Nurse Teaching Topic: Side Effects of Avandamet Use

 Patient/caregiver was educated on the side effects of using Avandamet as follows:
  1. Stomach upset: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, metallic taste in the mouth, and feeling sick to stomach are the most common side effects of using Avandamet.
  2. Metabolic acidosis: Metabolic acidosis secondary to increased lactic acid production is a rare, but a dangerous side effect of using Avandamet. Be aware of symptoms of metabolic acidosis, such as, rapid breath and heart rate, confusion, and stomach upset with nausea and vomiting.
  3. Fluid retention: Avandamet can result in significant fluid retention and can cause complications in individuals with congestive heart failure. Patients can present with edema, weight gain, trouble breathing, shortness of breath, and fatigue.
  4. Osteoporosis: Avandamet can also result in weakening of the skeletal framework, resulting in osteoporosis and pathological fractures.
  5. Muscle pain: Avandamet can significantly increase risk of muscle and skeletal pains and fatigue.
  6. Macular edema: Avandamet can result in macular edema and consequently, lead to blurred vision.
  7. Bladder cancer: Chronic use of Avandamet is associated with significant increase the risk for diminishing liver function, bladder cancer, and heart failure.
  8. Hypoglycemia: Avandamet by decreasing the insulin resistance and increasing the sensitivity for insulin, can result in excessive uptake of glucose and lead to reduced blood sugars. But, hypoglycemia with Avandamet is not a common complaint and can be mild.