Type of medicine: antidiabetic
Generic and brand names: glyburide and metformin hydrochloride, oral; Glucovance
This is a combination of two medicines. It taken by mouth to treat type 2 diabetes when diet and exercise have not controlled blood sugar levels.
This medicine is not effective for the treatment of type 1 diabetes.
Before taking this medicine, tell your healthcare provider if you have ever had:
Tell your healthcare provider if you are scheduled to have surgery or a test that involves injecting dyes. Also talk with your provider if you drink alcohol.
Females of childbearing age: Tell your healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while you are taking this medicine. This medicine is not recommended during pregnancy. Usually, insulin injections are used instead to control blood sugar during pregnancy. Do not breast-feed while taking this medicine without your healthcare provider's approval.
Check the label on the medicine for directions about your specific dose. Take this medicine exactly as your healthcare provider prescribes. Do not take more than directed. Your healthcare provider will adjust your dosage over time to a level that best controls your blood sugar while causing the fewest side effects.
Take this medicine with meals.
Do not stop taking this medicine without your healthcare provider's approval.
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember, unless it is almost time for the next scheduled dose. In that case, skip the missed dose and take the next one as directed. Do not take double doses. If you are not sure about what to do if you miss a dose, or if you miss more than 1 dose, contact your healthcare provider.
If you or anyone else has intentionally taken too much of this medicine, call 911 or go to the emergency room right away. If you pass out, have seizures, weakness or confusion, or have trouble breathing, call 911. If you think that you or anyone else may have taken too much of this medicine, call the poison control center. Do this even if there are no signs of discomfort or poisoning. The poison control center number is 800-222-1222.
Symptoms of an acute overdose may include: hunger, headache, confusion, irritability, drowsiness, dizziness, tremors, sweating, fast heartbeat, seizures, coma, weakness, increasing drowsiness, slow heartbeat, chills, muscle pain, shortness of breath, stomach pain, lightheadedness, fainting.
Lactic acidosis is a rare but serious problem that can occur with use of this medicine. Stop taking this medicine and contact your healthcare provider right away if you develop unexplained symptoms such as:
Some medicines used to treat diabetes have been shown to increase the risk of heart disease. It is not known if this medicine increases your risk. Talk with your healthcare provider about this.
You will need to have blood tests regularly while you are taking this medicine to check your liver and kidney functions. Keep all appointments for these tests.
Follow carefully the diet and exercise program prescribed for you. If your healthcare provider wants you to test your blood sugar at home, follow his or her directions carefully. You need to check your blood sugar daily. Keep records of your blood sugar readings and bring this with you to your appointments with your provider.
Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) can occur if you miss or delay meals, drink too much alcohol, take too much medicine, or exercise more than usual. Symptoms of low blood sugar include confusion, shaking, weakness, strong hunger, cold sweats, headache, nausea, vision problems, and feeling faint. Treat the condition quickly by eating or drinking something with sugar in it such as candy, juice, or nondiet soda. Taking glucose tablets or gels (available in drug stores) is another quick way to treat hypoglycemia.
If you have an illness that results in severe vomiting, diarrhea, or fever, or if you are drinking less liquid, tell your healthcare provider. You may need to stop taking this medicine for a short time.
Do not drink large amounts of alcohol while you are taking this medicine. Talk with your healthcare provider about this.
This medicine may make you dizzy. Do not drive or operate machinery unless you are fully alert.
This medicine may make your skin more sensitive to the sun and may make you sunburn more easily. Wear protective clothing and sunscreen lotion when you are exposed to the sun. Do not use a sunlamp. If you get a severe sunburn, contact your healthcare provider right away.
Adults over the age of 65 may be at greater risk for side effects. Talk with your healthcare provider about this.
Wear some form of ID stating that you are a diabetic (such as a Medic Alert bracelet). If you become unconscious, the ID tells emergency healthcare providers that you are a diabetic and need special care.
If you are going to have a surgery or X-rays or scans, tell the healthcare provider that you are taking medicine that contains metformin. You may have to stop taking this medicine until after the procedure.
Along with its needed effects, your medicine may cause some unwanted side effects. Some side effects may be very serious. Some side effects may go away as your body adjusts to the medicine. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effects that continue or get worse.
Life-threatening (Report these to your healthcare provider right away). If you cannot reach your healthcare provider right away, get emergency medical care or call 911 for help): Allergic reaction (hives; itching; rash; trouble breathing; chest pain or tightness in your chest; swelling of your lips, tongue, and throat).
Serious (report these to your healthcare provider right away): Feeling very weak or tired; unusual muscle pain; trouble breathing; feeling cold, dizzy, or lightheaded; suddenly developing a slow or irregular heartbeat; dark urine; unexplained fever; sore throat; unusual bleeding or bruising; very light colored bowel movements; yellowish eyes or skin; confusion; shaking; weakness; strong hunger; cold sweats; headache; nausea; vision problems; fainting. Also report any illness that results in severe vomiting, diarrhea, or fever.
Other: Mild diarrhea, nausea, loss of appetite, rash, itching, sensitivity to the sun, constipation, gas, change in sense of taste, weight gain.
When you take this medicine with other medicines, it can change the way this or any of the other medicines work. Nonprescription medicines, vitamins, natural remedies, and certain foods may also interact. Using these products together might cause harmful side effects. Talk to your healthcare provider if you are taking:
Many medicines may change how well this medicine controls your blood sugar. Be sure to tell the healthcare provider who prescribed this medicine about any other medicines you are taking, including nonprescription products. Also, tell any other healthcare providers who treat you that you are taking this medicine for diabetes.
Many nonprescription products contain sugar, alcohol, or other ingredients that may interfere with this medicine or increase your blood sugar. Check product labels for warnings for diabetics or ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for advice.
If you are not sure if your medicines might interact, ask your pharmacist or healthcare provider. Keep a list of all your medicines with you. List all the prescription medicines, nonprescription medicines, supplements, natural remedies, and vitamins that you take. Be sure that you tell all healthcare providers who treat you about all the products you are taking.
Store this medicine at room temperature. Keep the container tightly closed. Protect it from heat, high humidity, and light.
This advisory includes selected information only and may not include all side effects of this medicine or interactions with other medicines. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for more information or if you have any questions.
Ask your pharmacist for the best way to dispose of outdated medicine or medicine you have not used. Do not throw medicine in the trash.
Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
Do not share medicines with other people.
