Drugs & Vitamins

Active Ingredients: Glyburide, Metformin
Other Names: Glucovance Tablets
Drug Class: Sulfonylurea/Biguanide Combination
Rx Status: Available by prescription only
Generic Available: Yes
Product Images & Descriptions:

What is/are Glyburide, Metformin Tablets? (Back to top)
GLYBURIDE; METFORMIN helps to treat type 2 diabetes. Treatment 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 providers before I take this medicine? (Back to top)
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• diabetic ketoacidosis
• become easily dehydrated
• 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? (Back to top)
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? (Back to top)
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? (Back to top)
Do not take this medicine with any of the following:

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

• aspirin and aspirin-like drugs
• chloramphenicol
• digoxin
• diuretics
• female hormones, like estrogens or progestins and birth control pills
• isoniazid
• 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
• morphine
• niacin
• NSAIDs, medicines for pain and inflammation, like ibuprofen or naproxen
• phenothiazines like chlorpromazine, mesoridazine, prochlorperazine, thioridazine
• phenytoin
• probenecid
• procainamide
• quinidine
• quinine
• ranitidine
• steroid medicines like prednisone or cortisone
• stimulant medicines for attention disorders, weight loss, or to stay awake
• thyroid medicine
• trimethoprim
• vancomycin
• warfarin

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care providers 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 side effects may I notice from this medicine? (Back to top)
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
• feeling faint or lightheaded, falls
• fever, chills, sore throat
• low blood glucose (ask your healthcare professional for a list of these symptoms)
• muscle aches or pains
• nausea, vomiting, unusual stomach upset or pain
• slow or irregular heartbeat
• unusual bleeding or bruising
• unusual stomach pain or discomfort
• unusually tired or weak

• diarrhea
• dizziness
• headache
• metallic taste in mouth
• stomach discomfort

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.

What should I watch for while using this medicine? (Back to top)
Visit your doctor or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. Learn how to check your blood sugar. Tell your doctor or health care professional if your blood sugar is high, 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. If you have symptoms of low blood sugar, eat or drink something containing sugar at once and contact your doctor or health care professional. Make sure family members know that you can choke if you eat or drink when you develop serious symptoms of low blood sugar, like seizures or unconsciousness. They must get medical help at once.

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 identification bracelet or chain to say you have diabetes, and carry a card that lists all your medications.

Where should I keep this medicine? (Back to top)
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.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.

Last Updated:August 29, 2008

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