Used to treat Type 2 diabetes, Avandamet, manufactured by GlaxoSmithKline, was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2002. It combines two of the most popular diabetes medications, metformin hydrochloride and rosiglitazone maleate. The rosiglitazone improves insulin sensitivity, while the metformin reduces the liver’s glucose production, and also decreases the body’s sugar absorption from foods. It does not increase the amount of insulin produced, but makes better use of the insulin already there. Combined together to treat diabetes, Avandamet is believed to be a more effective control of blood sugar levels in the body, and is also helpful in increasing “good cholesterol” and reducing “bad cholesterol.” However, in 2011, serious health concerns caused the company to recall the drug from retail pharmacies, and it is now only available through certified pharmacies by mail order.

Avandamet Side Effects and Recall

The milder side effects that …