Glucovance

Glucovance (Glyburide(glibenclamide)-metformin)

Glucovance

Glibenclamide and Metformin tablet

What is it used for?

GLIBENCLAMIDE; METFORMIN helps you to treat type 2 diabetes. Treatment should be combined with a special diet and supportive exercise. The medicine helps your body to make a better use of the insulin.

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:

• diabetic ketoacidosis
• heart disease
• kidney disease
• liver disease
• severe infection or injury
• thyroid disease
• an unusual or allergic reaction to glyburide, sulfa drugs, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding

How is this medicine should be taken?

Take it orally accompanied with a glass of water. If you take it once a day, it should be done during breakfast or other first main meal of the day. It is advised to take this 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.

Senior patients over 65 years old may have a stronger reaction to this medicine and require a smaller dosage.

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?

• bosentan
• chloramphenicol
• cisapride
• medicines for fungal or yeast infections
• metoclopramide
• probenecid
• warfarin

Many medications may cause an increase or decrease in blood sugar, these include:

• alcohol containing beverages
• aspirin and aspirin-like drugs
• chloramphenicol
• chromium
• female hormones, like estrogens or progestins and birth control pills
• heart medicines
• isoniazid
• male hormones or anabolic steroids
• medicines for weight loss
• medicines for allergies, asthma, cold, or cough
• medicines for mental problems
• medicines called MAO Inhibitors like Nardil, Parnate, Marplan, Eldepryl
• niacin
• NSAIDs, medicines for pain and inflammation, like ibuprofen or naproxen
• pentamidine
• phenytoin
• probenecid
• quinolone antibiotics like ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin, ofloxacin
• some herbal dietary supplements
• steroid medicines like prednisone or cortisone
• thyroid medicine
• water pills or diuretics

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 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 yourself. Inform your doctor or health care professional whenever your blood sugar is high, it might indicate that you need to change the dosage of this medicine. If you are sick or exercise more than usual, it might also be necessary to amend the dosage respectively. You shouldn’t skip meals. Inquire with your doctor or health care professional whether you should avoid alcohol during the treatment course. If you have symptoms of 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 low blood sugar, like seizures or unconsciousness. They must get medical help right away in such cases.

This drug can make you more sensitive to the sun, that is why you should keep out of it during the treatment course. If sun can’t be avoided, at least wear protective clothes and always use a sunscreen. You shouldn’t use sun lamps or tanning beds/booths during the treatment course.

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
• dark urine
• fever, chills, sore throat
• low blood sugar (ask your doctor or healthcare professional for a list of these symptoms)
• unusual bleeding or bruising
• yellowing of the eyes or skin

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
• headache
• heartburn
• nausea, vomiting
• stomach discomfort

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 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Dispose of any unused medicine after the expiry date is reached.