Avandamet Overdose

If you take excessive amounts of Avandamet, overdose symptoms may occur. The effects of an overdose will vary from person to person but may include shakiness, low blood sugar, or lactic acidosis, among other things. There are many treatment options available for an Avandamet overdose, including "pumping the stomach," administering certain medicines, and providing supportive care.

In September 2010, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced that it would be severely restricting the use of rosiglitazone, one of the active ingredients in Avandamet, due to the risk of "cardiovascular events" such as heart attacks and strokes. Only individuals who cannot control their diabetes on other medications (or those who are already taking the medication and doing well) will be able to take Avandamet.
 

Avandamet Overdose: An Overview

Avandamet® (rosiglitazone and metformin) is a prescription medication that has been licensed to treat type 2 diabetes. As with all medicines, it is possible to take too much Avandamet. The effects of an Avandamet overdose will vary depending on a number of factors, including how much Avandamet was taken and whether it was taken with any other medicines, alcohol, and/or drugs.
 
If you happen to overdose on Avandamet, seek medical attention immediately.
 

Symptoms and Effects of an Avandamet Overdose

The effects of an Avandamet overdose may include:
 
 
Possible symptoms of low blood sugar include:
 
  • Sweating
  • Shakiness
  • Extreme hunger
  • Dizziness
  • Cold sweats
  • Blurry vision.
     
More severe low blood sugar symptoms include:
 
  • Changes in behavior, such as irritability
  • Loss of coordination
  • Difficulty speaking
  • Confusion
  • Seizures
  • Loss of consciousness
  • Coma
  • Loss of life.
     
Lactic acidosis symptoms include:
 
  • Feeling tired or weak
  • Muscle pain
  • Trouble breathing
  • Stomach pain
  • Feeling cold
  • Dizziness or lightheadedness
  • A slow or irregular heartbeat
  • Loss of life.
     
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD
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