Avandaryl Oral

This medication is a combination of two drugs, rosiglitazone and glimepiride. It is used along with a proper diet and exercise program to control high blood sugar in patients with type 2 diabetes (non-insulin-dependent diabetes). Controlling high blood sugar helps prevent kidney damage, blindness, nerve problems, loss of limbs, and sexual function problems. Proper control of diabetes may also lessen your risk of a heart attack or stroke.
You should only begin taking rosiglitazone/glimepiride when other drugs have not worked well or cannot be taken, and you do not wish to take pioglitazone-containing medications. If you are currently taking rosiglitazone/glimepiride and have good control of your blood sugars and no new side effects/symptoms, continue to take this medication as directed. Ask your doctor promptly about the risks and benefits of this medication, since a small number of people have had serious side effects (see Warning Section).
After November 18, 2011, only patients enrolled in the Avandia-Rosiglitazone Medicines Access Program may obtain and use rosiglitazone-containing products. Your doctor will need to register you with this program before you can receive your prescription. Only physicians enrolled in the Avandia-Rosiglitazone Medicines Access Program may prescribe rosiglitazone-containing products, and only certified mail-order pharmacies enrolled in the program may dispense them. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist for more details about the program.
Rosiglitazone belongs to a class of drugs known as thiazolidinediones or \"glitazones\". It works by helping to restore your body\'s proper response to insulin, thereby lowering your blood sugar.
Glimepiride belongs to a class of drugs known as sulfonylureas. It works by stimulating the release of your body\'s natural insulin.

How to use Avandaryl Oral
Read the Medication Guide provided by your pharmacist before you start taking this medication and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, consult your doctor or pharmacist.
Take this medication by mouth, usually once daily with the first meal of the day or as directed by your doctor.
The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to therapy. Do not take more than 8 milligrams of rosiglitazone/4 milligrams of glimepiride per day.
Use this medication regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. Remember to take it at the same time each day. Monitor your blood sugar levels on a regular basis, and share the results with your doctor.
It may take up to 2-3 months before the full benefit of this drug takes effect.

See also Warning section.
Headache or sore throat may occur. If either of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.
Tell your doctor immediately if this unlikely but serious side effect occurs: bone fracture.
Tell your doctor immediately if any of these rare but very serious side effects occur: yellowing eyes/skin, stomach/abdominal pain, persistent nausea/vomiting, dark urine, easy bruising/bleeding, signs of infection (e.g., fever, persistent sore throat), mental/mood changes, seizures, vision changes (e.g., color or night vision problems).
This medication can cause low blood sugar (hypoglycemia). This effect may occur if you do not consume enough calories (from food, juices, fruit, etc.). The symptoms include chills, cold sweat, blurred vision, dizziness, drowsiness, shaking, rapid heart rate, weakness, headache, fainting, tingling of the hands/feet, and hunger. It is a good habit to carry glucose tablets or gel to treat low blood sugar. If you are in a situation where you don\'t have these reliable forms of glucose, eat a quick source of sugar such as table sugar, honey, or candy, or drink a glass of orange juice or non-diet soda to quickly raise your blood sugar level. Tell your doctor immediately about the reaction. To help prevent hypoglycemia, eat meals on a regular schedule and do not skip meals.
Symptoms of high blood sugar (hyperglycemia) include thirst, increased urination, confusion, drowsiness, flushing, rapid breathing, and fruity breath odor. If these symptoms occur, tell your doctor immediately. Your medication dosage may need to be increased.
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction may include: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
In the US -
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

Before taking this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to rosiglitazone or glimepiride; or to other \"glitazones\" (e.g., pioglitazone); or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.
Promptly talk with your doctor or pharmacist about the benefits and possible risks of this medication, even if you have been taking it for awhile, especially if you have heart problems. Do not stop taking it unless directed to do so.
This medication should not be used if you have certain medical conditions. Before using this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have: type 1 diabetes (insulin-dependent diabetes), very high blood sugar levels (diabetic ketoacidosis), newly diagnosed or worsening heart failure (acute congestive heart failure), history of liver disease, active liver disease.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: heart problems (e.g., chronic congestive heart failure, heart attack, angina), fluid in your lungs, swelling (edema, fluid retention), kidney disease, thyroid problems, certain hormonal conditions (adrenal/pituitary insufficiency, SIADH-syndrome of inappropriate secretion of antidiuretic hormone), mineral imbalance (hyponatremia), anemia, high blood cholesterol, eye (retina) problems, bone problems (e.g., osteoporosis, osteopenia).
You may experience blurred vision, dizziness, or drowsiness due to extremely low or high blood sugar levels. Do not drive, use machinery, or do any activity that requires alertness or clear vision until you are sure you can perform such activities safely.
Limit alcohol while taking this medication because it can increase your risk of developing low blood sugar (hypoglycemia).
During times of stress, such as fever, infection, injury or surgery, it may be more difficult to control your blood sugar. Consult your doctor because a change in your medication may be required.
This medication may make you more sensitive to the sun. Avoid prolonged sun exposure, tanning booths, and sunlamps. Use a sunscreen and wear protective clothing when outdoors.
This medication may increase the risk of bone fracture (upper arm, hand, foot) in female patients. To lower the chance of getting injured, use caution when doing activities such as contact sports.
Kidney function declines as you grow older. This medication is removed by the kidneys. Therefore, the elderly may be at greater risk for hypoglycemia while using this drug.
This medication can cause changes in the menstrual cycle (promote ovulation) in women with certain fertility problems. Consult your doctor or pharmacist about the use of reliable birth control while taking this medication.
This medication is not recommended for use during pregnancy. Insulin treatment may be preferred. Use of rosiglitazone/glimepiride close to the expected delivery date may increase the risk of low blood sugar in your newborn. Consult your doctor for more details and follow all instructions carefully.
It is unknown if this medication passes into breast milk, and it may have undesirable effects on a nursing infant. Breast-feeding while using this drug is not recommended. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor\'s approval.
A product that may interact with this drug is: insulin.
Many drugs can affect your blood sugar levels, making it more difficult to control your blood sugar. Before you start, stop, or change any medication, talk with your doctor or pharmacist about how the medication may affect your blood sugar. Check your blood sugar levels regularly as directed by your doctor. Tell your doctor about the results and of any symptoms of high or low blood sugar. (See also Side Effects section.) Your doctor may need to adjust your anti-diabetic medication, exercise program, or diet.
Beta-blocker medications (e.g., metoprolol, propranolol, glaucoma eye drops such as timolol) may prevent the fast/pounding heartbeat you would usually feel when your blood sugar level falls too low (hypoglycemia). Other symptoms of low blood sugar such as dizziness, hunger, or sweating are unaffected by these drugs.
Check the labels on all your medicines (e.g., cough-and-cold products) because they may contain ingredients that could affect your blood sugar. Ask your pharmacist about the safe use of those products.

If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. US residents can call the US national poison hotline at 1-800-222-1222. Canadian residents should call their local poison control center directly. Symptoms of overdose may include: shakiness, rapid heartbeat, unexplained sweating, loss of consciousness.

NOTES:
Do not share this medication with others.
It is recommended you attend a diabetes education program to understand diabetes and all the important aspects of its treatment including meals/diet, exercise, weight loss, personal hygiene, medications and getting regular eye, foot, and medical exams. Consult your doctor or pharmacist.
Keep all medical appointments. Laboratory and/or medical tests (e.g., liver and kidney function tests, fasting blood glucose, hemoglobin A1c, complete blood counts) should be performed periodically to monitor your progress or check for side effects. Regularly check your blood or urine for sugar as directed by your doctor or pharmacist.

MISSED DOSE:
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.

STORAGE:
Store at room temperature at 77 degrees F (25 degrees C) away from light and moisture. Brief storage between 59-86 degrees F (15-30 degrees C) is permitted. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.
Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company for more details about how to safely discard your product.
MEDICAL ALERT: Your condition can cause complications in a medical emergency. For enrollment information call MedicAlert at 1-800-854-1166 (USA) or 1-800-668-1507 (Canada).
Information last revised April 2012. Copyright(c) 2012 First Databank, Inc.