusual fatigue, loss of appetite, yellow skin or eyes, or dark urine. These symptoms may be early signs of liver problems.

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Store metformin and rosiglitazone at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What happens if I miss a dose?

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Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and only take the next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose.

What happens if I overdose?

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Seek emergency medical attention if an overdose is suspected.

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An overdose of metformin and rosiglitazone is likely to cause lactic acidosis. Symptoms of lactic acidosis include a feeling of general discomfort or sickness; weakness; sore or aching muscles; trouble breathing; unusual drowsiness, dizziness or lightheadedness; unusual or unexplained stomach upset (after the initial stomach upset that may occur at the start of therapy with metformin and rosiglitazone); and the sudden development of a slow or irregular heartbeat.

What should I avoid while taking metformin and rosiglitazone?

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Some conditions may increase the risk of developing lactic acidosis while taking metformin and rosiglitazone. Tell your doctor that you are taking metformin and rosiglitazone if you become ill; if you have a heart attack; have a stroke; develop congestive heart failure; experience diarrhea, vomiting, fever, or dehydration from any cause; decrease the amount of food or liquid in your normal diet, or develop other health conditions. You may need to stop treatment with metformin and rosiglitazone for a short amount of time until you are feeling better.

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Avoid excessive alcohol intake while taking metformin and rosiglitazone. Together, alcohol and metformin and rosiglitazone may increase the risk of lactic acidosis and hypoglycemia.

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Follow diet, medication, and exercise routines very closely. Changing any of these things can affect blood sugar levels.

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Tell your doctor or other health care provider that you are taking this medication if you need to have surgery or x-ray procedures that require injection of contrast agents. Treatment with metformin and rosiglitazone may need to be stopped for a short period of time.

What are the possible side effects of metformin and rosiglitazone?

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Stop taking metformin and rosiglitazone and seek emergency medical attention if you experience an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives).

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Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take metformin and rosiglitazone and talk to your doctor if you experience

nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, or diarrhea at the start of therapy;

abdominal bloating or increased gas production;

decreased appetite or changes in taste (metallic taste in the mouth);

cold-like symptoms (may indicate an upper respiratory tract infection);

weight gain;

fatigue; or

headache.

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Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

What other drugs will affect metformin and rosiglitazone?

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Do not take any over-the-counter cough, cold, allergy, pain, or weight loss medications without first talking to your doctor.

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Many drugs may interact with metformin and rosiglitazone or affect your condition. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including vitamins, minerals, and herbal products.

Where can I get more information?

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Your pharmacist has more information about metformin and rosiglitazone written for health professionals that you may read.

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Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

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Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided by Cerner Multum, Inc. ('Multum') is accurate, up-to-date, and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. Drug information contained herein may be time sensitive. Multum information has been compiled for use by healthcare practitioners and consumers in the United States and therefore Multum does not warrant that uses outside of the United States are appropriate, unless specifically indicated otherwise. Multum's drug information does not endorse drugs, diagnose patients or recommend therapy. Multum's drug information is an informational resource designed to assist licensed healthcare practitioners in caring for their patients and/ or to serve consumers viewing this service as a supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise, skill, knowledge and judgment of healthcare practitioners. The absence of a warning for a given drug or drug combination in no way should be construed to indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective or appropriate for any given patient. Multum does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information Multum provides. The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. If you have questions about the drugs you are taking, check with your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.

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