uses
What is glyburide/metformin used for?Glyburide/metformin is used to help lower blood glucose (sugar) levels in people with type 2 diabetes.Glyburide/metformin may also be used for other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.How does glyburide/metformin work (mechanism of action)?Glyburide/metformin works in several different ways to help keep your blood sugar levels from getting too high. It increases your body’s insulin levels. (Insulin is a hormone that helps your body use sugar as a source of energy.) It helps your body’s insulin to work better. It decreases the amount of sugar your body absorbs from things you eat and drink. And it reduces the amount of sugar that your liver makes. How is glyburide/metformin supplied (dosage forms)?Dosage forms and strengths1.25 mg/250 mg oral tablets2.5 mg/500 mg oral tablets5 mg/500 mg oral tabletsHow should I store glyburide/metformin?Glyburide/metformin should be stored at room temperature, between 68 F to 77 F (20 C to 25 C). It can be exposed to temperatures between 59 F to 86 F (15 C to 30 C) for shorter periods of time, such as when transporting it. Store in a cool, dry place.
how to use
tablet that is swallowed
drug interactions
Does glyburide/metformin interact with foods or drinks?There are no known interactions between glyburide/metformin and foods or drinks.Alcohol can increase the risk of lactic acidosis. See the Side Effects section for more details. It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect glyburide/metformin in other ways, but alcohol may affect blood sugar levels in people with diabetes. This may interfere with the effect of glyburide/metformin. It is best to limit the amount of alcohol you drink.Does glyburide/metformin interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?Always tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are using any of the following before taking glyburide/metformin.A carbonic anhydrase inhibitor, such as zonisamide (Zonegran), acetazolamide (Diamox), or methimazoleColesevelam (Welchol), which is a medicine for high cholesterol and high blood sugar from type 2 diabetesBosentan (Tracleer), a medicine used for high blood pressure in the arteries that go from your heart to your lungs (pulmonary arterial hypertension)A medicine for diabetes, especially insulin or any medicine that increases your insulin levelsMany other medicines can increase your blood sugar and can interfere with the effect of glyburide/metformin. Talk to your pharmacist or healthcare provider before starting or stopping other medicines while taking glyburide/metformin. You may need to monitor your blood sugar levels more closely during these times.Some medicines can decrease your blood sugar, adding to the effect of glyburide/metformin. Talk to your pharmacist or healthcare provider before starting or stopping other medicines while taking glyburide/metformin. You may need to monitor your blood sugar levels more closely during these times.Some other medicines may alter the blood levels of glyburide/metformin. Tell your healthcare provider about all medicines that you take or have recently taken.This may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with glyburide/metformin. Always check with your healthcare provider.
side effects
What are the most common side effects of glyburide/metformin?The most common side effects of glyburide/metformin are listed below. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.DiarrheaHeadacheNausea/vomitingStomach painDizzinessThere may be other side effects of glyburide/metformin that are not listed here. Contact your healthcare provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088. In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.What are the serious side effects of glyburide/metformin?While less common, the most serious side effects of glyburide/metformin are described below, along with what to do if they happen.Severe Allergic Reactions. Glyburide/metformin may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop taking glyburide/metformin and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.Breathing problems or wheezingRacing heartFever or general ill feelingSwollen lymph nodesSwelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throatTrouble swallowing or throat tightnessItching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hivesNausea or vomitingDizziness, feeling lightheaded, or faintingStomach crampsJoint painLow Blood Sugar (Hypoglycemia). Glyburide/metformin can cause low blood sugar (especially if taken with other diabetes medicines), which can be serious and may lead to death. The doses of your other diabetes medicines may need to be changed when taken with glyburide/metformin. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of hypoglycemia.HeadacheCrankiness or anxietyHungerDizziness or confusionBlurry visionSlurred speechSweatingFeeling jittery or shakinessFast heartbeatSeizuresLactic Acidosis. Glyburide/metformin may cause lactic acidosis (a buildup of lactic acid in your blood), which can be serious. Stop taking glyburide/metformin and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of lactic acidosis.General ill feelingMuscle painDifficulty breathingDrowsiness Stomach pain Vitamin B12 Deficiency. Glyburide/metformin may cause you to have low levels of vitamin B12 in your blood (possibly by decreasing the amount of vitamin B12 your body absorbs from things you eat or drink), which may lead to anemia (low levels of red blood cells). Your healthcare provider will likely use lab tests to check your vitamin B12 levels and for anemia. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of anemia.Unusual weakness or tirednessCold hands and feetFast or abnormal heartbeatPale or yellowish skinDizziness, lightheadedness, or feeling like you are about to pass outShortness of breathHemolytic Anemia. Glyburide/metformin may cause hemolytic anemia (when your body destroys your red blood cells faster than it can make new ones), if you have glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of hemolytic anemia.ChillsFast heartbeat, known as tachycardiaPale skin that may start to yellowShortness of breathWeakness and fatigueChest painYellow skin or whites of the eyes (jaundice)Dark colored peeA feeling of fullness in your stomach related to a big spleen
overdose and misseddose
What should I do if I accidentally use too much glyburide/metformin?If you or someone else has used too much glyburide/metformin, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.What should I do if I miss a dose of glyburide/metformin?If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and only take the next dose. Do not take double or extra doses.
warnings and Precautions
Who should not use glyburide/metformin?Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not take glyburide/metformin.GlucovanceGlyburideMetforminAny of the ingredients in the specific product dispensedYour pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific glyburide/metformin products they stock.Kidney Problems. Glyburide/metformin should not be taken if your kidneys are not working as well as they should be. If there is a concern about the health of your kidneys, your healthcare provider may do tests to determine if they are working well enough to take this medicine.Metabolic Acidosis, Including Diabetic Ketoacidosis. Glyburide/metformin should not be taken by people with acute or chronic metabolic acidosis (when there is too much in your blood). Tell your healthcare provider if you have a history of metabolic acidosis or diabetic ketoacidosis.Drug Interactions. Glyburide/metformin should not be taken while you are using certain other medicines. Before taking glyburide/metformin, tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.What should I know about glyburide/metformin before using it?Do not take glyburide/metformin unless it has been prescribed to you by a healthcare provider. Take it as prescribed.Do not share glyburide/metformin with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.Keep glyburide/metformin out of the reach of children.Take glyburide/metformin with meals to help decrease the chance you will have an upset stomach. Glyburide/metformin can cause ovulation (release of an egg from your ovary) if you have not gone through menopause, even if you do not have regular periods. This can increase your chance of getting pregnant.Glyburide/metformin can affect your alertness or coordination. Do not drive or do other activities that require alertness or coordination until you know how glyburide/metformin affects you. Certain conditions that cause increased stress on your body, like fever, trauma (such as a car accident), infection, or surgery, can change the amount of diabetes medicines you need to take to control your diabetes. Talk to your healthcare provider if you have any of these conditions to decide if your medicine needs to be changed.Some medicines may make it difficult to notice signs of low blood sugar. Talk to your healthcare provider about how to prevent, recognize, and manage low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), high blood sugar (hyperglycemia), and diabetes-related problems.People who are 65 years or older can be at greater risk for some side effects from glyburide/metformin. Talk to your healthcare provider about your risks if you are in this age group.Glyburide/metformin can make your skin more sensitive to light from the sun, sunlamps, and tanning beds. This is called photosensitivity. Exposure to this light can cause severe sunburns, blisters, and swelling. If you need to be in sunlight, wear sunscreen, a hat, and clothing that covers your skin.What should I tell my healthcare provider before using glyburide/metformin?Tell your healthcare provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them determine if glyburide/metformin is right for you.In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.Current and Past Medical Conditions. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of the following. Liver problemsHeart problems, including congestive heart failure or a heart attackDrink alcohol often or in large amountsHave an upcoming medical test that uses contrast (a special dye), surgery, or other procedureDehydration Severe infectionStrokeGlucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiencyPregnancy. It is not known if or how glyburide/metformin could affect pregnancy or harm an unborn baby. Tell your healthcare provider if you are or plan to become pregnant. Your healthcare provider will advise you if you should take glyburide/metformin while you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant. If you take glyburide/metformin while you are pregnant, especially close to delivery, there is a chance your baby could have low blood sugar levels. If you get pregnant, talk to your healthcare provider about the best way to control your blood sugar. Breastfeeding. It is not known if glyburide/metformin passes into breast milk. Tell your healthcare provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your healthcare provider will advise you if you should stop breastfeeding or stop glyburide/metformin.
about
Glyburide/metformin helps lower blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes. It increases your insulin levels and decreases the amount of sugar you absorb from things you eat and drink. Common side effects are diarrhea, stomach pain, and headache. Notify your healthcare provider if you have severe or frequent episodes of low blood sugar.