Avandamet

Avandamet is a drug that is used to treat type 2 diabetes. The medication is composed of rosiglitazone and metformin, two diabetes drugs that can help reduce and control blood sugar levels by improving insulin sensitivity and decreasing sugar absorption into the body. Avandamet comes in the form of a tablet and is available in four strengths, each with different amounts of metformin and rosiglitazone. Potential side effects of the combination medicine may include headache, upset stomach, or upper respiratory tract infections.

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.
 

What Is Avandamet?

Avandamet® (rosiglitazone and metformin) is a prescription medication that is used to treat type 2 diabetes (also known as noninsulin-dependent diabetes or adult-onset diabetes). The drug is a combination of two different diabetes medications: rosiglitazone maleate (Avandia®) and metformin hydrochloride (Fortamet®, Glucophage®, Glucophage XR®, Glumetza®, or Riomet®).
 
(Click Avandamet Uses for more information on what it is used for, including possible off-label uses.)
 

Who Makes Avandamet?

Avandamet is manufactured by GlaxoSmithKline.
 
 
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD
 
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