Glucovance

Generic name: Glyburide/Metformin tablets-oral

Brand name: Glucovance

General Information:

This anti-diabetic pill is a combination of 2 components (sulfonylurea and biguanide). It is usually taken together with an exercise program and diet in order to control high blood sugar in patients with type 2 diabetes (non-insulin-dependent diabetes). This remedy is not prescribed to treat type 1 diabetes. Be aware that controlling high blood sugar will also help to avoid such conditions as kidney disease, heart disease, blindness, strokes, circulation problems and impotence.

Your doctor may prescribe this remedy for other purposes. Contact your physician if you need to learn more information about this drug.

Don’t stop treatment with Glucovance earlier than it was prescribed by your doctor even if you notice improvements of your condition. Stopping the medication too early may worsen your condition. Be careful about doing dangerous tasks, driving, operating machinery or climbing until you are aware how this drug affects you. Don’t drink alcohol. Always contact a medic before giving Glucovance to a child.

Special Warnings:

This remedy can rarely cause lactic acidosis, which can be life-threatening. Contact your physician immediately in case you experience any of the following signs of lactic acidosis:

• cold skin
• unusually slow or irregular heartbeat
• muscle pain
• severe drowsiness, unusual tiredness
• rapid breathing or other breathing problems

In general, lactic acidosis is more likely to be developed in patients who have the following conditions:

• conditions which cause poor circulation or low level of oxygen in blood (for example, recent stroke or heart attack, severe congestive heart failure)
• liver or kidney disease
• excessive alcohol use
• lack of body fluids (dehydration)
• X-ray or scanning procedures which require an injectable iodinated contrast drug, serious infection or surgery
• the elderly people are also at higher risk, especially if you are over 80 years and have not made liver or kidney tests

Glucovance may cause low blood sugar if you do not consume enough calories. This condition is called hypoglycemia. The signs of hypoglycemia are as follows:

• cold sweat
• headache, fainting, weakness, dizziness, shaking, drowsiness
• tingling of the feet or hands
• blurred vision
• chills
• rapid heartbeat
• hunger

If you experience these symptoms, inform your doctor as soon as possible. Your physician may increase the dosage. Always carry glucose tablets or gel. If you don’t have them, take honey, sugar or candy; drink a glass of non-diet soda or orange juice. This will help you to quickly raise the level of blood sugar. Contact your doctor immediately about this reaction. Eat meals on a regular schedule in order to avoid hypoglycemia.

How do I take this medicine?

Note: This remedy was prescribed to you only. Don’t share this medicament with others. Follow strictly your doctor’s recommendations. Don’t take more or longer than your doctor recommended.

Take Glucovance orally 2 times a day with food or as prescribed by your physician. Drink a lot of water during treatment. Remember to take it the same time every day.

Your doctor may advise you to make blood test and kidney function test to be sure this remedy helps your condition. Visit your doctor regularly. In some cases you may need the dose adjustment. Your doctor even may recommend stopping taking Glucovance for some time. You may have hypoglycemia if you exercise too long, skip meal, drink alcohol, or are under stress.

What should I do if I miss the dose?

If you miss the dose, try to take it as soon as you have the opportunity. If it is time for your next dose, take only one dose. You don’t have to double the dose.

Overdosage:

Taking any medicine in large doses you can have serious consequences for your health. If you feel an overdose, contact your health care professional instantly.

In large doses, this remedy may cause the following conditions:

• shakiness
• fainting
• rapid or trouble breathing
• sweating
• fast/slow/irregular heartbeat
• severe drowsiness

Which side effects can I perceive from this remedy?

Also check “Special Warnings” section.

Contact your physician immediately in case you experience any of the following serious side effects:

• allergy like skin rash, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, hives, itching, difficulty breathing
• weight gain
• yellowing eyes or skin, dark urine
• stomach upset, nausea, diarrhea
• seizures, fever
• sore throat
• easy bruising or bleeding
• unusual weakness or tiredness
• swelling of the feet or hands
• mood/mental changes

This list of side effects may be not complete, others may occur. Inform your medical practitioners about all side effects you experience.

What are precautions when using Glucovance?

Before taking glyburide and metformin, tell your medical assistant if you are allergic to it or if you have any other allergies. Before taking this remedy, contact your doctor if you have the following conditions:

• dehydration
• liver or kidney disease
• metabolic conditions (e.g., diabetic ketoacidosis)
• serious infections or conditions which may cause poor circulation or low oxygen blood level (for example, recent heart attack or stroke, severe congestive heart failure)

Avoid sun while taking Glucovance since you may be more sensitive to it.

Elderly people may be more sensitive to the side effects of this remedy. During times of stress, such as fever, infection, injury or surgery it may be more difficult to control your blood sugar level. Contact your medical assistant since the dose adjustment may be required. Before taking this remedy, tell your physician about your medical history, especially of the following conditions:

• blood problems (e.g., vitamin B-12 deficiency, anemia)
• thyroid disease
• electrolyte imbalance (hyponatremia)
• severe breathing problems (e.g., severe asthma, obstructive lung disease)
• fertility problems (e.g., ovulation problems)
• alcohol use
• scheduled upcoming X-ray or scanning procedures
• certain hormonal conditions (SIADH-syndrome of inappropriate secretion of antidiuretic hormone, adrenal/pituitary insufficiency)
• scheduled upcoming surgery

Glucovance may be the reason of changes in the menstrual cycle (promote ovulation) in women with certain fertility problems, increasing the risk of becoming pregnant. Consult your physician about the use of reliable birth control while using this drug.

Take this pill only when clearly needed during pregnancy and breat-feeding.

Interactions:

Don’t take Glucovance with Bosentan.

Before taking Glucovance inform your physician about all nonprescription and prescription drugs you take, especially about the following:

• cimetidine
• clofibrate
• aspirin or aspirin-like drugs (e.g., salicylates, NSAIDs such as ibuprofen, phenylbutazone)
• diazoxide
• niacin
• other diabetes drugs (for example, rosiglitazone, insulin)
• clomiphene
• estrogens
• azole antifungals (e.g., fluconazole)
• chloramphenicol
• probenecid
• birth control pills
• rifampin
• “blood thinners” (e.g., warfarin)
• fenugreek
• clofibrate
• phenytoin
• corticosteroids (e.g., prednisone)
• thyroid drugs
• ginseng
• decongestants (for example, pseudoephedrine)
• quinolone antibiotics (e.g., ciprofloxacin)
• diet pills
• phenothiazines (e.g., chlorpromazine)
• epinephrine
• sulfonamides (for example, sulfa antibiotics)
• “water pills” (diuretics such as furosemide, hydrochlorothiazide)
• high blood pressure drugs (beta-blockers – including glaucoma eye drops such as timolol, propranolol, metoprolol; ACE inhibitors such as captopril; calcium channel blockers such as nifedipine)
• isoniazid, MAO inhibitors (e.g., linezolid, furazolidone, phenelzine procarbazine, moclobemide, selegiline, tranylcypromine, isocarboxazid)

If you are using any of these drugs, you may not be able to take Glucovance, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring. If you are recommended to undergo any X-ray or scanning procedure using injectable iodinated contrast material, be sure to inform your medical assistant that you are taking this medication. Talk to your medical assistant about further instructions.

This list of interactions may be not complete. Provide your medical practitioners entire list of medicines, herbs, dietary supplements or non-prescription drugs you take. Moreover tell them whether you drink alcohol, use illegal drugs or smoke. Particular items may interact with your drug.

What is proper storage of Glucovance?

Glucovance should be stored at room temperature, in a tightly closed container. Protect from moisture, direct heat, and light. Do not store in the bathroom or near a sink. Keep Glucovance out of the reach of children and away from animals.

Warning: Before taking the drug you need to consult your doctor. The information contained in this article is not intended to cover all possible precautions, drug interactions, adverse effects, directions, uses, allergic reactions or warnings.