Drug Interactions With Rosiglitazone and Metformin

It is important to know that certain medications can cause drug interactions with rosiglitazone and metformin, so tell your healthcare provider about all other medicines you may be taking prior to starting the diabetes drug. Medications that may potentially lead to interactions with this drug include: isoniazid, rifampin, niacin, and calcium channel blockers. Drug interactions can make the medicines less effective, increase medicine levels in your blood, or cause high blood sugar.

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.
 

Rosiglitazone and Metformin Drug Interactions: An Overview

Rosiglitazone and metformin (Avandamet®) can potentially interact with several medicines. Some of the medicines that can interact with this drug include:
 
 
 
 
 
 
    • Betamethasone (Celestone®)
    • Cortisone
    • Dexamethasone (Decadron®)
    • Fludrocortisone (Florinef®)
    • Hydrocortisone (Cortef®)
    • Methylprednisolone (Depo-Medrol®, Medrol®)
    • Prednisolone (Ovapred®, Pediapred®)
    • Prednisone
    • Triamcinolone (Kenalog®, Aristospan®)
 
  • Diuretics, such as:
 
 
 
 
  • Rifampin (Rifadin®) or rifapentine (Priftin®)
  • Ritonavir (Norvir®)
  • Thyroid medications, such as:
 
 
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD
 
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