What is Avandamet?
Avandamet is an oral anti-diabetic drug composed of 2 medications, metformin and rosiglitazone maleate. In combination, these drugs work to control blood sugar levels in patients with type-2 diabetes. Avandamet is intended to be used in combination with diet and exercise.
How does Avandamet work?
The two medications in Avandamet (metformin and rosiglitazone maleate), work in different but complementary ways. Metformin belongs to the class of medications called biguanides. This drug works by reducing the amount of glucose produced by the liver and by slowing the breakdown of carbohydrates. Rosiglitazone, however, belongs to the class of medications called thiazolidinediones and works by improving insulin sensitivity in fat tissue, muscles, and the liver. In combination, these 2 medications work as a team to control blood sugar levels.
Dosage
Avandamet comes in the following dosages and strengths:
- 2 mg/500 mg
- 4 mg/500 mg
- 2 mg/1000 mg
- 4 mg/1000 mg
The dose should be started at 2 mg/500 mg once or twice a day, and increased based on patient tolerance and individualized response. If blood sugar is not well controlled after 4 weeks, the dosage can be increased by 2 mg/500 mg while monitoring for efficacy and side effects. For metformin, it can take 1-2 weeks to assess the effects of a dose increase. For rosiglitazone, it can take up to 12 weeks to assess the effects of a dose increase. Gradual escalation is recommended to find the minimum effective dose.
The daily dose should not exceed 8 mg of rosiglitazone and 2000 mg of metformin.
Overdose
Overdose of rosiglitazone is not well documented. Patients with renal or hepatic impairment are at a greater risk of metformin accumulation leading to lactic acidosis, which can be fatal if not treated. Early symptoms of metformin overdose are vague and include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and loss of appetite. Advanced symptoms are low blood pressure, kidney failure, and cardiac arrest. Dialysis may be indicated to clear excess metformin from the body.
If immediate help is required, call 911. If an overdose is suspected, call poison control at 800-222-1222.
Side Effects
If you experience signs or symptoms of an allergic reaction, such as hives, rash, itching, difficulty breathing, or swelling of the face, mouth, or throat, seek immediate medical attention.
The most common side effects of Avandamet include:
- Diarrhea
- Nausea
- Upset stomach
- Headache
- Joint pain
- Cold symptoms
- Dizziness
Tell your doctor if you notice:
- Vision changes
- Symptoms of heart failure include shortness of breath with activity, difficulty breathing when lying flat, significant swelling, cough, etc.
- Symptoms of liver dysfunction such as abdominal pain, dark urine, yellow skin, and loss of appetite.
Get medical help immediately if you suspect diabetic ketoacidosis. DKA is a dangerously high blood sugar level in combination with the presence of ketones in your blood or urine. Symptoms of DKA include fruity-smelling breath, fast, deep breathing, and excessive thirst or urination.
Storage Information
Store Avandamet tablets at room temperature between 20°C and 25°C (68°F and 77°F).
Keep the medication in its original container and protect it from excessive heat, moisture, and direct sunlight.
Do not store in bathrooms or other humid locations.
Keep out of reach of children and pets.
Do not use Avandamet after the expiration date printed on the packaging.
Warnings & Precautions
Children
Avandamet has not been studied or approved in children under 18 years old
Diabetic ketoacidosis
This medication should not be used for the treatment of diabetic ketoacidosis, a life-threatening condition evidenced by a blood sugar greater than 240 mg/dL and the presence of ketones in the blood. Early symptoms of DKA include severe thirst and frequent urination. Advanced symptoms include fast, deep breathing, fruity-smelling breath, headache, nausea, vomiting, lethargy, and dry skin and mouth. If you’re sick, experiencing any of the symptoms of DKA, or your blood sugar is greater than 240 mg/dL, you should test your urine or blood for ketones. If ketones are detected, you should call 911 or seek immediate medical attention.
Diabetes type-1
Avandamet is not approved for the treatment of type 1 diabetes.
Edema
Rosiglitazone is known to cause fluid retention and edema, so Avandamet should be used cautiously in patients with existing swelling or edema (NYHA Class I or II heart failure). Increased fluid volume can lead to and/or worsen heart failure, so patients with heart failure should exercise extra caution when taking this medication.
Eye problems
Patients with diabetes are at an increased risk of developing eye problems, and Avandamet can further increase this risk. Macular edema can be a complication of taking Avandamet, and seems to correlate with edema elsewhere in the body. A baseline eye exam should be performed before starting this medication, and eye exams should be performed regularly. If symptoms such as blurred vision or vision loss are noted, the patient should immediately be referred to an ophthalmologist.
Fractures
Avandamet can increase the risk of bone fractures, particularly in women. Fractures of the upper arm, hand, and foot are the most common fractures seen with this medication. Care should be taken to monitor and maintain bone health. Notify your doctor if you have, or are at increased risk of developing osteoporosis.
Heart problems
Avandamet can increase the risk of developing heart failure, and care should be taken to monitor for signs and symptoms of new or developing heart failure. Symptoms include increased edema, shortness of breath with activity, difficulty breathing while lying flat, weight gain, weakness, or cough.
For patients with existing heart failure, Avandamet can increase the number of cardiovascular events. While a decrease in heart function was not seen, Avandamet seemed to correspond with an increase in hospitalizations and cardiovascular deaths, as well as reports of worsening shortness of breath and edema. For patients with NYHA Class I and II heart failure, caution should be exercised when taking Avandamet. For patients with NYHA Class III and IV heart failure, taking Avandamet is not recommended.
Hematologic effects
Avandamet can decrease hemoglobin and hematocrit levels in the blood. Studies have shown a correlation between Avandamet dosage and blood count: the higher the dose of Avandamet, the lower the hemoglobin and hematocrit. It’s unclear if this decrease is due to dilution from fluid retention/edema or as a result of a vitamin B12 deficiency. Regular blood work should be performed to monitor blood counts.
Hypoglycemia
Hypoglycemia is rare with metformin but can occur after exercise or if calorie intake is insufficient. Hypoglycemia can be seen with rosiglitazone, especially if it is taken in combination with other anti-diabetic medications.
Lactic Acidosis
Lactic acidosis is a metabolic condition defined by a low pH and a high level of blood lactate. While lactic acidosis has many potential causes, an overdose of metformin is known to be one of them. Factors that can cause an unsafe buildup of metformin in the body are kidney problems, liver problems, and advanced age. Regular blood work should be performed to monitor kidney and liver function.
Early symptoms of lactic acidosis are quite nonspecific and include fatigue, lethargy, muscle pain, and respiratory distress. Advanced symptoms of lactic acidosis include low blood pressure, hypothermia, heart arrhythmias, and bradycardia. Lactic acidosis must be managed in a hospital setting, and Avandamet should be discontinued until the patient is stabilized.
In general, caution is advised when administering Avandamet in a hospital setting. Avandamet should promptly be discontinued if the patient is septic, dehydrated, or hypoxemic. Avandamet should not be administered before any diagnostic procedure involving radiocontrast or before surgery.
Insulin
Avandamet should not be taken concurrently with insulin as this increases the risk of cardiovascular side effects.
Liver problems
Avandamet can be dangerous for patients with severe liver dysfunction. For patients with a history of mild liver dysfunction, the use of Avandamet should be accompanied by routine checks of liver enzymes. Monitor for signs and symptoms of liver dysfunction, which include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, fatigue, loss of appetite, and dark urine.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Do not take Avandamet if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, as no studies have been performed to test the safety and efficacy in these patients.
Vitamin B12 levels
Avandamet can decrease vitamin B12 levels in some patients. No symptoms have been noted with this decrease, but vitamin B12 supplementation could be recommended for some patient populations. Levels of vitamin B12 appear to rapidly increase upon discontinuation of the medication.
Weight gain
While Avandamet has not been linked to weight gain, a weight increase has been noted with rosiglitazone therapy alone. The mechanism of action is unclear, but fluid retention and edema may be the cause of weight gain.
Monitoring Requirements
Patients taking Avandamet may require regular monitoring as determined by their healthcare provider.
Monitoring may include:
- Blood glucose levels
- Hemoglobin A1C
- Kidney function tests
- Liver function tests
- Vitamin B12 levels
- Weight and fluid retention assessments
- Signs and symptoms of heart failure
Do not change your dose or discontinue treatment unless directed by your healthcare provider.
Drug Interactions
It’s important to note that this is not a complete list of drug interactions. Notify your doctor of all medications you’re taking, including vitamins and over-the-counter supplements.
Cationic drugs
Caution should be exercised when taking Avandamet in combination with cationic drugs that are excreted by the proximal renal tubule. Because metformin is excreted by the same system, competition can arise. This has been seen with cimetidine in particular, but it’s possible with other cationic drugs such as digoxin, morphine, procainamide, quinidine, quinine, ranitidine, and vancomycin.
Furosemide
With this diuretic in particular, one study showed an increase in the concentration of metformin when these drugs were administered concurrently. No studies have been done with long-term use of both medications so caution should be exercised when taking both.
Inhibitors and inducers of CYP2C8
These drugs can increase or decrease the concentration of rosiglitazone. E.g. Gemfibrozil, Rifampin
Nifedipine
Nifedipine is a calcium-channel blocker that has been shown to increase the absorption of metformin. Caution should be exercised when taking both medications.
Alternative Medications
Notify your doctor of all medications you are prescribed. Do not take Avandamet in addition to insulin.
Alpha-glucosidase inhibitors
- These drugs lower blood glucose by reducing glucose uptake in the small intestine and slowing the breakdown of carbohydrates
- Precose (acarbose)
- Glyset (miglitol)
Biguanides
- Metformin (one of the drugs in Avandamet) is a biguanide. These drugs reduce the amount of glucose produced by the liver and slow the breakdown of carbohydrates. These should not be taken in combination with Avandamet.
- Glucophage, Glumetza, Fortamet (metformin)
Dopamine agonists
- These drugs decrease the amount of glucose excreted by the liver
- Cyclocet (bromocriptine)
DPP-4 Inhibitors
- These drugs work with the pancreas to secrete more insulin and decrease the amount of glucose released by the liver
Meglitinide
- These drugs work with the pancreas to secrete more insulin
- Prandin (repaglinide)
- Starlix (nateglinide)
SGLT2 inhibitors
- These drugs work with the kidneys to remove extra glucose
Sulfonylureas
- These drugs work with the pancreas to secrete more insulin
- Glucotrol (glipizide)
- Amaryl (glimepiride)
Thiazolidinediones
- Rosiglitazone (one of the medications in Avandamet) is a thiazolidinedione. These medications allow more glucose to enter fat, muscles, and the liver. These should not be taken in combination with Avandamet.
- Actos (pioglitazone)
- Avandia (rosiglitazone)
Cost & Coupons
Pricing for Avandamet may vary depending on quantity, product availability, and pharmacy source.
Eligible first-time customers may use coupon code FIRST10 during checkout.
Avandamet Pricing Table
| Strength | Quantity | Price |
|---|---|---|
| 4mg/500mg | 200 tabs | $374.95 |
| 4mg/500mg | 400 tabs | $742.00 |
| 4mg/500mg | 600 tabs | $1101.00 |
| 4mg/500mg | 800 tabs | $1460.00 |
Discounts
Pricing may vary depending on quantity, pharmacy source, and product availability. Take advantage of our exclusive discount offers:
- Discount Code: Use the code
FIRST10at checkout to receive a 10% discount on your first purchase of Avandamet. - Offer Details: This discount can be used once per customer and applies to your total order.
Ordering Information
A valid prescription from a licensed healthcare provider is required before Avandamet can be dispensed.
Customers may upload a prescription during checkout or submit a prescription by email or fax for review.
Prescription orders are processed only after prescription review requirements have been completed.
Product availability, pricing, pharmacy source, and shipping timelines may vary depending on order details and prescription requirements.
Prescription and Pharmacy Information
A valid prescription from a licensed healthcare provider is required before Avandamet can be dispensed.
Prescription orders are reviewed according to pharmacy processing requirements before shipment.
Pharmacist consultation may be available through participating pharmacy partners when appropriate.
Patients should consult their healthcare provider or pharmacist regarding diabetes management, blood glucose monitoring, medication adjustments, and treatment goals.
Products may be dispensed through licensed pharmacy partners located in Canada or other international fulfillment locations depending on product availability.
Customer Support Information
For assistance with prescription submission, order processing, shipping information, or general product questions, contact:
Phone: 1-888-525-1815
Fax: 1-888-234-1275
Email: info@buycanadianinsulin.com
Customer support is available to assist with order-related questions and prescription submission requirements.
Shipping Information
Orders requiring prescriptions are processed after prescription review and pharmacy verification requirements have been completed.
Shipping timelines vary depending on destination, pharmacy source, product availability, and order details.
Orders are packaged according to pharmacy handling procedures.
Tracking information may be available for eligible shipments.
Buy Canadian Insulin Service
Buy Canadian Insulin helps customers submit prescription order requests through participating pharmacy partners.
Prescription medications require review and verification before processing.
Product availability, pricing, pharmacy source, dispensing location, and shipping timelines may vary depending on order details.
Orders are packaged according to pharmacy handling procedures.
Customer support is available to assist with prescription submission, order status inquiries, shipping information, and general ordering questions.
Patients should consult their healthcare provider regarding medication selection, blood sugar management, and treatment decisions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Disclaimer
Buy Canadian Insulin provides educational information about medications and health conditions for informational purposes only. This content is not intended to replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Prescription medications require a valid prescription review and processing through participating pharmacy partners. Product availability, pricing, and shipping timelines may vary. Consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.
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