General information

Glucovance is a combination of two diabetes medicines: glyburide and metformin. Glyburide is part of a class of diabetes drugs called sulfonylureas. A sulfonylurea helps the pancreas make more insulin. It also helps the cells of the body respond better to insulin. This helps to lower blood sugar. Metformin decreases the amount of sugar (glucose) made by the liver. Glucovance is used to treat type 2 diabetes (also known as non-insulin-dependent diabetes).

Directions

Take Glucovance exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Take this medication by mouth, usually once or twice a day with meals. Drink plenty of fluids while taking this medication. The recommended starting dose is 1.25 mg/250 mg once daily with meals. The usual maximum dose for adults is 2000 milligrams of metformin and 20 milligrams of glyburide each day. If you are already taking another anti-diabetic drug, follow your doctor's directions carefully for stopping the old drug and starting this combination medication.

Precautions

Before taking Glucovance you should talk with your doctor if you have congestive heart failure, adrenal insufficiency, kidney or liver problems, cirrhosis, low vitamin B12 levels (pernicious anemia), heart attack or stroke, pituitary gland problems, upcoming surgery or procedure (including x-rays and other radiology procedures), Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency, ovulation problems, autonomic neuropathy, any allergies. Avoid drinking alcohol while taking glyburide and metformin. Alcohol lowers blood sugar and may increase the risk of lactic acidosis while you are taking this medicine. You may experience blurred vision, dizziness, or drowsiness. Do not drive or perform tasks that require alertness. This medication can cause changes in the menstrual cycle (promote ovulation) and increase the risk of becoming pregnant.

Contraindications

Do not use Glucovance if you have congestive heart failure or kidney disease, or if you are in a state of diabetic ketoacidosis, allergic to any of the ingredients of the medication. Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Possible side effect

Get emergency medical help if you have nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, dizziness, low blood sugar, upper respiratory tract infections, muscle pain, lightheadedness, trouble breathing, irregular heartbeat, increased hunger or thirst, blurred vision, sweating, shakiness, loss of coordination, seizures, skin rash, itching, hives, wheezing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor.

Drug interactions

Tell your doctor about all other medications you use, especially: beta blockers (timolol, bisoprolol, propranolol), calcium channel blockers (nifedipine, verapamil, diltiazem), decongestants (phenylephrine, pseudoephedrine), cimetidine, corticosteroids (fludrocortisone, methylprednisolone, prednisolone, prednisone), diuretics (furosemide, acetazolamide, metolazone), estrogens, fluoroquinolone antibiotics (ofloxacin, gemifloxacin, ciprofloxacin), monoamine oxidase inhibitors (rasagiline, tranylcypromine, isocarboxazid), nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (ibuprofen, meloxicam, etodolac), oral contraceptives, phenothiazine medications (chlorpromazine, trifluoperazine, perphenazine), phenytoin, probenecid, salicylates (aspirin), sulfonamides (sulfamethoxazole, sulfadoxine), thyroid medications (liotrix, levothyroxine, thyroid), warfarin. Interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of them. Tell your doctor about all prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal medications you are taking.

Missed dose

Take the missed dose as soon as possible. Skip the missed dose if it is time for your next scheduled dose. Don't take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

Overdose

If you think you have overdosed the medicine seek emergency medical help at once. The overdose symptoms are sweating, shakiness, extreme hunger, dizziness, cold sweats, blurry vision, changes in behavior, loss of coordination, difficulty speaking, confusion, seizures, loss of consciousness, coma, muscle pain, trouble breathing, abdominal pain, irregular heartbeat.

Storage

Store the medicine at room temperature between 68-77 degrees F (20-25 degrees C) away from light and moisture. Do not store the drugs in the bathroom. Keep all drugs away from reach of children and pets.

Note

The information presented at the site has a general character. Note please this information cannot be used for self-treatment and self diagnosis. You should consult with your doctor or health care adviser regarding any specific instructions of your condition. The information is reliable, but we concede it could contain mistakes. We are not responsible for any direct, indirect, special or other damage caused by use of this information on the site and also for consequences of self-treatment.