Brand Names: Avandaryl

Generic Name: glimepiride and rosiglitazone (Pronunciation: gly MEP ir ide and row zih GLIH ta zone)

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

What is glimepiride and rosiglitazone (Avandaryl)?

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

Glimepiride 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.

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

Avandaryl 1 mg-4 mg

triangular, yellow, imprinted with gsk, 4/1

Avandaryl 2 mg-4 mg

triangular, orange, imprinted with gsk, 4/2

Avandaryl 4mg-4 mg

triangular, pink, imprinted with gsk, 4/4

What are the possible side effects of glimepiride and rosiglitazone (Avandaryl)?

Stop using glimepiride 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:

• feeling short of breath, even with mild exertion;
• swelling or rapid weight gain;
• vision problems;
• chest pain or heavy feeling, pain spreading to the arm or shoulder, nausea, sweating, general ill feeling;
• sudden numbness or weakness, especially on one side of the body;
• sudden headache, confusion, problems with speech or balance; 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;
• pale skin, easy bruising;
• headache;
• dizziness;
• vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain; or
• mild itching or skin rash.

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.

What is the most important information I should know about glimepiride and rosiglitazone (Avandaryl)?

Do not use glimepiride and rosiglitazone if you are in a state of diabetic ketoacidosis. Call your doctor for treatment with insulin.

Glimepiride and rosiglitazone should not be used together with nitrate medication, such as nitroglycerin (Nitro-Dur, Nitrolingual, Nitrostat, Transderm-Nitro, and others), isosorbide dinitrate (Dilatrate, Isordil, Isochron), or isosorbide mononitrate (Imdur, ISMO, Monoket). Tell your doctor if you regularly use this type of medication.

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

Glimepiride and rosiglitazone is only part of a complete program of treatment that also includes diet, exercise, and weight control. Follow your diet, medication, and exercise routines very closely. Changing any of these factors can affect your blood sugar levels.

Take care not to let your blood sugar get too low, causing hypoglycemia. You may have hypoglycemia if you skip a meal, exercise too long, drink alcohol, or are under stress.

Some women using glimepiride and rosiglitazone have started having menstrual periods, even after not having a period for a long time due to a medical condition. You may be able to get pregnant if your periods restart. Talk with your doctor about the need for birth control.

Women may also be more likely than men to have bone fractures in the upper arm, hand, or foot while taking glimepiride and rosiglitazone. Talk with your doctor if you are concerned about this possibility.

Taking certain oral diabetes medications may increase your risk of serious heart problems. However, not treating your diabetes can damage your heart and other organs. Talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of treating your diabetes with glimepiride and rosiglitazone.