Rosiglitazone/Metformin (By Mouth)

Metformin (met-FOR-min), Rosiglitazone (roh-si-GLI-ta-zone)

Helps to control blood sugar levels in people who have type 2 diabetes.

Brand Name(s):

Avandamet
There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to rosiglitazone or metformin, if you have kidney disease or metabolic acidosis (diabetic ketoacidosis), or if you are also taking medicine for congestive heart failure.

How to Use This Medicine:

Tablet

• Your doctor will tell you how much of this medicine to take and how often. Do not take more medicine or take it more often than your doctor tells you to.
• It is best to take this medicine with a meal.
• Never share your medicine with anyone.

If a dose is missed:

• If you miss a dose or forget to take your medicine, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to take the medicine and skip the missed dose.
• Do not use extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:

• Store the medicine at room temperature in a closed container, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
• Keep all medicine away from children.
• Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of any outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• There are many other drugs that may interact with this medicine. Make sure your doctor knows about ALL other medicines you are using, especially insulin, Tagamet®, Dilantin®, isoniazid, niacin, estrogens, birth control pills, thyroid medicine, diuretics or "water pills," heart or blood pressure medicine, steroids such as prednisone, or any cold or allergy medicines.
• Do not drink alcohol while you are using this medicine.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have liver disease, heart problems, or problems with your adrenal gland or pituitary gland.
• This medicine may cause you to ovulate (release an egg) during your menstrual cycle. Most women normally ovulate every month, so this medicine will not change things. If you do not normally ovulate, this medicine may increase your chances of getting pregnant. Ask your doctor if you have questions or concerns about getting pregnant.
• Make sure any doctor or dentist who treats you knows that you are using this medicine. You may need to stop using this medicine before and after surgery or medical tests. This medicine may interact with the dye used for an X-ray or CT scan.
• Your doctor will need to check your blood or urine at regular visits while you are using this medicine. Be sure to keep all appointments.
• This medicine may not work as well if you have surgery, get hurt, or get sick, especially if you have severe vomiting, diarrhea, or fever. Call your doctor for instructions.
• You may develop low blood sugar while you are using this medicine. You may feel weak, drowsy, confused, anxious, or very hungry. You may have trouble seeing or have a headache that won't go away. Ask your doctor what you should do if this happens.
• You may have nausea, diarrhea, or vomiting when you first start using this medicine. If these problems go away and then come back after you have been using this medicine awhile, call your doctor.
• This medicine is only part of a complete program for controlling diabetes. You can also help yourself by eating a healthy diet, watching your weight, and getting regular exercise.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Extreme weakness, tiredness, muscle pain, or confusion
• Nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, pain in your upper stomach, dark-colored urine or pale stools
• Rapid breathing, trouble breathing, nausea and vomiting, or lightheadedness or fainting
• Rapid weight gain, swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet
• Shortness of breath, cold sweat, and bluish-colored skin
• You skin or eyes turn yellow

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Change in your menstrual cycle (periods)
• Runny nose, sneezing, cough

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.