Brand
name: Avandamet
Pronounced: Meth-for-min
Generic name: Avandamet hydrochloride
Why is Avandamet prescribed?
Avandamet is an oral antidiabetic medication used to treat type 2
(non-insulin-dependent) diabetes. Diabetes develops when the body proves
unable to burn sugar and the unused sugar builds up in the bloodstream.
Avandamet lowers the amount of sugar in your blood by decreasing sugar
production and absorption and helping your body respond better to its
own insulin, which promotes the burning of sugar. It does not, however,
increase the body's production of insulin.
Avandamet is sometimes prescribed along with insulin or certain other
oral antidiabetic drugs such as Micronase or Glucotrol. It is also
used alone.
Standard Avandamet tablets are taken two or three times daily. An
extended-release form (Avandamet XR) is available for once-daily dosing.
Always remember that Avandamet is an aid to, not a substitute for,
good diet and exercise. Failure to follow a sound diet and exercise
plan can lead to serious complications such as dangerously high or
low blood sugar levels. Remember, too, that Avandamet is not an oral
form of insulin and cannot be used in place of insulin.
Avandamet side effects
Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity,
tell your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine
if it is safe for you to continue taking Avandamet .
If side effects from Avandamet occur, they usually happen during
the first few weeks of therapy. Most side effects are minor and will
go away after you've taken Avandamet for a while.
* Side effects may include:
Abdominal discomfort, diarrhea, gas, headache, indigestion, nausea,
vomiting, weakness
Why should Avandamet not be prescribed?
Avandamet is processed primarily by the kidneys, and can build up
to excessive levels in the body if the kidneys aren't working properly.
It should be avoided if you have kidney disease or your kidney function
has been impaired by a condition such as shock, blood poisoning, or
a heart attack.
