Rosiglitazone and Metformin (Cont.)

 
Rosiglitazone and Metformin: Hemoglobin A1c
Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) is a test used to measure long-term blood sugar control. For people without diabetes, HbA1c results are usually less than 6 percent, while people with diabetes usually have higher results. In one study, people taking rosiglitazone and metformin lowered their HbA1c by up to 2.3 percent on average. In the same study, people taking metformin or rosiglitazone alone did not lower their HbA1c as much as people taking rosiglitazone and metformin.
 
Studies have shown that the higher the HbA1c, the greater the chance for developing long-term problems related to diabetes. This includes such problems as heart disease, diabetic retinopathy, diabetic neuropathy, and diabetic nephropathy. By getting blood sugar levels under control with rosiglitazone and metformin, it may be possible to decrease the chances for developing these diabetes complications.
 
Rosiglitazone and Metformin: Fasting Blood Sugar
Fasting blood sugar is another way to study the effects of diabetes drugs. In studies, people taking rosiglitazone and metformin decreased their fasting blood sugar levels by 74 mg/dL on average, while people taking metformin or rosiglitazone alone lowered their fasting blood sugar levels by only 47 to 51 mg/dL on average.
 
Rosiglitazone and Metformin: Cholesterol
In studies, rosiglitazone and metformin had positive effects on cholesterol. The drug increased HDL cholesterol ("good" cholesterol) and decreased LDL cholesterol ("bad" cholesterol), total cholesterol, and triglycerides (see Avandamet and Cholesterol for more information).
 

When and How to Take Rosiglitazone and Metformin

Some general considerations for when and how to take rosiglitazone and metformin include:
 
  • Rosiglitazone and metformin comes in tablet form. It should be taken by mouth, usually once or twice daily.
  • In order to prevent an upset stomach, it is a good idea to take this medication with food.
  • This drug should be taken at the same time(s) each day to maintain an even level of the drug in your blood.
  • For rosiglitazone and metformin to work properly, it must be taken as prescribed. It will not work if you stop taking it.
     
(Rosiglitazone and Metformin Continued: Page 4)

Pages:

Previous 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Next

Add this article to your Favorites     Email this article     Print
Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;