(roh si GLI ta zone & met FOR min)
Type 2 diabetes: Adjunct to diet and exercise to improve glycemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus (noninsulin dependent, NIDDM).
Limitations of use: Should not be used in patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus or diabetic ketoacidosis; use with insulin is not recommended.
Hypersensitivity to rosiglitazone or any component of the formulation; initiation in patients with established NYHA class III or IV heart failure; renal disease or renal dysfunction (eg, as suggested by serum creatinine levels at least 1.5 mg/dL [men], at least 1.4 mg/dL [women], or abnormal creatinine clearance), which may also result from conditions such as cardiovascular collapse (shock), acute MI, and septicemia; acute or chronic metabolic acidosis, including diabetic ketoacidosis, with or without coma; patients undergoing radiologic studies involving intravascular administration of iodinated contrast materials.
Canadian labeling: Additional contraindications (not in US labeling): Hypersensitivity to rosiglitazone, metformin, or any component of the formulation; any stage of heart failure (eg, NYHA class I, II, III, or IV); history of lactic acidosis, regardless of precipitating factors; history of ketoacidosis with or without coma; serious hepatic impairment; type I diabetes; cardiovascular collapse and disease states associated with hypoxemia (eg, cardiorespiratory insufficiency) which are often associated with hyperlactacidemia; unknown renal function; serum creatinine levels above the upper limit of normal range; pregnancy; breast-feeding; use during stress conditions (eg, severe infection, trauma, surgery) and the recovery phase thereafter; excessive alcohol intake (acute or chronic); severe dehydration
Note: The manufacturer recommends to temporarily discontinue metformin in patients undergoing radiologic studies in which intravascular iodinated contrast media are utilized.
Thiazolidinediones, including rosiglitazone, cause or exacerbate congestive heart failure (CHF) in some patients. After initiation of rosiglitazone/metformin, and after dose increases, observe patients carefully for signs and symptoms of heart failure (including excessive, rapid weight gain, dyspnea, and/or edema). If these signs and symptoms develop, the heart failure should be managed according to the current standards of care. Furthermore, it is important to consider discontinuation or dose reduction of rosiglitazone/metformin.
Rosiglitazone/metformin is not recommended in patients with symptomatic heart failure. Initiation of rosiglitazone/metformin in patients with established New York Heart Association (NYHA) class III or IV heart failure is contraindicated.
Myocardial infarction:A meta-analysis of 52 clinical studies (mean duration, 6 months; 16,995 total patients), most of which compared rosiglitazone with placebo, showed rosiglitazone to be associated with an increased risk of myocardial infarction (MI). Three other studies (mean duration, 46 months; 14,067 total patients) comparing rosiglitazone with some other approved oral antidiabetic agents or placebo showed a statistically nonsignificant increased risk of MI, and a statistically nonsignificant decreased risk of death. There have been no clinical trials directly comparing cardiovascular risk of rosiglitazone and pioglitazone, another thiazolidinedione, but in a separate trial, pioglitazone (when compared with placebo) did not show an increased risk of MI or death.
Lactic acidosisLactic acidosis is a rare but serious metabolic complication that can occur because of metformin accumulation. The risk increases with conditions such as sepsis, dehydration, excess alcohol intake, hepatic insufficiency, renal impairment, and acute CHF.
Symptoms include malaise, myalgias, respiratory distress, increasing somnolence, and nonspecific abdominal distress. Laboratory abnormalities include low pH, increased anion gap, and elevated blood lactate.
If acidosis is suspected, discontinue rosiglitazone/metformin and hospitalize the patient immediately.
Type 2 diabetes mellitus: Oral: Note: Daily dose should be divided. Rosiglitazone dose should be initiated at the lowest recommended dose.
Patients inadequately controlled on diet and exercise alone: Initial dose: Rosiglitazone 2 mg and metformin 500 mg once or twice daily. Patients with HbA1c >11% or fasting plasma glucose (FPG) >270 mg/dL: Initial: Rosiglitazone 2 mg and metformin 500 mg twice daily may be considered. If not adequately controlled after 4 weeks, the dose may be increased in increments of rosiglitazone 2 mg and metformin 500 mg per day given in divided doses.
Patients inadequately controlled on metformin alone: Initial dose: Rosiglitazone 4 mg daily plus current dose of metformin
Patients inadequately controlled on rosiglitazone alone: Initial dose: Metformin 1000 mg daily plus current dose of rosiglitazone
Patients switching from combination therapy of rosiglitazone and metformin as separate tablets: Use current dose
Titration:
Dose adjustment after rosiglitazone dosage increase: If not adequately controlled after 8 to 12 weeks, increase daily dose of rosiglitazone component in 4 mg increments.
Dose adjustment after metformin dosage increase: If not adequately controlled after 1 to 2 weeks, increase daily dose of metformin component in 500 mg increments.
Maximum daily dose: Rosiglitazone 8 mg/metformin 2000 mg.
The initial and maintenance dosing should be conservative, due to the potential for decreased renal function (monitor). Generally, elderly patients should not be titrated to the maximum. Do not use in patients ≥80 years unless normal renal function has been established.
Manufacturers labeling:
Serum creatinine (SCr) ≥1.5 mg/dL (males) or ≥1.4 mg/dL (females): Use is contraindicated
Abnormal CrCl (US labeling: Not defined; Canadian labeling: <60 mL/minute): Use is contraindicated
Alternate recommendations:Note: The United Kingdom National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) Guidelines recommend prescribing metformin with caution in those patients who are at risk of sudden deterioration in renal function and at risk of an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) <45 mL/minute/1.73 m2 (NICE 2008). Some evidence suggests that use of metformin is unsafe when eGFR <30 mL/minute/1.73 m2 (calculated using MDRD) (Shaw 2007). A review of the available data by members of the American Diabetes Association proposed the following recommendations based on eGFR (Lipska 2011):
eGFR ≥60 mL/minute/1.73 m2: No contraindications, monitor renal function annually
eGFR ≥45 to <60 mL/minute/1.73 m2: Continue use; monitor renal function every 3 to 6 months
eGFR ≥30 to <45 mL/minute/1.73 m2: In patients currently receiving metformin, use with caution, consider dosage reduction (eg, 50% reduction or 50% of maximal dose), monitor renal function every 3 months. Do not initiate therapy in patients with eGFR <45 mL/minute/1.73 m2.
eGFR <30 mL/minute/1.73 m2: Discontinue use
The manufacturer recommends to avoid metformin since liver disease is considered a risk factor for the development of lactic acidosis during metformin therapy. However, continued use of metformin in diabetics with liver dysfunction, including cirrhosis, has been used successfully and may be associated with a survival benefit in carefully selected patients; use cautiously in patients at risk for lactic acidosis (eg, renal impairment, alcohol use) (Brackett 2010; Zhang 2014). Do not initiate rosiglitazone therapy with active liver disease or ALT >2.5 times the upper limit of normal.
Administer with meals, generally in divided doses.
Should be taken with meals. Avoid ethanol. Dietary modification based on ADA recommendations is a part of therapy. Monitor for signs and symptoms of vitamin B12 and/or folic acid deficiency; supplementation may be required.
Store at 25 ‚ °C (77 ‚ °F); excursions permitted to 15 ‚ °C to 30 ‚ °C (59 ‚ °F to 86 ‚ °F). Protect from light.
Excipient information presented when available (limited, particularly for generics); consult specific product labeling.
Tablet, Oral:
Avandamet: 2/500: Rosiglitazone 2 mg and metformin hydrochloride 500 mg [DSC]
Avandamet: 4/500: Rosiglitazone 4 mg and metformin hydrochloride 500 mg [DSC]
Avandamet: 2/1000: Rosiglitazone 2 mg and metformin hydrochloride 1000 mg
Avandamet: 4/1000: Rosiglitazone 4 mg and metformin hydrochloride 1000 mg [DSC]
Abiraterone Acetate: May increase the serum concentration of CYP2C8 Substrates. Monitor therapy
Alcohol (Ethyl): May enhance the adverse/toxic effect of MetFORMIN. Specifically, alcohol may potentiate the risk of lactic acidosis Avoid combination
Alpha-Lipoic Acid: May enhance the hypoglycemic effect of Antidiabetic Agents. Monitor therapy
Amodiaquine: CYP2C8 Inhibitors may increase the serum concentration of Amodiaquine. Avoid combination
Androgens: May enhance the hypoglycemic effect of Blood Glucose Lowering Agents. Exceptions: Danazol. Monitor therapy
Atazanavir: May increase the serum concentration of Rosiglitazone. Monitor therapy
BuPROPion: May increase the serum concentration of OCT2 Substrates. Monitor therapy
Carbonic Anhydrase Inhibitors: May enhance the adverse/toxic effect of MetFORMIN. Specifically, the risk of developing lactic acidosis may be increased. Exceptions: Brinzolamide; Dorzolamide. Monitor therapy
Cephalexin: May increase the serum concentration of MetFORMIN. Monitor therapy
Cholestyramine Resin: May decrease the serum concentration of Rosiglitazone. Management: Administer rosiglitazone at least 2 hours prior to cholestyramine in order to minimize the likelihood of an interaction, and monitor patients closely for evidence of reduced rosiglitazone effectiveness. Consider therapy modification
Cimetidine: May increase the serum concentration of MetFORMIN. Consider therapy modification
CYP2C8 Inducers (Strong): May increase the metabolism of CYP2C8 Substrates. Management: Consider an alternative for one of the interacting drugs. Some combinations may be specifically contraindicated. Consult appropriate manufacturer labeling. Consider therapy modification
CYP2C8 Inhibitors (Moderate): May decrease the metabolism of CYP2C8 Substrates. Monitor therapy
CYP2C8 Inhibitors (Strong): May decrease the metabolism of CYP2C8 Substrates. Consider therapy modification
CYP2C8 Substrates: CYP2C8 Inhibitors (Moderate) may decrease the metabolism of CYP2C8 Substrates. Monitor therapy
Dabrafenib: May decrease the serum concentration of CYP2C8 Substrates. Management: Seek alternatives to the CYP2C8 substrate when possible. If concomitant therapy cannot be avoided, monitor clinical effects of the substrate closely (particularly therapeutic effects). Consider therapy modification
Dalfampridine: MetFORMIN may increase the serum concentration of Dalfampridine. Dalfampridine may increase the serum concentration of MetFORMIN. Monitor therapy
Deferasirox: May increase the serum concentration of CYP2C8 Substrates. Monitor therapy
Dofetilide: MetFORMIN may increase the serum concentration of Dofetilide. Monitor therapy
Dolutegravir: May increase the serum concentration of MetFORMIN. Management: Limit the daily metformin dose to 1,000 mg when used together with dolutegravir. Metformin dose adjustments may also be needed upon discontinuation of dolutegravir. Monitor patient response to metformin closely. Consider therapy modification
Gemfibrozil: May decrease the metabolism of Antidiabetic Agents (Thiazolidinedione). Management: Limit pioglitazone maximum adult dose to 15 mg/day, and consider dose reduction of rosiglitazone, when used in combination with gemfibrozil. Consider therapy modification
Glycopyrrolate (Systemic): May increase the serum concentration of MetFORMIN. Monitor therapy
Hyperglycemia-Associated Agents: May diminish the therapeutic effect of Antidiabetic Agents. Monitor therapy
Hypoglycemia-Associated Agents: Antidiabetic Agents may enhance the hypoglycemic effect of Hypoglycemia-Associated Agents. Monitor therapy
Insulin: May enhance the adverse/toxic effect of Rosiglitazone. Specifically, the risk of fluid retention, heart failure, and hypoglycemia may be increased with this combination. Avoid combination
Iodinated Contrast Agents: May enhance the adverse/toxic effect of MetFORMIN. Renal dysfunction that may be caused by iodinated contrast agents may lead to metformin-associated lactic acidosis. Management: Management advice varies. Refer to the full drug interaction monograph content for details. Exceptions: Diatrizoate Meglumine; Ethiodized Oil. Consider therapy modification
LamoTRIgine: May increase the serum concentration of MetFORMIN. Management: The lamotrigine Canadian product monograph states that coadministration of these drugs is not recommended. Monitor therapy
Lumacaftor: May increase the serum concentration of CYP2C8 Substrates. Lumacaftor may decrease the serum concentration of CYP2C8 Substrates. Monitor therapy
MAO Inhibitors: May enhance the hypoglycemic effect of Blood Glucose Lowering Agents. Monitor therapy
MiFEPRIStone: May increase the serum concentration of CYP2C8 Substrates. Management: Use CYP2C8 substrates at the lowest recommended dose, and monitor closely for adverse effects (including myopathy), during and in the 2 weeks following mifepristone treatment. Consider therapy modification
Ombitasvir, Paritaprevir, and Ritonavir: May enhance the adverse/toxic effect of MetFORMIN. Specifically, the risk for lactic acidosis may be increased. Monitor therapy
Ombitasvir, Paritaprevir, Ritonavir, and Dasabuvir: May enhance the adverse/toxic effect of MetFORMIN. Specifically, the risk for lactic acidosis may be increased. Monitor therapy
Ondansetron: May increase the serum concentration of MetFORMIN. Monitor therapy
Pegvisomant: May enhance the hypoglycemic effect of Blood Glucose Lowering Agents. Monitor therapy
Pregabalin: May enhance the fluid-retaining effect of Antidiabetic Agents (Thiazolidinedione). Monitor therapy
Quinolone Antibiotics: May enhance the hypoglycemic effect of Blood Glucose Lowering Agents. Quinolone Antibiotics may diminish the therapeutic effect of Blood Glucose Lowering Agents. Specifically, if an agent is being used to treat diabetes, loss of blood sugar control may occur with quinolone use. Monitor therapy
Ranolazine: May increase the serum concentration of MetFORMIN. Management: Limit the metformin dose to a maximum of 1700 mg/day when used together with ranolazine 1000 mg twice daily. Consider therapy modification
RifAMPin: May increase the metabolism of Antidiabetic Agents (Thiazolidinedione). Management: Consider alternatives to the concomitant use of rifampin with thiazolidinedione antidiabetic agents. Monitor patients receiving these combinations for decreased effects of the thiazolidinedione derivative. Consider therapy modification
Salicylates: May enhance the hypoglycemic effect of Blood Glucose Lowering Agents. Monitor therapy
Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors: May enhance the hypoglycemic effect of Blood Glucose Lowering Agents. Monitor therapy
Sulfonylureas: Antidiabetic Agents (Thiazolidinedione) may enhance the hypoglycemic effect of Sulfonylureas. Management: Consider sulfonylurea dose adjustments in patients taking thiazolidinediones and monitor for hypoglycemia. Consider therapy modification
Thiazide and Thiazide-Like Diuretics: May diminish the therapeutic effect of Antidiabetic Agents. Monitor therapy
Topiramate: May enhance the adverse/toxic effect of MetFORMIN. Monitor therapy
Trimethoprim: May increase the serum concentration of MetFORMIN. Monitor therapy
Trospium: MetFORMIN may decrease the serum concentration of Trospium. Monitor therapy
Vandetanib: May increase the serum concentration of MetFORMIN. Monitor therapy
Vasodilators (Organic Nitrates): May enhance the adverse/toxic effect of Rosiglitazone. Specifically, a greater risk of ischemia and other adverse effects has been associated with this combination in some pooled analyses. Monitor therapy
Verapamil: May diminish the therapeutic effect of MetFORMIN. Monitor therapy
HbA1c (at least twice yearly in patients who have stable glycemic control and are meeting treatment goals; quarterly in patients not meeting treatment goals or with therapy change) [ADA 2016a]); serum glucose; signs and symptoms of fluid retention or heart failure; renal function (baseline and every 6 months); blood pressure; liver enzymes (prior to initiation of therapy, then periodically thereafter). Evaluate patients with ALT ≤2.5 times ULN at baseline or during therapy for cause of enzyme elevation. Patients with an elevation in ALT >3 times ULN should be rechecked as soon as possible. If the ALT levels remain >3 times ULN, therapy with rosiglitazone should be discontinued. CBC; vitamin B12 and folate if anemia is present. Regular ophthalmic examinations
Also see individual agents. Percentages of adverse effects as reported with the combination product.
>10%:
Central nervous system: Headache (7% to 11%)
Endocrine & metabolic: Hypoglycemia (3% to 12%)
Gastrointestinal: Nausea and vomiting (16%), diarrhea (13% to 14%)
Respiratory: Upper respiratory tract infection (9% to 16%)
1% to 10%:
Cardiovascular: Edema (4% to 6%), cardiac failure ( ≤3%), myocardial infarction ( ≤3%), cerebrovascular accident ( ≤2%)
Central nervous system: Dizziness (8%), fatigue (6%)
Gastrointestinal: Dyspepsia (10%), abdominal pain (5%), constipation (5%), loose stools (5%)
Hematologic & oncologic: Anemia (4% to 7%)
Infection: Viral infection (5%)
Neuromuscular & skeletal: Bone fracture ( ≤ 8%; incidence greater in females; usually upper limbs or distal lower limbs), arthralgia (5%), back pain (5%)
Respiratory: Nasopharyngitis (6%), sinusitis (6%), flu-like symptoms (1%)
Miscellaneous: Trauma (8%)
<1% (Limited to important or life-threatening): Increased serum ALT
Plasma and blood half-life of metformin is prolonged and the renal Cl is decreased in proportion to the decrease in CrCl.
Clearance of rosiglitazone was significantly lower in patients with moderate to severe liver disease and Cmax and AUC0- ¢ ˆ ž were increased 2- and 3-fold, respectively.
Concerns related to adverse effects:
- Edema: Dose-related edema may occur. Use with caution in patients with edema; may increase plasma volume and/or cause fluid retention. Monitor for signs/symptoms of heart failure.
- Fractures: Increased incidence of bone fractures in females treated with rosiglitazone was observed during analysis of long-term trial; majority of fractures occurred in the upper arm, hand and foot (differing from the hip or spine fractures usually associated with postmenopausal osteoporosis). Consider risk of fracture prior to initiation and during use. According to the American Diabetes Association guidelines, thiazolidinediones should be avoided in patients with fracture risk factors (ADA 2016a).
- Heart failure/cardiac effects: [US Boxed Warning]: Thiazolidinediones, including rosiglitazone, may cause or exacerbate congestive heart failure; closely monitor for signs and symptoms of congestive heart failure (eg, rapid weight gain, dyspnea, edema), particularly after initiation or dose increases; if heart failure develops, treat accordingly and consider dose reduction or discontinuation. Not recommended for use in any patient with symptomatic heart failure. In the US, initiation of therapy is contraindicated in patients with NYHA class III or IV heart failure; in Canada use is contraindicated in patients with any stage of heart failure (NYHA I, II, III, IV). A higher frequency of cardiovascular events has been noted in patients with NYHA class I or II heart failure treated with rosiglitazone. In addition, metformin should be used with caution in patients with heart failure requiring pharmacologic management, particularly in unstable or acute heart failure due to risk of lactic acidosis secondary to hypoperfusion. Rosiglitazone may also be associated with an increased risk of angina and MI. Use with caution in patients at risk for cardiovascular events and monitor closely. Discontinue if any deterioration in cardiac status occurs.
- Hematologic effects: Rosiglitazone may decrease hemoglobin, hematocrit, and/or WBC count (slight); effects may be related to increased plasma volume and/or dose-related. Changes in hemoglobin and hematocrit generally occurred during the first 3 months after initiation of rosiglitazone therapy and after dose increases. Use rosiglitazone with caution in patients with anemia or depressed leukocyte counts (may reduce hemoglobin, hematocrit, and/or WBC). Metformin may impair vitamin B12 absorption; monitor for anemia.
- Hypoglycemia: Hypoglycemia is more likely to occur when caloric intake is deficient, after severe or prolonged exercise, when ethanol is ingested, or when more than one glucose-lowering drug is used. It is also more likely in elderly patients, malnourished patients, and in patients with adrenal or pituitary insufficiency.
- Lactic acidosis: [US Boxed Warning]: Lactic acidosis is a rare, but potentially severe consequence of therapy with metformin that requires urgent care and hospitalization. The risk is increased in patients with acute congestive heart failure, dehydration, excessive alcohol intake, hepatic or renal impairment, or sepsis. Symptoms may be nonspecific (eg, abdominal distress, malaise, myalgia, respiratory distress, somnolence); low pH, increased anion gap and elevated blood lactate may be observed. Discontinue immediately if acidosis is suspected. Lactic acidosis should be suspected in any patient with diabetes receiving metformin with evidence of acidosis but without evidence of ketoacidosis. Discontinue metformin in patients with conditions associated with dehydration, sepsis, or hypoxemia. The risk of accumulation and lactic acidosis increases with the degree of impairment of renal function.
- Macular edema: Has been reported with thiazolidinedione use, including rosiglitazone; some patients with macular edema presented with blurred vision or decreased visual acuity, and most had peripheral edema at time of diagnosis. In addition to regular ophthalmic exams, diabetic patients with visual symptoms should receive prompt ophthalmic evaluation. Improvement in macular edema may occur with discontinuation of rosiglitazone therapy.
- Weight gain: Dose-related weight gain observed with use; mechanism unknown but likely associated with fluid retention and fat accumulation.
Disease-related concerns:
- Diabetes, type 1: Mechanism of rosiglitazone requires the presence of endogenous insulin; therefore, use in type 1 diabetes (insulin dependent, IDDM) or diabetic ketoacidosis is not recommended (contraindicated in the Canadian labeling). Use with insulin is not recommended; may increase the risk of heart failure.
- Hepatic impairment: Use metformin with caution in patients with hepatic impairment due to potential for lactic acidosis. Use rosiglitazone with caution in patients with elevated transaminases (AST or ALT); do not initiate in patients with active liver disease of ALT >2.5 times the upper limit of normal (ULN) at baseline; evaluate patients with ALT ≤2.5 times ULN at baseline or during therapy for cause of enzyme elevation. During therapy, if ALT >3 times ULN, reevaluate levels promptly and discontinue rosiglitazone if elevation persists or if jaundice occurs at any time during use. Idiosyncratic hepatotoxicity has been reported with another thiazolidinedione agent (troglitazone); avoid use in patients who previously experienced jaundice during troglitazone therapy.
- Ischemic heart disease: Do not initiate rosiglitazone in patients with stable ischemic heart disease due to an increased risk of cardiovascular complications (Fihn 2012).
- Renal impairment: Metformin is substantially excreted by the kidney; use with caution in patients with renal impairment (use is contraindicated in some patients). Monitor renal function; may assess more frequently in patients at increased risk of developing renal impairment (eg, elderly). Use of concomitant medications that may affect renal function (ie, affect tubular secretion) may also affect metformin disposition. Metformin should be withheld in patients with dehydration and/or prerenal azotemia.
- Stress-related states: It may be necessary to discontinue metformin and administer insulin if the patient is exposed to stress (fever, trauma, infection, surgery).
Concurrent drug therapy issues:
- Drug-drug interactions: Potentially significant interactions may exist, requiring dose or frequency adjustment, additional monitoring, and/or selection of alternative therapy. Consult drug interactions database for more detailed information.
Special populations:
- Elderly: Metformin should not be initiated in patients ≥80 years of age unless normal renal function is confirmed. Risk of lactic acidosis increases with age.
- Premenopausal/anovulatory females: Use rosiglitazone with caution in premenopausal, anovulatory women; may result in a resumption of ovulation, increasing the risk of pregnancy. Use of adequate contraception in premenopausal women is recommended.
Other warnings/precautions:
- Ethanol use: Instruct patients to avoid excessive acute or chronic ethanol use; ethanol may potentiate metformins effect on lactate metabolism.
- Iodinated contrast: The FDA recommends temporary discontinuation of metformin at the time of or before iodinated contrast imaging procedures in patients with an eGFR 30 to 60 mL/minute/1.73 m2; or with a history of hepatic disease, alcoholism, or heart failure; or in patients who will receive intra-arterial iodinated contrast. Alternatively, the American College of Radiology (ACR) guidelines recommend that metformin may be used prior to or following administration of iodinated contrast media in patients with no evidence of acute kidney injury (AKI) and with an eGFR ≥30 mL/minute/1.73 m2; ACR guidelines recommend temporary discontinuation of metformin in patients with known AKI or severe chronic kidney disease([stage IV or V [ie, eGFR <30 mL/minute/1.73 m2]) or who are undergoing arterial catheter studies (ACR 2015). Temporary discontinuation of metformin should occur at the time of or prior to the procedure, withheld for 48 hours following the procedure, and then resumed only when normal renal function is confirmed.
- Surgical procedures: Metformin therapy should be suspended for any surgical procedures (except minor procedures not associated with restricted intake of food and fluids). Restart only after normal oral intake resumed and normal renal function is verified.
- Triple therapy: Canadian labeling does not indicate use of rosiglitazone in combination with both metformin and a sulfonylurea (ie, triple therapy).
C
Animal reproduction studies were not conducted with this combination. Refer to individual agents.
Rosiglitazone is a thiazolidinedione antidiabetic agent that lowers blood glucose by improving target cell response to insulin, without increasing pancreatic insulin secretion. It has a mechanism of action that is dependent on the presence of insulin for activity. Metformin decreases hepatic glucose production, decreases intestinal absorption of glucose, and improves insulin sensitivity (increases peripheral glucose uptake and utilization).
- Discuss specific use of drug and side effects with patient as it relates to treatment. (HCAHPS: During this hospital stay, were you given any medicine that you had not taken before? Before giving you any new medicine, how often did hospital staff tell you what the medicine was for? How often did hospital staff describe possible side effects in a way you could understand?)
- Patient may experience nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, flatulence, headache, rhinitis, pharyngitis, or joint pain. Have patient report immediately to prescriber signs of heart problems (cough or shortness of breath that is new or worse, swelling of the ankles or legs, abnormal heartbeat, weight gain of more than five pounds in 24 hours, dizziness, or passing out), signs of too much lactic acid in the blood (lactic acidosis; fast breathing, fast heartbeat, abnormal heartbeat, vomiting, drowsiness, shortness of breath, feeling very tired or weak, severe dizziness, feeling cold, or muscle pain or cramps), signs of liver problems (dark urine, feeling tired, lack of appetite, nausea, abdominal pain, light-colored stools, vomiting, or yellow skin or eyes), bone pain, vision changes, loss of strength and energy, dysphagia, tachycardia, signs of low blood sugar (dizziness, headache, fatigue, feeling weak, shaking, a fast heartbeat, confusion, hunger, or sweating), or signs of a heart attack (angina; pain in arms, back, neck, jaw, or stomach; shortness of breath; cold sweats; severe dizziness; passing out; severe nausea or vomiting) (HCAHPS).
- Educate patient about signs of a significant reaction (eg, wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; seizures; or swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat). Note: This is not a comprehensive list of all side effects. Patient should consult prescriber for additional questions.
Intended Use and Disclaimer: Should not be printed and given to patients. This information is intended to serve as a concise initial reference for healthcare professionals to use when discussing medications with a patient. You must ultimately rely on your own discretion, experience and judgment in diagnosing, treating and advising patients.