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.

In September 2010, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced that it would be severely restricting the use of rosiglitazone due to the risk of "cardiovascular events" such as heart attacks and strokes. Only individuals who cannot control their diabetes on other medications (or those who are already taking the medication and doing well) will be able to take rosiglitazone.
 

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.
 
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD
 
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