DRUGS AND SUPPLEMENTS

Glyburide; Metformin

March 21, 2017

Glyburide, Metformin Hydrochloride Oral tablet

What is this medicine?

GLYBURIDE; METFORMIN (GLYE byoor ide; met FOR min) to treat type 2 diabetes. It is combined with a diet and exercise. This medicine helps your body to use insulin better.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

  • become easily dehydrated

  • diabetic ketoacidosis

  • glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency

  • heart disease

  • if you frequently drink alcohol containing drinks

  • kidney disease

  • liver disease

  • polycystic ovaries

  • serious infection or injury

  • stroke

  • thyroid disease

  • undergoing surgery or certain x-ray procedures with injectable contrast agents

  • an unusual or allergic reaction to glyburide, metformin, sulfa drugs, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

  • pregnant or trying to get pregnant

  • breast-feeding

How should I use this medicine?

Take this medicine by mouth with meals. Swallow with a drink of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Take your medicine at the same time each day. Do not take more often than directed.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

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

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

What may interact with this medicine?

Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications:

  • dofetilide

  • gatifloxacin

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

This medicine may also interact with the following medications:

  • acetazolamide

  • aspirin and aspirin-like drugs

  • certain antiviral medicines for HIV infection or hepatitis

  • chloramphenicol

  • cimetidine

  • clarithromycin

  • crizotinib

  • digoxin

  • diuretics

  • female hormones, like estrogens or progestins and birth control pills

  • glycopyrrolate

  • isoniazid

  • lamotrigine

  • 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

  • memantine

  • methazolamide

  • midodrine

  • morphine

  • niacin

  • NSAIDs, medicines for pain and inflammation, like ibuprofen or naproxen

  • phenothiazines like chlorpromazine, mesoridazine, prochlorperazine, thioridazine

  • phenytoin

  • probenecid

  • procainamide

  • propantheline

  • quinidine

  • quinine

  • ranitidine

  • ranolazine

  • steroid medicines like prednisone or cortisone

  • stimulant medicines for attention disorders, weight loss, or to stay awake

  • thyroid medicine

  • topiramate

  • trimethoprim

  • trospium

  • vancomycin

  • vandetanib

  • warfarin

  • zonisamide

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Visit your doctor or health care professional for regular checks on your progress.

A test called the HbA1C (A1C) will be monitored. This is a simple blood test. It measures your blood sugar control over the last 2 to 3 months. You will receive this test every 3 to 6 months.

Learn how to check your blood sugar. Learn the symptoms of low and high blood sugar and how to manage them.

Always carry a quick-source of sugar with you in case you have symptoms of low blood sugar. Examples include hard sugar candy or glucose tablets. Make sure others know that you can choke if you eat or drink when you develop serious symptoms of low blood sugar, such as seizures or unconsciousness. They must get medical help at once.

Tell your doctor or health care professional if you have high blood sugar. You might need to change the dose of your medicine. 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. Many nonprescription cough and cold products contain sugar or alcohol. These can affect blood sugar.

This medicine may cause ovulation in premenopausal women who do not have regular monthly periods. This may increase your chances of becoming pregnant. You should not take this medicine if you become pregnant or think you may be pregnant. Talk with your doctor or health care professional about your birth control options while taking this medicine. Contact your doctor or health care professional right away if think you are pregnant.

If you are going to need surgery, a MRI, CT scan, or other procedure, tell your doctor that you are taking this medicine. You may need to stop taking this medicine before the procedure.

This medicine can make you more sensitive to the sun. Keep out of the sun. If you cannot avoid being in the sun, wear protective clothing and use sunscreen. Do not use sun lamps or tanning beds/booths.

Wear a medical ID bracelet or chain, and carry a card that describes your disease and details of your medicine and dosage times.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

  • allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue

  • breathing problems

  • dark urine

  • feeling faint or lightheaded, falls

  • fever, chills, sore throat

  • muscle aches or pains

  • nausea, vomiting

  • signs and symptoms of low blood sugar such as feeling anxious, confusion, dizziness, increased hunger, unusually weak or tired, sweating, shakiness, cold, irritable, headache, blurred vision, fast heartbeat, loss of consciousness

  • slow or irregular heartbeat

  • unusual bleeding or bruising

  • unusual stomach upset or pain

  • yellowing of the eyes or skin

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

  • diarrhea

  • dizziness

  • headache

  • metallic taste in mouth

  • stomach gas

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store at room temperature between 15 and 25 degrees C (59 and 77 degrees F). Keep container tightly closed and protect from light. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

Updated:  

March 21, 2017

Sources:  

U.S. FDA-approved Package Insert