|
| Pronunciation |
|
 (roh
si GLI ta zone & met FOR
min) |
|
|
| Brand Names |
|
| Avandamet™ |
|
|
| Therapeutic
Categories |
|
|
Antidiabetic Agent, Biguanide; Antidiabetic Agent,
Thiazolidinedione |
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|
| What key warnings should I know
about before taking this
medicine? |
|
|
A small number of people may develop an acidity to their blood. Metformin
can cause this. It may occur in people whose liver or kidneys do not work
normally. |
|
|
| Reasons not to take this
medicine |
|
|
Do not give this medicine to a child.
If you have an allergy to metformin, rosiglitazone, or any other part
of this medicine.
Tell healthcare provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Make
sure to tell about the allergy and how it affected you. This includes telling
about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of
face, lips, tongue, or throat; or any other symptoms involved.
If you have any of the following conditions: Acidic blood condition,
dehydration, drink alcohol to excess, kidney disease, liver disease, or severely
weakened heart.
If you have active liver disease or yellowing skin or eyes during
troglitazone therapy.
If you are having an x-ray with dye. |
|
|
| What is this medicine used
for? |
|
|
This medicine is used to lower blood sugar in diabetic
patients. |
|
|
| How does it work? |
|
|
Rosiglitazone increases insulin activity in the body.
Metformin reduces sugar production and helps insulin work
better. |
|
|
| How is it best taken? |
|
|
Take this medicine at a similar time of day.
Take this medicine with food.
Follow diet plan and exercise program as recommended by healthcare
provider. |
|
|
| What do I do if I miss a
dose? |
|
|
Take a missed dose as soon as possible.
If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and
return to your regular schedule.
Do not take a double dose or extra doses.
Do not change dose or stop medicine. Talk with healthcare
provider. |
|
|
| What are the precautions when
taking this
medicine? |
|
|
Wear disease medical alert identification.
If you are 80 or older, use this medicine with caution. You could
have more side effects.
If you have high cholesterol, talk with healthcare provider.
If you have lung disease, talk with healthcare provider.
If you have a weakened heart, talk with healthcare provider.
Do not drive if blood sugar has been low. There is a greater risk of
an accident.
Check medicines with healthcare provider. This medicine may not mix
well with other medicines.
Avoid alcohol (includes wine, beer, and liquor).
Risk of pregnancy in female of childbearing age who have not been
ovulating.
Tell healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan on getting
pregnant.
Tell healthcare provider if you are
breast-feeding. |
|
|
| What are the common side effects
of this
medicine? |
|
|
Low blood sugar. Signs include anger, shaking, fast heartbeat,
confusion, or sweating. Keep hard candies, liquid glucose, or milk on hand for
low blood sugar.
Belly pain.
Nausea or vomiting. Small frequent meals, frequent mouth care,
sucking hard candy, or chewing gum may help.
Diarrhea.
Abnormal taste. This is usually reversible.
High cholesterol level.
Headache. Mild pain medicine may help.
Nasal irritation.
Cough.
Weight gain.
Liver damage can rarely occur.
Worsening of heart failure can rarely
occur. |
|
|
| What should I monitor? |
|
|
Change in condition being treated. Is it better, worse, or about the
same?
Check blood sugar as directed by healthcare provider.
Check blood work regularly. Talk with healthcare provider.
Check weight weekly. Report a weight loss to healthcare provider.
Have a yearly eye exam and visit to the foot
doctor. |
|
|
| Reasons to call healthcare
provider
immediately |
|
|
If you suspect an overdose, call your local poison control center
immediately or dial 911.
Signs of a life-threatening reaction. These include wheezing; chest
tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits; or swelling of
face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Very low blood sugar or very high blood sugar.
Severe dizziness.
Difficulty breathing.
Feeling cold.
Severe belly pain.
Severe nausea or vomiting.
Severe diarrhea.
Severe muscle pain or weakness.
Swelling of legs or belly.
Not hungry.
Feeling extremely tired or weak.
Any rash.
No improvement in condition or feeling
worse. |
|
|
| How should I store this
medicine? |
|
|
Store at room temperature.
Protect from moisture. Do not store in a bathroom or
kitchen. |
|
|
| General statements |
|
|
Do not share your medicine with others and do not take anyone else's
medicine.
Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and pets.
Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, natural products,
supplements, vitamins, over-the-counter) with you. Give this list to healthcare
provider (doctor, nurse, nurse practitioner, pharmacist, physician assistant).
Talk with healthcare provider before starting any new medicine,
including over-the-counter, natural products, or
vitamins. |
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