Drug interactions
Insulin detemir + Rosiglitazone
Severity: Major
Insulin detemir and Rosiglitazone: major interaction.
Last updated Sources: US FDA label
For healthcare professionals — reference only. This page is a brief summary, not medical advice and not a substitute for official labeling or clinical judgement. Always verify before prescribing or dispensing.
Summary
Rosiglitazone improves insulin sensitivity and adds to the glucose-lowering effect of insulin, increasing hypoglycemia risk. Both agents also promote fluid retention, so the combination raises the risk of edema and heart failure, and the combination is generally discouraged.
What this interaction means in plain words
Insulin detemir and Rosiglitazone can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for.
Insulin detemir belongs to Endocrine; Rosiglitazone belongs to Endocrine.
Why it happens
Additive glucose lowering through insulin sensitization plus insulin, with additive sodium and fluid retention via PPAR-gamma activation and insulin's renal effects.
What to do
Avoid the combination where possible; if used, monitor for weight gain, edema and heart failure symptoms and check glucose regularly. Reduce the insulin dose if hypoglycemia occurs.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Does the benefit of taking both outweigh the risk in my case?
- Do I need any blood test, ECG or other check while on both?
- What early warning signs should I watch for, and what should I do if they appear?
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References
Other interactions of Insulin detemir
Other interactions of Rosiglitazone
- Insulin aspart protamine / insulin aspart + Rosiglitazone Major
- Insulin aspart-insulin aspart protamine + Rosiglitazone Major
- Insulin aspart + Rosiglitazone Major
- Insulin degludec / insulin aspart + Rosiglitazone Major
- Insulin degludec-insulin aspart + Rosiglitazone Major
- Insulin degludec-liraglutide + Rosiglitazone Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Insulin detemir with Rosiglitazone?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Insulin detemir and Rosiglitazone can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for. Rosiglitazone improves insulin sensitivity and adds to the glucose-lowering effect of insulin, increasing hypoglycemia risk. Both agents also promote fluid retention, so the combination raises the risk of edema and heart failure, and the combination is generally discouraged.
How serious is the interaction between Insulin detemir and Rosiglitazone?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Avoid the combination where possible; if used, monitor for weight gain, edema and heart failure symptoms and check glucose regularly. Reduce the insulin dose if hypoglycemia occurs.
What other medicines interact with Insulin detemir?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Insulin detemir with, for example, Alogliptin-pioglitazone, Ethanol, Glimepiride-pioglitazone. The full list is on the Insulin detemir page.
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