Rosiglitazone Maleate, Glimepiride Oral tablet

What is this medicine?

GLIMEPIRIDE; ROSIGLITAZONE (GLYE me pye ride; roe si GLI ta zone) helps to treat type 2 diabetes. It helps to control blood sugar. Treatment is combined with diet and exercise.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• diabetic ketoacidosis

• glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency

• heart disease

• heart failure

• kidney disease

• liver disease

• severe infection or injury

• swelling of the arms, legs, or feet

• thyroid disease

• an unusual or allergic reaction to glimepiride, rosiglitazone, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

• pregnant or trying to get pregnant

• breast-feeding

How should I use this medicine?

Take this medicine by mouth with a glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Take this medicine with food. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Do not stop taking except on your doctor's advice.

A special MedGuide will be given to you by the pharmacist with each prescription and refill. Be sure to read this information carefully each time.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

What may interact with this medicine?

• aspirin and aspirin-like medicines

• bosentan

• chloramphenicol

• clarithromycin

• diuretics

• female hormones, like estrogens and birth control pills

• gemfibrozil

• glyburide

• insulin

• isoniazid

• MAOIs like Carbex, Eldepryl, Marplan, Nardil, and Parnate

• medicines for cold or congestion

• medicines for high blood pressure like metoprolol, propanolol

• medications for weight loss

• methotrexate

• miconazole

• NSAIDs, medicines for pain and inflammation, like ibuprofen or naproxen

• phenothiazines like chlorpromazine, mesoridazine, prochlorperazine, thioridazine

• phenytoin

• rifampin

• steroid medicines like prednisone or cortisone

• thyroid hormones

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Visit your doctor or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. Learn how to check your blood sugar. Tell your doctor or health care professional if your blood sugar is high, you might need to change the dose of your medicine. If you are sick or exercising more than usual, you might need to change the dose of your medicine. Do not skip meals. Ask your doctor or health care professional if you should avoid alcohol. If you have symptoms of low blood sugar, eat or drink something containing sugar at once and contact your doctor or health care professional. Make sure family members know that you can choke if you eat or drink when you develop serious symptoms of low blood sugar, like seizures or unconsciousness. They must get medical help at once.

A test called the HbA1C (A1C) will be monitored. This is a simple blood test. It measures your blood sugar control over the last 2 to 3 months. You will receive this test every 3 to 6 months.

Wear a medical identification bracelet or chain to say you have diabetes, and carry a card that lists all your medications.

This medicine can make you more sensitive to the sun. Keep out of the sun. If you cannot avoid being in the sun, wear protective clothing and use sunscreen. Do not use sun lamps or tanning beds/booths.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

• allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue

• breathing problems

• changes in vision

• chest pain or tightness

• dark urine

• fever, chills, sore throat

• feeling faint or lightheaded, falls

• high blood pressure

• muscle aches, pains

• pain that radiates to the jaw or down the arm

• signs and symptoms of low blood sugar such as feeling anxious, confusion, dizziness, increased hunger, unusually weak or tired, sweating, shakiness, cold, irritable, headache, blurred vision, fast heartbeat, loss of consciousness

• stomach pain

• sudden weight gain

• swelling of the ankles, feet, hands

• yellowing of the eyes or skin

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• back ache

• diarrhea

• headache

• loss of appetite

• nausea

• runny nose

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). protect form light and moisture. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.