Side Effects of Rosiglitazone and Glimepiride

As with any medication, there are potential side effects of rosiglitazone and glimepiride, including headaches, low blood sugar, and fluid retention. Most people, however, tolerate the medication well. When side effects do occur, they are generally minor. If you experience more serious side effects, such as trouble breathing, a rapid increase in weight, or vision changes, you should report them immediately to your healthcare provider.

Rosiglitazone and Glimepiride Drug Info

Rosiglitazone and Glimepiride Side Effects: An Introduction

As with any medicine, there are possible side effects with rosiglitazone and glimepiride (Avandaryl^®). However, not everyone who takes this drug will experience side effects. In fact, most people tolerate the drug well. When side effects do occur, in most cases they are minor and either require no treatment or can be easily treated by you or your healthcare provider.

(The side effects discussed below are not a complete list of side effects reported with rosiglitazone and glimepiride. Your healthcare provider can discuss a more complete list of possible effects with you.)

Common Rosiglitazone and Glimepiride Side Effects

This drug has been thoroughly studied in clinical trials in which the side effects reported by a group of people taking the drug are documented and compared to another group not taking the medicine. Based on these studies, the most common side effects of rosiglitazone and glimepiride include:

Headaches -- occurring in up to 6 percent of people
Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) -- in up to 5.5 percent (see Avandaryl and Blood Sugar)
Sore throat and runny or stuffy nose -- in up to 4.6 percent
Water weight gain or fluid retention (edema) -- in up to 3.2 percent (see Avandaryl and Weight Gain)
High blood pressure (hypertension) -- in up to 2.3 percent.

Also, a recent study found that up to 9.3 percent of women taking Avandia^® (rosiglitazone) develop broken bones -- especially of the arms, hands, or feet. Since rosiglitazone is one of the components of rosiglitazone and glimepiride, it is possible that women taking this drug may also be at risk for broken bones.

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