ROSIGLITAZONE-GLIMEPIRIDE

This is a combination of two antidiabetic medications—Rosiglitazone Maleate and Glimepiride that work in different ways to help reduce blood sugar levels.

Glimepiride belongs to a class of drugs called sulfonylureas. It works by helping your body release more insulin from your pancreas. Once the sugar enters your cells, they’re able to use the sugar as fuel for your body. If your body doesn’t make enough insulin or can’t use the insulin that it makes properly, the sugar will stay in your bloodstream. This causes high blood sugar levels (hyperglycemia).

Rosiglitazone Maleate belongs to a class of drugs called thiazolidinediones. It works by helping you respond better to the insulin that your body makes.

Uses

Rosiglitazone maleate/glimepiride, along with diet and exercise, is used to lower blood sugar levels in adults with type 2 diabetes.

Warnings

This drug can cause your body to retain extra fluid that may lead to some heart problems or worse heart failure.

Side Effects

Common side effects include cold-like symptoms and headache. Glimepiride can also cause very low blood sugar (hypoglycemia).

Precautions

Precautions

Some medical conditions may interact with glimepiride/rosiglitazone, especially if any of the following apply to you. Tell your doctor or pharmacist right away.

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 had a severe allergic reaction (eg, severe rash, hives, breathing difficulties, dizziness) to any other sulfonamide medicine, such as sulfamethoxazole, valdecoxib, or zonisamide
if you have a history of heart problems (eg, heart failure, a heart attack); high blood acid levels or diabetic ketoacidosis; liver problems or abnormal liver function tests; stroke; syndrome of inappropriate secretion of antidiuretic hormone [SIADH]); low blood sodium levels; bone fracture, low calcium intake, or weak bones (eg, osteoporosis)
if you have kidney problems, anemia, adrenal gland or pituitary gland problems, eye or vision problems (eg, macular edema), stomach or bowel problems (eg, blockage, paralysis), glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency, fluid retention or swelling problems (edema), vomiting, diarrhea, poor health or nutrition, a fever, an infection, moderate to severe burns, or brain or nervous system problems, or if you have had a recent injury
if you will be having surgery
if you take medicines for high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or heart failure, or for prevention of heart disease or a stroke
if you have a history of liver problems, including jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes), during therapy with a similar medicine called troglitazone

Interactions

Rosiglitazone maleate/glimepiride can interact with other medications, herbs, or vitamins you might be taking. It is important to notify your doctor if you’re taking any or planning to take other drug. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you want to know more about these interactions.

Overdose & Brands

You may experience signs of severe low blood sugar. Symptoms include:

mood changes, such as irritability, impatience, anger, stubbornness, or sadness
confusion, including delirium
lightheadedness or dizziness
sleepiness
blurred or impaired vision
tingling or numbness in your lips or tongue
headaches
weakness or fatigue
lack of coordination
nightmares or crying out in your sleep
seizures
unconsciousness

If you think that you’ve taken too much of this medication or experience any of the symptoms above, call your doctor or go to the emergency room right away.

Available brands:

Avandia
Avandaryl