Brand Names: Avandamet

Generic Name: metformin and rosiglitazone (Pronunciation: met FOR min and ROE zi GLI ta zone)

• 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 is metformin and rosiglitazone (Avandamet)?

Metformin and rosiglitazone is a combination of two oral diabetes medicines that help control blood sugar levels.

Metformin and rosiglitazone is for people with type 2 diabetes who do not use daily insulin injections. This medication is not for treating type 1 diabetes.

Metformin and rosiglitazone may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Avandamet 1000 mg-2 mg

oval, yellow, imprinted with gsk, 2/1000

Avandamet 1000 mg-4 mg

oval, pink, imprinted with gsk, 4/1000

Avandamet 500 mg-2 mg

oval, pink, imprinted with gsk, 2/500

Avandamet 500 mg-4 mg

oval, orange, imprinted with gsk, 4/500

What are the possible side effects of metformin and rosiglitazone (Avandamet)?

Stop using metformin and rosiglitazone and get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

• chest pain or heavy feeling, pain spreading to the arm or shoulder, nausea, sweating, general ill feeling;
• sudden numbness, weakness, headache, confusion, or problems with vision, speech, or balance;
• feeling short of breath, swelling or rapid weight gain;
• fever, chills, body aches, flu symptoms;
• severe blistering, peeling, and red skin rash; or
• nausea, stomach pain, low fever, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).

Less serious side effects may include:

• sneezing, runny nose, cough or other signs of a cold;
• back pain, joint or muscle pain; or
• mild diarrhea.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

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

Do not use metformin and rosiglitazone if you have severe heart failure, kidney disease, or if you are in a state of diabetic ketoacidosis (call your doctor for treatment with insulin).

Before taking metformin and rosiglitazone, tell your doctor if you have congestive heart failure or heart disease, a history of heart attack or stroke, liver disease, or eye problems caused by diabetes.

If you need to have any type of x-ray or CT scan using a dye that is injected into your veins, you will need to temporarily stop taking metformin and rosiglitazone. Be sure the surgeon knows ahead of time that you are using this medication.

Some people have developed a life-threatening condition called lactic acidosis while taking metformin. 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.