What is Glyburide and metformin?
Glyburide, combined with metformin, is an oral combination of two diabetes medications that helps control blood glucose levels.Metformin and glyburide are used in conjunction with diet and physical activity to control blood sugar levels among adults who have type 2 diabetes. Metformin and glyburide are not used to treat type 2 diabetes.This medication guide does not list all possible uses of glyburide or metformin.
Side effects of Glyburide and metformin
If you experience any of the following symptoms of an allergy: difficulty breathing, hives, swelling in your lips, face, throat, or tongue
Metformin and glyburide can cause severe side effects. If you experience:
- Heart problems: swelling, rapid weight gain, shortness of breath
- Extreme Hypoglycemia--characterized by extreme weakness, blurred vision, sweating, trouble speaking, tremors, stomach pain, confusion or seizure--may occur as severe hypoglycemia; or seizures.
- Lactic Acidosis symptoms: uncommon muscle pain, difficulty breathing, stomachache and vomiting as well as irregular heart rates and dizziness may indicate this condition. Other possible indicators could be feeling cold, feeling dizzy and weak or fatigue.
Some of the common side effects associated with glyburide or metformin include:
- Low blood sugar
- Nausea, diarrhoea, upset stomach,
- Headache.
There may be other side effects. Call your physician if experiencing side effects; otherwise contact FDA's 1-800-FDA-1088 number to report it.
Warnings
If you are suffering from severe kidney problems or you take Bosentan( Tracleer) or Metabolic Acidosis and Diabetic Ketoacidosis, you should avoid using glyburide or metformin.You may have to stop taking metformin and glyburide temporarily if you are going to undergo an x-ray, CT scan, or any other type of test that uses a dye injected directly into your veins.You could develop lactic acidosis. This is a buildup of dangerous lactic acids in your blood. If you experience unusual pain in your muscles, difficulty breathing, nausea, dizziness, or a feeling of cold, call a doctor.
Before you take this drug
This medicine should not be used if:
- Severe kidney disease
- Metabolic acidosis or diabetic ketoacidosis requires immediate medical intervention; contact your healthcare provider right away for proper diagnosis and management;
- If you also use bosentan to treat pulmonary arterial hypotension,
You may have to stop taking metformin and glyburide temporarily if you are going to undergo an x-ray, CT scan, or any other type of test that uses a dye injected directly into your veins.
If you've ever:
- Kidney disease
- An enzyme deficiency called glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency (G6PD);
- Liver diseases
- Heart attack or stroke.
You can develop lactic acidosis. This is a buildup of dangerous lactic acids in the blood. You may have a higher risk if there are other conditions, such as a serious infection or chronic alcoholism. Consult your doctor to determine your level of risk.If you're pregnant, or if you get pregnant in the future, follow your doctor’s advice about how to use this medication. It is important that you control diabetes during pregnancy. High blood sugar can cause problems for both mother and baby. You may have to temporarily stop using glyburide or metformin just prior to your due date.Metformin can stimulate ovulation and increase unintended pregnancies in women who are not yet menopausal. Speak to your doctor to determine your risks.Breastfeeding is not recommended while on glyburide or metformin.
How to take Glyburide and metformin?
Read all the instructions or guides that come with your medication and follow the directions. Sometimes, your doctor will change the dose. You must take the medication exactly as prescribed.Glyburide or metformin can be taken with food.Take glyburide or metformin with plenty of fluids.If you have diarrhoea or vomiting and a temperature, call your doctor. This can cause severe dehydration, which is dangerous if you take glyburide or metformin.If you have hypoglycemia, then you may feel very hungry or dizzy. You might also be confused, anxious, confused, or shaken. If you want to treat hypoglycemia quickly, consume or drink something that will provide sugar fast (fruit juices, candy bars, crackers, or raisins).In the event of severe hypoglycemia, your doctor might prescribe a glucagon injectable kit. Make sure that your close family members or friends are familiar with how to administer this medication in case of an emergency.Watch for symptoms of hyperglycemia, such as an increase in thirst or urine.Stress, illness, surgery, or alcohol consumption can affect blood sugar levels. Consult your doctor if you are planning to change your medication or dose schedule.Metformin and glyburide are only part of an overall treatment plan that can include other things like diet, exercise, and weight management, as well as blood glucose testing and medical attention. You should follow your doctor’s advice.You may be prescribed extra vitamin B12 by your doctor if you're taking metformin and glyburide. Only take the prescribed amount of Vitamin B12.Keep away from heat, moisture, and light.
Details on dosage
Adult dosage for diabetes type 2:
Glyburide and metformin are available in doses.
As Initial Treatment in Patients With Insufficient Glycemic Control on Diet and Exercise Alone
Start with a dose of 1.25-250mg orally, once per day.
Consider a dose range of 1,25 mg to 250 mg twice daily for those with FBG greater than 200 mg/dL and HbA1c higher than 9%.
Maintaining Dose: Add increments between 1.25 mg and 250 mg per day every two weeks until you reach the lowest effective dose for achieving a glycemic level of control.
Maximum Initial Dose: 10 mg–2000 mg per day
Patients with inadequate glycemic control on Glyburide or another sulfonylurea and/or Metformin
Initial dose: orally, 2.5 mg–500 mg or 5 mg–500 mg twice daily.
Maintaining Dose: Add 5 mg or 500 mg increments to maintain blood sugar control.
Maximum Dose: 20 mg–2000 mg per day
Comments:
Give with meals. Do not use it as an initial treatment due to the increased risk of hypoglycemia. Initial doses are to be taken cautiously to prevent hypoglycemia due to Glyburide and to minimise gastrointestinal side-effects due to Metformin.
For patients switching from combination therapy to glyburide or equivalent sulfonylureas and metformin currently being used, the initial doses must not be higher than the current daily dose. The decision on whether to change to the closest equivalent dose is based on clinical judgement.
Consider reducing the dosage of the glyburide ingredient in hypoglycemia patients.
Monitor patients for symptoms and signs of hypoglycemia.
Patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus can use this product as an adjunct to dietary and physical activity to help improve their glycemic levels.
What happens if I miss the dose?
If you are almost due for the next dose, skip the missed one. Do not take more than one dose at once.
What happens if I overdose?
Call the Poison Help Line at 1-800-222-1222 or seek emergency medical care. An accidental overdose can quickly result in severe hypoglycemia or lactic acidosis.
What should be avoided?
Alcohol lowers blood sugar and may increase your risk of lactic acidosis. Alcohol lowers your blood sugar levels and can increase the risk of developing lactic acidosis.Avoid taking colesevelam within 4 hours of taking glyburide or metformin.
Interaction with other drug
These include prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.These include prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal medicines. This list does not include all interactions.Inform your physician of all medications you are currently taking as well as those you plan to discontinue or start using in the near future.
