glimepiride and rosiglitazone Health Article

Generic name(s):

glimepiride and rosiglitazone

Brand name(s):

glimepiride-rosiglitazone, Avandaryl

What is the most important information I should know about glimepiride and rosiglitazone?

Do not use glimepiride and rosiglitazone if you are in a state of diabetic ketoacidosis. Call your doctor for treatment with insulin.

Before taking glimepiride and rosiglitazone, tell your doctor if you have congestive heart failure or heart disease, a history of heart attack or stroke, liver disease, kidney or adrenal gland disorders, or eye problems caused by diabetes.

Glimepiride and rosiglitazone is only part of a complete program of treatment that also includes diet, exercise, and weight control. Follow your diet, medication, and exercise routines very closely. Changing any of these factors can affect your blood sugar levels.

Take care not to let your blood sugar get too low, causing hypoglycemia. You may have hypoglycemia if you skip a meal, exercise too long, drink alcohol, or are under stress.

Know the signs of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) and how to recognize them, including hunger, headache, confusion, irritability, drowsiness, weakness, dizziness, tremors, sweating, fast heartbeat, seizure (convulsions), fainting, or coma (severe hypoglycemia can be fatal). Always keep a source of sugar available in case you have symptoms of low blood sugar. Some women using glimepiride and rosiglitazone have started having menstrual periods, even after not having a period for a long time due to a medical condition. You may be able to get pregnant if your periods restart. Talk with your doctor about the need for birth control. Women may also be more likely than men to have bone fractures in the upper arm, hand, or foot while taking glimepiride and rosiglitazone. Talk with your doctor if you are concerned about this possibility.

What is glimepiride and rosiglitazone?

Glimepiride and rosiglitazone is a combination of two oral diabetes medicines that help control blood sugar levels.

Glimepiride and rosiglitazone is for people with type 2 diabetes who do not use daily insulin injections. This medication is not for treating type 1 diabetes.

Glimepiride and rosiglitazone may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking glimepiride and rosiglitazone?

Do not use glimepiride and rosiglitazone if you are in a state of diabetic ketoacidosis. Call your doctor for treatment.

Before taking glimepiride and rosiglitazone, tell your doctor if you have:

• congestive heart failure or heart disease;

• a history of heart attack or stroke;

• liver disease;

• kidney or adrenal gland disorders; or

• eye problems caused by diabetes.

If you have any of these conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely take this medication.

Some women using glimepiride and rosiglitazone have started having menstrual periods, even after not having a period for a long time due to a medical condition. You may be able to get pregnant if your periods restart. Talk with your doctor about the need for birth control. Women may also be more likely than men to have bone fractures in the upper arm, hand, or foot while taking glimepiride and rosiglitazone. Talk with your doctor if you are concerned about this possibility. FDA pregnancy category C. This medication may be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment. It is not known whether this medication passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.