Glucovance

Glucovance

     * Generic Name: glyburide and metformin
     * Brand Name: Glucovance


     * What is glyburide and metformin (Glucovance)?
     * What are the possible side effects of glyburide and metformin
       (Glucovance)?
     * What is the most important information I should know about
       glyburide and metformin (Glucovance)?
     * What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking
       glyburide and metformin (Glucovance)?
     * How should I take glyburide and metformin (Glucovance)?
     * What happens if I miss a dose (Glucovance)?
     * What happens if I overdose (Glucovance)?
     * What should I avoid while taking glyburide and metformin
       (Glucovance)?
     * What other drugs will affect glyburide and metformin
       (Glucovance)?
     * Where can I get more information (Glucovance)?

What is glyburide and metformin (Glucovance)?

   Glyburide and metformin is a combination of two oral
   diabetes medicines that help control blood sugar levels.

   Glyburide and metformin is used together with diet and exercise
   to improve blood sugar control in adults with type 2 diabetes. This
   medicine is not for treating type 1 diabetes.

   Glyburide and metformin may also be used for purposes not listed in
   this medication guide.

What are the possible side effects of glyburide and metformin (Glucovance)?

   Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction:
   hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or
   throat.

   Stop using this medicine and call your doctor at once if you have:
     * shortness of breath (even with mild exertion), swelling, rapid
       weight gain; or
     * symptoms of lactic acidosis--muscle pain or weakness,
       numbness or cold feeling in your arms and legs, trouble breathing,
       stomach pain, nausea with vomiting, slow or uneven heart rate,
       dizziness, or feeling very weak or tired.

   Common side effects may include:
     * low blood sugar;
     * nausea, diarrhea, upset stomach; or
     * headache.

   This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call
   your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side
   effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What is the most important information I should know about glyburide and
metformin (Glucovance)?

   You should not use this medicine if you have severe kidney disease, if
   you also take bosentan (Tracleer), or if you have metabolic
   acidosis or diabetic ketoacidosis (call your doctor for
   treatment).

   If you need to have any type of x-ray or CT scan using a dye that is
   injected into your veins, you will need to temporarily stop taking
   glyburide and metformin.

   Some people taking metformin develop a serious condition called
   lactic acidosis. Stop taking this medicine and get emergency
   medical help if you have even mild symptoms such as: muscle pain or
   weakness, numb or cold feeling in your arms and legs, trouble
   breathing, stomach pain, nausea with vomiting, slow or uneven heart
   rate, dizziness, or feeling very weak or tired.

   Glucovance Patient Information including How Should I Take
   Type 2 Diabetes Diagnosis, Treatment, Medication

   Type 2 Diabetes: Learn the Warning Signs
   Diabetes: Best and Worst Meals for Diabetes-Savvy Dining

   Diabetes Friendly Dining
   RxList

   Type 2 Diabetes Quiz

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking glyburide and
metformin (Glucovance)?

   You should not use this medicine if you are allergic to glyburide or
   metformin, or:
     * severe kidney disease;
     * metabolic acidosis or diabetic ketoacidosis (call your doctor
       for treatment); or
     * if you are also using bosentan (to treat pulmonary arterial
       hypertension).

   If you need to have any type of x-ray or CT scan using a dye that is
   injected into your veins, you will need to temporarily stop taking
   glyburide and metformin.

   Some people taking metformin develop a serious condition called lactic
   acidosis. This may be more likely if you have liver or kidney disease,
   surgery, congestive heart failure, a heart attack or
   stroke, a severe infection, if you are 65 or older, if you are
   dehydrated, or if you drink a lot of alcohol. Talk with your doctor
   about your risk.

   To make sure glyburide and metformin is safe for you, tell your doctor
   if you have ever had:
     * kidney disease;
     * an enzyme deficiency called glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase
       deficiency (G6PD);
     * liver disease; or
     * heart disease, heart attack, or stroke.

   It is not known whether glyburide and metformin will harm an unborn
   baby. Similar diabetes medications have caused severe hypoglycemia
   in newborn babies whose mothers had used the medication near the time
   of delivery. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become
   pregnant while using this medicine.

   It is not known whether this medicine passes into breast milk or if it
   could harm a nursing baby. You should not breast-feed while taking
   glyburide and metformin.

How should I take glyburide and metformin (Glucovance)?

   Follow all directions on your prescription label. Your doctor may
   occasionally change your dose. Do not take this medicine in larger or
   smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

   Take glyburide and metformin with meals.

   Your blood sugar will need to be checked often, and you may need other
   blood tests at your doctor's office.

   Call your doctor if you are sick with vomiting, diarrhea, or a fever.
   These conditions can lead to severe dehydration, which could be
   dangerous while you are taking glyburide and metformin.

   Drink plenty of liquids while you are taking glyburide and metformin.

   Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) can happen to everyone who has diabetes.
   Symptoms include headache, hunger, sweating, irritability, dizziness,
   nausea, fast heart rate, and feeling anxious or shaky. To quickly treat
   low blood sugar, always keep a fast-acting source of sugar with you
   such as fruit juice, hard candy, crackers, raisins, or non-diet soda.

   Your doctor can prescribe a glucagon emergency injection kit to use
   in case you have severe hypoglycemia and cannot eat or drink. Be sure
   your family and close friends know how to give you this injection in an
   emergency.

   Also watch for signs of high blood sugar (hyperglycemia) such as
   increased thirst or urination, blurred vision, headache, and
   tiredness.

   Blood sugar levels can be affected by stress, illness, surgery,
   exercise, alcohol use, or skipping meals. Ask your doctor before
   changing your dose or medication schedule.

   Your doctor may have you take extra vitamin B12 while you are
   taking glyburide and metformin. Take only the amount of vitamin B12
   that your doctor has prescribed.

   Glyburide and metformin is only part of a treatment program that may
   also include diet, exercise, weight control, and special medical care.
   Follow your doctor's instructions very closely.

   Store at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light.

   Glucovance Patient Information including If I Miss a Dose
   Type 2 Diabetes Diagnosis, Treatment, Medication

   Type 2 Diabetes: Learn the Warning Signs
   Diabetes: Best and Worst Meals for Diabetes-Savvy Dining

   Diabetes Friendly Dining
   RxList

   Type 2 Diabetes Quiz

What happens if I miss a dose (Glucovance)?

   Take the missed dose as soon as you remember (be sure to take the
   medicine with food). Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your
   next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed
   dose.

What happens if I overdose (Glucovance)?

   Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at
   1-800-222-1222. An overdose can cause life-threatening hypoglycemia.

   Symptoms of severe hypoglycemia include extreme weakness,
   confusion, tremors, sweating, fast heart rate, trouble
   speaking, nausea, vomiting, rapid breathing, fainting, and
   seizure (convulsions).

   Overdose may also cause lactic acidosis symptoms such as muscle pain,
   numbness, trouble breathing, vomiting, slow heart rate, and extreme
   weakness.

What should I avoid while taking glyburide and metformin (Glucovance)?

   Avoid drinking alcohol. It lowers blood sugar and may increase your
   risk of lactic acidosis.

   If you also take colesevelam, avoid taking it within 4 hours after you
   take glyburide and metformin.

What other drugs will affect glyburide and metformin (Glucovance)?

   There are many other medicines that can increase or decrease the
   effects of glyburide and metformin on lowering your blood sugar. This
   includes prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and
   herbal products. Tell each of your health care providers about all
   medicines you use now and any medicine you start or stop using.

Where can I get more information (Glucovance)?

   Your pharmacist can provide more information about glyburide and
   metformin.
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