Drug Uses

It may be used alone or with other antidiabetic medicines.. It is used along with diet and exercise. Avandamet is used for treating type 2 diabetes

How Taken

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.

Storage

Store at room temperature at 77 degrees F (25 degrees C) away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.. Brief storage from 59-86 degrees F (15-30 degrees C) is permitted

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.

Drug Class and Mechanism

It works by decreasing the amount of sugar that the liver produces and the intestines absorb. Avandamet is a thiazolidinedione and biguanide antidiabetic combination. It also helps to make your body more sensitive to the insulin that you naturally produce.

Warnings/Precautions

Do NOT use Avandamet if:

• you have moderate to severe heart failure
• you will be having surgery or certain lab procedures
• you are 80 years old or more and have not had a kidney function test
• you have type 1 diabetes
• 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 are taking a nitrate (eg, nitroglycerin) or using insulin
• you have had a stroke or a recent heart attack, or you are in shock
• you are allergic to any ingredient in Avandamet
• you have a history of liver problems, including jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes), during therapy with a similar medicine called troglitazone

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:

• attention disturbance; blurred vision; changes in weight; clumsiness; constipation; decreased appetite; decreased sex drive; diarrhea; dizziness; drowsiness; dry mouth; flu; headache; impaired coordination/balance; increased salivation; joint pain; lightheadedness; nausea; nervousness; pounding in the chest; rapid heartbeat; restlessness; skin inflammation; sleeplessness; sweating; unsteadiness; unusual weakness; vomiting; weakness.

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.