Product Details: Avandamet (Metformin/Rosiglitazone)

PLEASE NOTE BRAND AVANDAMET IS ALSO MARKETED INTERNATIONALLY UNDER THE NAME WINDAMET.

Brand Name Options - Manufacturer: GlaxoSmithKline

Generic Options

What are Generics? A generic drug is a copy of the brand-name drug with the same dosage, safety, strength, quality, how it is taken, performance, and intended use. Before generics become available on the market, the generic company must prove it has the same active ingredients as the brand-name and works the same way in the body in the same amount of time.

The only differences between generics and their brand-name counterparts is the generics are less expensive and may look slightly different (e.g. different shape or color), as trademark laws prevent a generic from looking exactly like the brand-name drug.

Generics are less expensive because generic manufacturers don't have to invest large sums of money to invent a drug. When the brand-name patent expires, generic companies can manufacture a copy of the brand-name drug and sell it at substantial discounts.

Description

This medicine is a combination of an insulin resistance reducer and a biguanide used along with a diet and exercise program to control high blood sugar in diabetic patients. Controlling high blood sugar helps prevent heart disease, strokes, kidney disease, blindness, circulation problems, and sexual function problems (impotence). This medicine may be used to treat other conditions as determined by your doctor.

Directions

Follow the directions for using this medicine provided by your doctor. This medicine is best taken with meals. Your dose is based on your medical condition and response to therapy. STORE THIS MEDICINE at room temperature at 77 degrees F (25 degrees C) in a tightly-closed container, away from heat, moisture, and light. Brief storage between 59 to 86 degrees F (15 to 30 degrees C) is permitted. FOR BEST RESULTS, it is important to take this medicine regularly. To help you remember, take your dose at the same time(s) each day. IF YOU MISS A DOSE OF THIS MEDICINE, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do NOT take 2 doses at once.

Cautions

Before taking rosiglitazone/metformin, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to other "glitazones" such as pioglitazone or troglitazone; or if you have any other allergies.

This medication should not be used if you have certain medical conditions. Before using this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have: kidney disease, history of liver disease (especially while taking troglitazone), conditions that may cause a low oxygen blood level or poor circulation (e.g., severe congestive heart failure, recent heart attack, recent stroke), lack of body fluids (dehydration), serious infection, metabolic acidosis (e.g., diabetic ketoacidosis), type 1 diabetes (insulin-dependent diabetes).

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: severe breathing problems (e.g., obstructive lung disease, severe asthma), blood problems (e.g., anemia, vitamin B-12 deficiency), swelling (edema), fertility problems (e.g., ovulation problems), high cholesterol, other liver problems, upcoming surgery, alcohol use.

You may experience blurred vision, dizziness, or drowsiness due to extremely low or high blood sugar levels; use caution engaging in activities requiring alertness such as driving or using machinery.

Limit alcohol while taking this medication because it can increase the risk of developing low blood sugar.

During times of stress, such as fever, infection, injury or surgery, it may be more difficult to control your blood sugar. Consult your doctor, as a change in your medication or how often you test your blood sugar may be required.

Kidney function declines as you grow older. The metformin in this product is removed by the kidneys. Therefore, elderly people may be at a greater risk for low blood sugar and lactic acidosis while using this drug.

Children may be more sensitive to the effects of this drug, especially low blood sugar.

This medication can cause changes in the menstrual cycle (promote ovulation) in women with certain fertility problems, increasing the risk of becoming pregnant. Consult your doctor or pharmacist about the use of reliable birth control while using this medication.

This medication should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. Your doctor may substitute insulin for this drug during your pregnancy. Follow all instructions carefully.

The metformin in this product passes into breast milk. Breast-feeding is not recommended while using this drug.

Side Effects

SIDE EFFECTS, that may occur during treatment, include nausea, stomach upset, diarrhea, or metallic taste. Other side effects that may occur while taking this medicine include headache, back pain, joint pain, weight gain, cough, or fever. If they continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor. If stomach symptoms recur after you are on the same dose for several days or more, tell your doctor immediately. Stomach symptoms that occur later in therapy may be due to lactic acidosis, which is a serious condition. CHECK WITH YOUR DOCTOR AS SOON AS POSSIBLE if you experience changes in vision. CONTACT YOUR DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY if you experience swelling of the hands or feet; unusual tiredness or weakness; persistent muscle aches or pain; sudden weight gain; trouble breathing or shortness of breath; vomiting; stomach pain; yellowing of eyes or skin; or dark urine. AN ALLERGIC REACTION TO THIS MEDICINE is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, or trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.

Active Ingredients

Metformin/Rosiglitazone