Publication Date: 9/16/2005
Remember that the information presented here is not intended to replace the care of your own doctor. Before making any changes in the management of your own illness, you should consult your physician or other qualified medical professionals.
Question
I am 57 years old, have had type 2 diabetes for 10 years, and my doctor has me on 1000 mg of metformin twice daily and 10 mg of glyburide daily. My new doctor has prescribed 4 mg Avandia daily in addition to the other two medications. Can I take all three of these drugs at the same time? I had a quadruple bypass operation four years ago, and my heart is not that strong.Answer
Rosiglitazone (Avandia) has side effects of fluid retention, and perhaps of congestive heart failure (especially when given with insulin). Your physician should explain the risks of the individual drugs, as well as of the combination (hypoglycemia, gastrointestinal distress, etc.). He/she should also discuss with you the possible use of insulin and Symlin now as alternative therapy, or perhaps as future therapy if the present 3-pill combination doesn't work.
