Avandamet is used for treating type 2 diabetes. It is used along with diet and exercise. It may be used alone or with other antidiabetic medicines.
How to use
Use Avandamet as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.
Take Avandamet by mouth with meals.
Take Avandamet on a regular schedule to get the most benefit from it. Taking Avandamet at the same time each day will help you remember to take it.
Continue to take Avandamet even if you feel well. Do not miss any doses.
Drug Class and Mechanism
Avandamet is a thiazolidinedione and biguanide antidiabetic combination. It works by decreasing the amount of sugar that the liver produces and the intestines absorb. It also helps to make your body more sensitive to the insulin that you naturally produce.
Missed Dose
If you miss a dose of Zyvox, 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.
Storage
Store at room temperature at 77 degrees F (25 degrees C) away from light and moisture. Brief storage from 59-86 degrees F (15-30 degrees C) is permitted. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.
Warnings/Precautions
Do NOT use Avandamet if:
you are allergic to any ingredient in Avandamet
you have type 1 diabetes
you have moderate to severe heart failure
you have had a severe infection, low blood oxygen levels, kidney or liver problems, high blood ketone or acid levels (eg, diabetic ketoacidosis), or a type of diabetic eye problem (macular edema), or you are severely dehydrated
you have had a stroke or a recent heart attack, or you are in shock
you are 80 years old or more and have not had a kidney function test
you will be having surgery or certain lab procedures
you have a history of liver problems, including jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes), during therapy with a similar medicine called troglitazone
you are taking a nitrate (eg, nitroglycerin) or using insulin
Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.
Some medical conditions may interact with Avandamet . Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:
if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances
if you have a history of heart problems (eg, heart failure), abnormal liver function tests, lung or breathing problems, thyroid problems, stomach or bowel problems (eg, paralysis, blockage), adrenal or pituitary problems, eye or vision problems, or lactic acidosis
if you have fluid retention or swelling problems, vomiting, diarrhea, poor health or nutrition, low blood calcium or vitamin B12 levels, or anemia, or you are dehydrated
if you have an infection, fever, recent injury, or moderate to severe burns
if you drink alcohol or have a history of alcohol abuse
if you will be having surgery or certain lab procedures
if you are taking a beta-blocker (eg, propranolol)
Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Avandamet . Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:
Insulin or nitrates (eg, nitroglycerin) because the risk of heart problems may be increased
Amiloride, digoxin, morphine, procainamide, quinidine, quinine, ranitidine, triamterene, trimethoprim, or vancomycin because they may increase the risk of Avandamet 's side effects
Calcium channel blockers (eg, nifedipine), corticosteroids (eg, prednisone), diuretics (eg, furosemide, hydrochlorothiazide), estrogen, hormonal contraceptives (eg, birth control pills), isoniazid, nicotinic acid, oral antidiabetics (eg, glipizide), phenothiazines (eg, chlorpromazine), phenytoin, sympathomimetics (eg, albuterol, pseudoephedrine), or thyroid hormones (eg, levothyroxine) because the risk of high or low blood sugar may be increased
Gemfibrozil because it may increase the risk of Avandamet 's side effects
Rifampin because it may decrease Avandamet 's effectiveness, resulting in high blood sugar
Anticoagulants (eg, warfarin) because their effectiveness may be decreased or the risk of their side effects may be increased by Avandamet
Possible Side Effects
Check with your doctor if any of these most common side effects persist or become bothersome:
Seek medical attention right away if any of these severe side effects occur:
severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); depression; fainting; involuntary movements; memory impairment.
More Information
If you have any questions about Avandamet , please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
Avandamet is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.
If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.
If using Avandamet for an extended period of time, obtain refills before your supply runs out.
30 pills