Brand Name
Avandaryl
Common Name
rosiglitazone - glimepiride
In this drug factsheet:
DIN (Drug Identification Number)| 02258781 | AVANDARYL 4MG/1MG TABLET |
| 02258803 | AVANDARYL 4MG/2MG TABLET |
| 02258811 | AVANDARYL 4MG/4MG TABLET |
How does this medication work? What will it do for me?
This combination product contains two medications: rosiglitazone and glimepiride. Rosiglitazone belongs to the class of medications known as thiazolidinediones. Rosiglitazone reduces blood glucose by helping insulin work and enabling the body to use glucose more effectively. Glimepiride belongs to the class of medications known as sulfonylureas. Glimepiride works by increasing the release of insulin by the pancreas and also helps the body use this insulin more efficiently.
Rosiglitazone - glimepiride is used control blood glucose (blood sugar) levels for people with type 2 diabetes. These medications are used to lower blood glucose when diet, exercise, and weight reduction have not lowered blood glucose levels enough on their own. Rosiglitazone - glimepiride is used along with another antidiabetes medication, metformin (or a sulfonylurea medication such as glyburide when metformin can't be used). Rosiglitazone - glimepiride is used when your doctor feels it is appropriate for you to be using both medications. You may already be taking each medication individually before starting this combination medication.
Lowering and controlling blood glucose levels may help prevent or delay complications of diabetes such as heart disease, kidney disease, or blindness. This combination medication starts to work within 1 or 2 weeks, but the full effects may not be seen for 2 to 3 months.
Your doctor may have suggested this medication for conditions other than those listed here. As well, some forms of this medication may not be used for all of the conditions discussed here. If you have not discussed this with your doctor or are not sure why you are taking this medication, speak to your doctor. Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor.
Do not give this medication to anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms as you do. It can be harmful for people to take this medication if their doctor has not prescribed it.
How should I use this medication?
The usual starting dose of this combination medication depends on individual needs and circumstances. The recommended starting dose is 4 mg for rosiglitazone and 1 mg or 2 mg for glimepiride, taken once daily. For people who are already taking rosiglitazone and glimepiride as separate tablets, the starting dose should be equal to the doses currently being taken.
The dose of rosiglitazone - glimepiride may be increased, depending on your needs and response to the medication. The maximum recommended dose is 4 mg of rosiglitazone and 4 mg of glimepiride daily. Rosiglitazone - glimepiride should be taken once daily with a meal.
Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are using the medication without consulting your doctor.
It is important to use this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible and continue with your regular schedule. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not use a double dose to make up for a missed one. If you are not sure what to do after missing a dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist for advice.
Store this medication at room temperature, protect it from light, and keep it out of the reach of children.
Do not dispose of medications in wastewater (e.g. down the sink or in the toilet) or in household garbage. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medications that are no longer needed or have expired.
What form(s) does this medication come in?
4 mg/1 mg
Each yellow, rounded triangular tablet, debossed with "gsk" on one side and "4/1" on the other, contains rosiglitazone maleate 4 mg and glimepiride 1 mg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: hypromellose 2910, lactose monohydrate, macrogol (polyethylene glycol), magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, sodium starch glycolate, titanium dioxide, and one or more of the following: black, red, or yellow iron oxides.
4 mg/2 mg
Each orange, rounded triangular tablet, debossed with "gsk" on one side and "4/2" on the other, contains rosiglitazone maleate 4 mg and glimepiride 2 mg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: hypromellose 2910, lactose monohydrate, macrogol (polyethylene glycol), magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, sodium starch glycolate, titanium dioxide, and one or more of the following: black, red, or yellow iron oxides.
4 mg/4 mg
Each pink, rounded triangular tablet, debossed with "gsk" on one side and "4/4" on the other, contains rosiglitazone maleate 4 mg and glimepiride 4 mg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: hypromellose 2910, lactose monohydrate, macrogol (polyethylene glycol), magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, sodium starch glycolate, titanium dioxide, and one or more of the following: black, red, or yellow iron oxides.
Some medications may have other generic brands available. Always ask your doctor or pharmacist about the safety of switching between brands of the same medication.
Who should NOT take this medication?
Rosiglitazone - glimepiride should not be taken by anyone who:
- is allergic to rosiglitazone, glimepiride, or to any of the ingredients of the medication
- is allergic to sulfonylurea or sulfonamide medications (e.g., glyburide, tolbutamide)
- is pregnant
- is using insulin
- has a cardiac condition that restricts all forms of physical activity (confined to bed or chair) due to discomfort; discomfort also occurs at rest (NYHA Class IV)
- has a cardiac condition that significantly limits physical activity (but who is comfortable at rest; NYHA Class III)
- has diabetic ketoacidosis, with or without coma
- has heart failure or a history of heart failure
- has serious liver function impairment
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