What is the most important information I should know about Avandamet?
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.
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.
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.
Avoid excessive alcohol intake while taking metformin and rosiglitazone. Together, alcohol and metformin and rosiglitazone may increase the risk of lactic acidosis and hypoglycemia.
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 should I discuss with my doctor before taking Avandamet?
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
More information about AVANDAMET (Rosiglitazone/Metformin):
FDA Approves Avandamet as Initial Therapy for Type 2 Diabetes
Too Many Meds: Try Combinations
New Avandamet dosage strengths approved for treatment of type 2 diabetes
To buy AVANDAMET (Rosiglitazone/Metformin) click HERE: My Family Drugstore
Tags: Avandamet (Rosiglitazone/Metformin), Conditions & Treatments, Medications, Type 2 Diabetes