Generic Name: Rosiglitazone

  • What is this medication and its most common uses?

    Avandamet is a medicine used along with diet and exercise to help control high blood sugar in adults with type 2 diabetes. Avandamet contains two medicines that work in two different ways to lower your blood sugar levels: rosiglitazone and metformin.


    Avandamet is only available through a restricted distribution program called the Avandia-Rosiglitazone Medicines Access Program. Both you and your healthcare provider must be enrolled in the program for you to receive Avandamet. Your healthcare provider will explain the program to you.

    How does this medication work?



    What: Lowering your blood sugar to a normal level may prevent or delay potential complications associated with diabetes, such as blindness, kidney failure, or heart problems. Also, the combination of medicines in Avandamet provides better control of blood sugar compared to metformin alone.

    When: Avandamet may start reducing blood sugar levels within 2 weeks. Though you may not feel an improvement or change in the way you feel, it is very important to keep taking your medicine as prescribed to keep your condition under control.

    How do I know it is working?


  • What are the possible side effects of this medication?


    Avandamet can cause your body to retain extra fluid, which leads to swelling and weight gain. Extra body fluid can make some heart problems worse or lead to heart failure. Call your healthcare provider right away if you experience swelling or fluid retention, especially in your ankles or legs; shortness of breath or trouble breathing, especially when you lie down; unusually fast increase in your weight; or unusual tiredness.

    Avandamet may increase the risk of a heart attack. This risk may be higher in people who take Avandamet with insulin. Most people who use insulin should not also take Avandamet. Call your healthcare provider right away if you experience chest discomfort in the center of your chest that lasts for more than a few minutes, or that goes away or comes back; chest discomfort that feels like uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness, or pain; pain or discomfort in your arms, back, neck, jaw, or stomach; shortness of breath with or without chest discomfort; breaking out in a cold sweat; nausea or vomiting; or if you feel lightheaded. Call your healthcare provider or go to the nearest hospital emergency room right away if you think you are having a heart attack.


    You have a higher chance of getting lactic acidosis if you have kidney or liver problems; drink a lot of alcohol; become dehydrated (lose a large amount of body fluids); have certain tests with dyes or contrast agents that are injected into your body; undergo surgery; or experience a heart attack, severe infection, or stroke.

    More common side effects may include: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headache, upset stomach.

    Less common side effects may include:


    Macular edema (swelling in the back of the eye) with changes in vision.

    Bone fractures, usually in the hand, upper arm, or foot.



  • Who should not take this medication?

    Do not take Avandamet if you are allergic to it or any of its ingredients.

    Do not take Avandamet if you have kidney problems, or are going to receive an injection of dye or contrast agents for an x-ray procedure.

    Do not take Avandamet if you have severe heart failure.


    Tell your healthcare provider about all prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal medications you are taking before beginning treatment with Avandamet. Also, talk to your healthcare provider about your complete medical history, especially if you have kidney, liver, or heart problems; drink alcohol frequently; or if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding.

  • What is the usual dosage?



  • How should I take this medication?

    Take Avandamet exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider. Do not change your dose or stop taking Avandamet without first talking to your healthcare provider.

    Take Avandamet with meals to lower your chance of having an upset stomach.

    While you are taking Avandamet, stay on your diet and exercise program, and check your blood sugar regularly as directed by your healthcare provider.

  • What should I avoid while taking this medication?

    Do not drink excessive amounts of alcohol while taking Avandamet. Alcohol can increase your chance of developing lactic acidosis.


    If Avandamet is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important to check with your healthcare provider before combining Avandamet with the following: birth control pills, blood pressure/heart medications known as calcium channel blockers (such as nifedipine), cimetidine, corticosteroids (such as prednisone), digoxin, estrogen, gemfibrozil, isoniazid, morphine, nicotinic acid, phenothiazines (such as chlorpromazine), phenytoin, procainamide, quinidine, quinine, ranitidine, rifampin, thyroid medications, trimethoprim, vancomycin, or water pills (such as amiloride, hydrochlorothiazide, or triamterene).


    The effects of Avandamet during pregnancy and breastfeeding are unknown. Do not breastfeed while you are taking Avandamet. Tell your healthcare provider immediately if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding.



  • How should I store this medication?

    Store at room temperature.

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