Diabetes Channel
Topics
Medications
Quicklinks
Related Channels
Generic Avandamet
Although the first patent for Avandamet (rosiglitazone and metformin) has expired, no generic versions are available. The next patent is set to expire in October 2015. It is possible that a generic version could be introduced at that time.
Avandamet® (rosiglitazone and metformin) is a prescription medication that has been licensed to treat type 2 diabetes. The medication is actually a combination of two different diabetes drugs: rosiglitazone maleate (Avandia®) and metformin hydrochloride (Fortamet®, Glucophage®, Glucophage XR®, Glumetza®, or Riomet®).
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 is manufactured by GlaxoSmithKline. It is currently under the protection of a patent that prevents any generic Avandamet from being manufactured in the United States. Yet, if you search the Internet for "generic Avandamet," you may find a number of companies selling it. The fact is, these medicines are fake, substandard, and potentially dangerous. There may be generic Avandamet available from another country, but there is really no way of knowing if you are getting genuine Avandamet or not. You should not buy any generic Avandamet until there is an approved generic available.
Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD