Avandamet is a prescription medication used for the management of type 2 diabetes along with diet and exercise. The medication is a combination of two drugs: rosiglitazone and metformin. Rosiglitazone is classified as a thiazolidinedione and metformin is a biguanide. Rosiglitazone lowers sugar levels by improving the body's response to insulin. Metformin decreases the production of glucose by the liver and decreases the absorption of sugar. It also improves the way the body uses insulin. Patients may experience many side effects with the use of Avandamet.
Nausea, Vomiting and Diarrhea
The most common gastrointestinal side effects that may occur with the use of Avandamet are nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. The metformin component of the drug causes these side effects. Up to 53 percent of patients may experience diarrhea and up to 25 percent of individuals may develop nausea and vomiting, according to "Pharmacotherapy: A Pathophysiologic Approach." Abdominal discomfort and indigestion may also be seen and can occur in about 6 percent of individuals. These side effects are temporary and lessen in severity over several weeks. The patient should take the drug with meals to avoid these negative effects. The physician may reduce the dose of the medication to a point where these gastrointestinal side effects subside, and increase the dose after a few weeks.
Weight Gain
Rosiglitazone may cause users to gain weight. The medication stimulates the appetite and leads to water retention and fat accumulation. According to the "Drug Information Handbook," more than 10 percent of patients may experience this side effect; the effect appears to be dose-related, meaning that higher doses may increase the chances of gaining weight. Patients do not gain large amounts of weight; usually, patients gain about 3 to 8 lbs. The patient should discuss any concerns with a physician who can help the patient follow a healthy diet and exercise regularly.
Increased Cholesterol Levels
Patients who are on Avandamet may have increased total cholesterol. LDL cholesterol, the "bad" cholesterol, and HDL cholesterol, the "good" cholesterol, increase with the use of rosiglitazone. More than 10 percent of patients may experience these increases, reports the "Drug Information Handbook." The patient should be monitored regularly for cholesterol levels. Diabetics should follow a strict diet to help avoid complications, including high cholesterol. If the patient consistently displays high cholesterol levels, however, he may benefit from a different medication that does not include this adverse effect in its safety profile.
Headache
Headache is a common side effect seen in about 6 percent of patients. This adverse effect usually occurs when the patient starts the medication and goes away with continued use. Usually, a pain reliever may alleviate headaches, but the patient should speak with a health care professional before using any over-the-counter medication. Headache that worsens or is not relieved by a pain killer should be reported to a physician.
References
- "Pharmacotherapy: A Pathophysiologic Approach"; Joseph T. Dipiro, Robert L. Talbert, et al.; 2008
- "Drug Information Handbook"; Charles F. Lacy, Lora L. Armstrong, et al.; 2009
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