Rosiglitazone and Glimepiride

A healthcare provider may prescribe rosiglitazone and glimepiride to help lower blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes. This medication works by improving insulin sensitivity and by causing the pancreas to produce more insulin. As with any drug, there are potential side effects that can develop, including headache, low blood sugar, and sore throat. Rosiglitazone and glimepiride comes in the form of a tablet that is generally taken once a day.

Rosiglitazone and Glimepiride Drug Info

What Is Rosiglitazone and Glimepiride?

Rosiglitazone and glimepiride (Avandaryl^®) is a prescription medication that is used to treat type 2 diabetes (also known as noninsulin-dependent diabetes or adult-onset diabetes). The drug is a combination of two different diabetes medications: rosiglitazone maleate (Avandia^®) and glimepiride (Amaryl^®).

(Click What Is Rosiglitazone and Glimepiride Used For? for more information on what this drug is used for, including possible off-label uses.)

Who Makes Rosiglitazone and Glimepiride?

Rosiglitazone and glimepiride is manufactured by GlaxoSmithKline.

How Does Rosiglitazone and Glimepiride Work?

Rosiglitazone and glimepiride is a combination of two diabetes medicines. These two medications work differently and have different effects in the body:

Rosiglitazone is part of a group of medications called thiazolidinediones (or sometimes called "glitazones"). Rosiglitazone helps to improve insulin sensitivity, meaning that it helps your body to use its natural insulin better. This helps to lower blood sugar and keep it under better control.
Glimepiride is part of a class of diabetes medications known as sulfonylureas. As a sulfonylurea, glimepiride helps the pancreas to produce more insulin. Glimepiride may also help the cells of the body respond to insulin better. Because of these effects, blood sugar levels decrease.

Rosiglitazone and glimepiride is not used to treat type 1 diabetes.

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