Metaglip

Metaglip (Glipizide-metformin)

Metaglip

Glipizide and Metformin Hydrochloride tablet

What is it used for?

GLIPIZIDE; METFORMIN helps to treat type 2 diabetes. The treatment course should be combined with diet and exercise. This medicine helps your body to use insulin better.

What should I discuss with my physician prior to taking this medicine?

Please do tell your physician if you have any of the following conditions:

• become easily dehydrated
• diabetic ketoacidosis
• heart disease
• if you frequently drink alcohol containing drinks
• kidney diseases
• liver diseases
• polycystic ovaries
• severe infection or injury
• history of stroke(s)
• thyroid disease
• undergoing surgery or certain x-ray procedures with injectable contrast agents
• an unusual or allergic reaction to glipizide, metformin, sulfa drugs, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding

How is this medicine should be taken?

Take this medicine orally with meals. Swallow with a drink of water. Take your medicine at the same time each day. You shouldn’t take it more often than directed.

Contact your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine by children. Special care might be necessary.

Patients over 65 years old may need a smaller dose than younger adults.

Overdosage: If you suspect an overdosage, get in touch with the nearest poison control center or emergency room immediately.

NOTE: This medicine is only intended for your use. You should never share it with the others.

What to do if I missed a dose?

If you missed a dose, it should be taken as soon as possible. If the time has almost come for the next dose, only that one should be taken. You should never take double or extra doses; a single doze is sufficient for the purposes.

What are the possible interactions with the other medicine/food/etc?

This medicine should never be taken with any of the following drugs:

• dofetilide
• gatifloxacin
• certain contrast medicines given before X-rays, CT scans, MRI, or other procedures

It may also trigger possible interactions with the following:

• aspirin and aspirin-like drugs
• chloramphenicol
• digoxin
• diuretics
• female hormones, like estrogens or progestins and birth control pills
• isoniazid
• medicines for blood pressure, heart disease, irregular heart beat
• medicines for fungal infections like fluconazole, ketoconazole, itraconazole, posaconazole, and voriconazole
• medicines called MAO Inhibitors like Nardil, Parnate, Marplan, Eldepryl
• morphine
• niacin
• NSAIDs, medicines for pain and inflammation, like ibuprofen or naproxen
• phenothiazines like chlorpromazine, mesoridazine, prochlorperazine, thioridazine
• phenytoin
• probenecid
• procainamide
• quinidine
• quinine
• ranitidine
• steroid medicines like prednisone or cortisone
• stimulant medicines for attention disorders, weight loss, or to stay awake
• thyroid medicine
• trimethoprim
• vancomycin
• warfarin

This list is not all-inclusive. Provide your health care provider with a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements that you use. Also tell them whether you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some of those items may also interact with your medicine.

Is there anything I should pay attention to while taking it?

Pay regular visits to your doctor or health care professional to undergo checks on your progress. Learn how to check your blood sugar. Let your doctor or health care professional know if your blood sugar is high, it might indicate the need to change the dosage of this medicine for you. If you are sick or exercising more than usual, you might need to change the dose of your medicine. Do not skip meals. Ask your doctor or health care professional if you should avoid alcohol. If you have symptoms of a low blood sugar, eat or drink something containing sugar right away and contact your doctor or health care professional. Make sure family members know that you can choke if you eat or drink when you develop serious symptoms of a low blood sugar, like seizures or unconsciousness. They must get medical help immediately.

This drug can make you more sensitive to the sun, that is why you should keep out of it during the treatment course. If you cannot avoid being in the sun, wear protective clothing and use sunscreen. Do not use sun lamps or sun tanning beds/booths.

Wear a medical identification bracelet or chain saying that you have diabetes, and carry a card containing the list of all your prescribed medications on you.

Does this medicine have any possible side effects?

The following side effects should be reported to your doctor or health care professional as soon as they are noticed:

• allergic reactions like skin rashes, itching or hives,face, lips, or tongue swelling
• issues with breathing
• feeling faint or lightheaded, falls
• fever, chills, sore throat
• low blood glucose (ask your healthcare professional for a list of these symptoms)
• muscle aches or pains
• nausea, vomiting, unusual stomach upset or pain
• slow or irregular heartbeat
• unusual bleeding or bruising
• unusual stomach pain or discomfort
• unusually tired or weak

The side effects listed below usually do not necessarily require any medical attention (please do report them to your physician if they are recurrent or bothersome):

• diarrhea
• dizziness
• headache
• metallic taste in mouth
• stomach discomfort, gas, bloating

Other side effects are also possible, the above list is not all inclusive.

Where should I keep my medicine?

Keep this medicine out of the children’s reach.

This medicine should be stored at the room temperatures between 15 and 25 degrees C (59 and 77 degrees F). Keep container tightly closed and protect it from the light. Dispose of any unused medicine after the expiry date is reached.