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In this Article

• What is metformin and rosiglitazone (Avandamet)?
• What are the possible side effects of metformin and rosiglitazone (Avandamet)?
• What is the most important information I should know about metformin and rosiglitazone (Avandamet)?
• What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking metformin and rosiglitazone (Avandamet)?
• How should I take metformin and rosiglitazone (Avandamet)?
• What happens if I miss a dose (Avandamet)?
• What happens if I overdose (Avandamet)?
• What should I avoid while taking metformin and rosiglitazone (Avandamet)?
• What other drugs will affect metformin and rosiglitazone (Avandamet)?
• Where can I get more information?

What happens if I miss a dose (Avandamet)?

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 happens if I overdose (Avandamet)?

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: muscle pain or weakness, numb or cold feeling in your arms and legs, trouble breathing, stomach pain, nausea with vomiting, slow or uneven heart rate, dizziness, or feeling very weak or tired.

What should I avoid while taking metformin and rosiglitazone (Avandamet)?

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.

What other drugs will affect metformin and rosiglitazone (Avandamet)?

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, Cotrim, Septra, 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), vancomycin (Vancocin, Lyphocin);
• nifedipine (Adalat, Procardia), procainamide (Procan, Pronestyl, Procanbid), quinidine (Cardioquin, Quinidex, Quinaglute);
• cimetidine (Tagamet) or ranitidine (Zantac);
• digoxin (Lanoxin); or
• morphine (MS Contin, Kadian, Oramorph).

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.

Where can I get more information?

Your pharmacist can provide more information about metformin and rosiglitazone.

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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