Glyburide/Metformin (By Mouth)

Glyburide (GLYE-byoo-ride), Metformin Hydrochloride (met-FOR-min hye-droe-KLOR-ide)

Treats type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Brand Name(s):

Glucovance
There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to glyburide or metformin, if you have kidney disease, if you are taking medicine for congestive heart failure, or if you have ever had metabolic (diabetic) ketoacidosis.

How to Use This Medicine:

Tablet

• Your doctor will tell you how much of this medicine to take and how often. Your dose may need to be changed several times in order to find out what works best for you. Do not take more medicine or take it more often than your doctor tells you to.
• It is best to take this medicine with meals.
• Never share your medicine with anyone.

If a dose is missed:

• If you miss a dose or forget to take your medicine, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to take the medicine and skip the missed dose.
• Do not use extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:

• Store the medicine at room temperature, away from heat and direct light.
• Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of any outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Many medicines can raise or lower your blood sugar. Tell your doctor about ALL other medicines you are using while taking glyburide/metformin. It is especially important to let your doctor know whenever you start or stop any other medicine.
• Make sure your doctor knows if you are also using an antibiotic, a blood thinner (Coumadin®), an MAO inhibitor (Eldepryl®, Marplan®, Nardil®, Parnate®), pain or arthritis medicine (such as aspirin, Aleve®, Feldene®, Indocin®, Orudis®, Relafen®, Voltaren®), or blood pressure medicine (such as atenolol, metoprolol, propranolol, Corgard®, Inderal®, Lopressor®, Toprol®, Tenormin®), or probenecid (Benemid®).
• Do not drink alcohol while you are using this medicine.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have liver disease, heart disease, adrenal or pituitary gland problems, or any type of kidney problem.
• You may need to stop using this medicine several days before having surgery or medical tests. This medicine may interact with the dye used for an X-ray or CT scan.
• You may have low blood sugar while you are taking this medicine. Symptoms of low blood sugar include dizziness, shaking, sweating, hunger, confusion, or a headache that won't go away. Discuss this with your doctor.
• This medicine may cause heart problems. Discuss this with your doctor.
• Your doctor will need to check your progress at regular visits while you are using this medicine. Be sure to keep all appointments.
• Call your doctor if you have any unusual feeling of illness, even if you don't have specific symptoms.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Extreme thirst, extreme change in urination, or hot, dry skin
• Severe nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or stomach pain
• Unusual tiredness or weakness, trouble breathing, muscle aches, or stomach discomfort

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Cough, hoarseness, sore throat, sneezing, stuffy nose
• Mild nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or stomach pain

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.