ROSIGLITAZONE/METFORMIN - ORAL

ROSIGLITAZONE/METFORMIN - ORAL

PHONETIC PRONUNCIATION: (ROE-si-GLI-ta-zone/met-FOR-min)

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Avandamet

GENERIC NAME(S): rosiglitazone maleate/metformin HCl

Uses

USES: This medication is a combination of 2 drugs: rosiglitazone and metformin. It is used with a proper diet and exercise program to control high blood sugar in people with type 2 diabetes. Controlling high blood sugar helps prevent kidney damage, blindness, nerve problems, loss of limbs, and sexual function problems. Proper control of diabetes may also lessen your risk of a heart attack or stroke. Rosiglitazone belongs to a class of drugs known as glitazones. Rosiglitazone and metformin lower blood sugar by helping to restore your body's proper response to insulin. Metformin also decreases the amount of sugar that your liver makes and that your stomach/intestines absorb.


How to use ROSIGLITAZONE/METFORMIN - ORAL

HOW TO USE: Read the Medication Guide and, if available, the Patient Information Leaflet provided by your pharmacist before you start taking this medication and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist. Take this medication by mouth as directed by your doctor, usually once or twice daily with a meal. The dosage is based on your medical condition, response to treatment, and other medications you may be taking. Be sure to tell your doctor and pharmacist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products). To reduce your risk of side effects (such as upset stomach), your doctor may direct you to start this medication at a low dose and gradually increase your dose. Follow your doctor's instructions carefully. Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same time(s) each day. Tell your doctor if your condition does not improve or if it worsens (your blood sugar is too high or too low).

Side Effects

SIDE EFFECTS: See also Warning section. 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. Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects. 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. It is a good habit to carry glucose tablets or gel to treat low blood sugar. If you don't have these reliable forms of glucose, rapidly raise your blood sugar by eating a quick source of sugar such as table sugar, honey, or candy, or drink fruit juice or non-diet soda. Tell your doctor right away about the reaction and the use of this product. To help prevent low blood sugar, eat meals on a regular schedule, and do not skip meals. Check with your doctor or pharmacist to find out what you should do if you miss a meal. Symptoms of high blood sugar (hyperglycemia) include thirst, increased urination, confusion, drowsiness, flushing, rapid breathing, and fruity breath odor. If these symptoms occur, tell your doctor right away. Your dosage may need to be increased. 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). A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing. This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist. In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch. In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

Precautions

PRECAUTIONS: See also Warning section. Before taking this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to rosiglitazone or metformin; or to other glitazones such as pioglitazone; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details. Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: kidney disease, liver disease, breathing problems (such as obstructive lung disease, severe asthma), heart disease (such as congestive heart failure, heart attack, angina), blood problems (such as anemia, vitamin B-12 deficiency), swelling (edema), fluid in the lungs, eye (retina) problems, bone problems (such as osteoporosis, osteopenia). Before having surgery or any X-ray/scanning procedure using iodinated contrast, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products). You may need to stop this medication for a short time for the surgery/procedure. Ask your doctor or dentist for instructions before your surgery/procedure. 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. This medication can cause changes in a woman's menstrual cycle (promote ovulation) and increase the chance of pregnancy. Consult your doctor or pharmacist about using reliable birth control while taking this medication. During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. Pregnancy may cause or worsen diabetes. Discuss a plan with your doctor for managing your blood sugar while pregnant. Your doctor may change your diabetes treatment during your pregnancy (such as diet and medications including insulin). Metformin passes into breast milk. It is unknown if rosiglitazone passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Interactions

DRUG INTERACTIONS: Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval. A product that may interact with this drug is: insulin. Beta-blocker medications (such as metoprolol, propranolol, glaucoma eye drops such as timolol) may prevent the fast/pounding heartbeat you would usually feel when your blood sugar falls too low (hypoglycemia). Other symptoms of low blood sugar, such as dizziness, hunger, or sweating, are not affected by these drugs. Many drugs can affect your blood sugar, making it harder to control. Before you start, stop, or change any medication, talk with your doctor or pharmacist about how the medication may affect your blood sugar. Check your blood sugar regularly as directed and share the results with your doctor. Tell your doctor right away if you have symptoms of high or low blood sugar. (See also Side Effects section.) Your doctor may need to adjust your diabetes medication, exercise program, or diet.

Overdose

OVERDOSE: If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center. Symptoms of overdose may include: rapid/difficult breathing, severe drowsiness, slow/irregular heartbeat.

Images

AVANDAMET 4 MG-500 MG TABLET

color
orange
shape
oblong
imprint
gsk, 4/500

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Faq for ROSIGLITAZONE/METFORMIN - ORAL

Rosiglitazone/Metformin is a combination medication used to treat type 2 diabetes. It helps control blood sugar levels by improving the body's response to insulin and decreasing the amount of glucose produced by the liver.

It is usually taken with meals, twice a day. Follow your healthcare provider's instructions regarding dosage and timing.

Common side effects may include diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting, stomach upset, headache, and weight gain. If you experience severe or persistent side effects, contact your doctor.

Inform your doctor about any other medications, vitamins, or herbal supplements you are taking, as they can interact with Rosiglitazone/Metformin. Certain medications, such as insulin or diuretics, may require adjustments to prevent adverse effects or interference with glucose control.

Inform your doctor if you have a history of heart disease, liver disease, or kidney problems. Rosiglitazone/Metformin can cause or worsen congestive heart failure. It may also increase the risk of bladder cancer, so regular monitoring is important.

Alcohol may increase the risk of lactic acidosis (a serious condition). Limit or avoid alcohol consumption while taking this medication.

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember, unless it is close to your next scheduled dose. In that case, skip the missed dose and resume your regular dosing schedule. Do not double up on doses to make up for a missed one.

This medication is unlikely to cause low blood sugar levels on its own. However, if you are also taking insulin or other medications that can lower blood sugar, the risk of hypoglycemia increases. Be cautious and monitor your blood sugar levels regularly.

The exact time may vary, but most people start to see improvements in their blood sugar levels within a few weeks of starting the medication.


Warning

WARNING: Rosiglitazone may rarely cause or worsen a certain heart problem (heart failure). Tell your doctor right away if you notice any symptoms of heart failure, including: shortness of breath, swelling ankles/feet, unusual tiredness, unusual/sudden weight gain. This medication is not recommended for people with certain types of heart failure. Before using this medication, tell your doctor if you have heart failure. Rarely, too much metformin can build up in the body and cause a serious (sometimes fatal) condition called lactic acidosis. Lactic acidosis is more likely if you are an older adult, if you have kidney or liver disease, dehydration, heart failure, heavy alcohol use, if you have surgery, if you have X-ray or scanning procedures that use iodinated contrast, or if you are using certain drugs. For some conditions, your doctor may tell you to stop taking this medication for a short time. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more details. Stop taking this medication and get medical help right away if you have any symptoms of lactic acidosis, such as unusual tiredness, dizziness, severe drowsiness, chills, blue/cold skin, muscle pain, fast/difficult breathing, slow/irregular heartbeat, or stomach pain with nausea/vomiting/diarrhea.


Disclaimer

IMPORTANT: HOW TO USE THIS INFORMATION: This is a summary and does NOT have all possible information about this product. This information does not assure that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you. This information is not individual medical advice and does not substitute for the advice of your health care professional. Always ask your health care professional for complete information about this product and your specific health needs.