Safely Buy Glucovance ( Glyburide/Metformin ) from Canada Prescriptions Plus.

Indications

Glucovance is a medication that contains two oral antihyperglycemic drugs, glyburide and metformin, used in the management of type 2 diabetes to help control blood glucose levels.

Glyburide belongs to the class of drugs known as sulfonylureas, which lowers blood sugar by causing the release of your body’s natural insulin and by decreasing glucose production in the liver.

Metformin is a biguanide that reduces glucose production in the liver and improves the body’s sensitivity to insulin. Glucovance is approved as a first-line therapy for patients with type 2 diabetes.

Use and Dosage

Read the Patient Information Leaflet if available from your pharmacist before you start taking this medication and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Take this medication by mouth with meals as directed by your doctor, usually once or twice a day. Drink plenty of fluids while taking this medication unless otherwise directed by your doctor.

The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. To reduce your risk of side effects (such as upset stomach and low blood sugar), your doctor may direct you to start this medication at a low dose and gradually increase your dose. Your doctor will adjust your dose based on your blood sugar to find the best dose for you. Follow your doctor’s instructions carefully.

If you are already taking a diabetes drug (such as chlorpropamide), follow your doctor’s directions carefully for stopping the old drug and starting this combination medication.

If you are also taking colesevelam, take glyburide/metformin at least 4 hours before colesevelam.

Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same time(s) each day.

It may take up to 2 weeks before you get the full benefit of this drug. Tell your doctor if your condition does not improve or if it worsens (your blood sugar is too high or too low).

Side Effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction to Glucovance: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have:

• Heart problems – swelling, rapid weight gain, or feeling short of breath
• Severe hypoglycemia – extreme weakness, blurred vision, sweating, trouble speaking, tremors, stomach pain, confusion, or seizure
• Lactic acidosis – unusual muscle pain, trouble breathing, stomach pain, vomiting, irregular heart rate, dizziness, feeling cold, or feeling very weak or tired

Common Glucovance side effects may include:

• Low blood sugar
• Nausea, diarrhea, or upset stomach
• Headache

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur.

Cautions

Before taking this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to glyburide or metformin; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: kidney disease, liver disease, conditions that may cause a low level of oxygen in the blood or poor circulation (such as severe congestive heart failure, recent heart attack, recent stroke), serious infection, severe loss of body fluids (dehydration), alcohol use, severe breathing problems (such as obstructive lung disease, severe asthma), blood problems (such as anemia, vitamin B12 deficiency), electrolyte imbalance (hyponatremia), fertility problems (such as ovulation problems), certain hormonal conditions (adrenal/pituitary insufficiency, thyroid disease, syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone-SIADH), a certain nervous system problem (autonomic neuropathy).

Before having surgery or any X-ray/scanning procedure using iodinated contrast, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products). You may need to stop this medication for a short time for the surgery/procedure. Ask your doctor or dentist for instructions before your surgery/procedure.

You may experience blurred vision, dizziness, or drowsiness due to extremely low or high blood sugar. Do not drive, use machinery, or do any activity that requires alertness or clear vision until you are sure you can perform such activities safely.

Limit alcohol while taking this medication because it can increase the risk of developing low blood sugar and lactic acidosis. Rarely, alcohol can interact with glyburide and cause a serious reaction (disulfiram-like reaction) with symptoms such as facial flushing, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, or stomach pain. Consult your doctor or pharmacist about using alcohol safely.

It may be harder to control your blood sugar when your body is stressed (such as due to fever, infection, injury, or surgery). Consult your doctor because this may require a change in your treatment plan, medications, or blood sugar testing.

This medication may make you more sensitive to the sun. Limit your time in the sun. Avoid tanning booths and sunlamps. Use sunscreen and wear protective clothing when outdoors. Tell your doctor right away if you get sunburned or have skin blisters/redness.

Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects of this drug, especially lactic acidosis or low blood sugar.

This medication can cause changes in the menstrual cycle (promote ovulation) and increase the risk of becoming pregnant. Consult your doctor or pharmacist about the use of reliable birth control while using this medication.

During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when needed. Pregnancy may cause or worsen diabetes. Discuss a plan with your doctor for managing your blood sugar while pregnant. Your doctor may substitute insulin for this product during pregnancy. If you are using glyburide during your pregnancy, your doctor may switch you to insulin at least 2 weeks before the expected delivery date because glyburide risks causing low blood sugar in your newborn. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.

It is unknown if glyburide passes into breast milk. Metformin passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.

Form and Strengths

Glucovance is available in the following form and strengths:

• Glyburide/Metformin Tablet:
  • 5/500 mg

FAQ

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the medicine as soon as you can but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at one time.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention. An overdose can cause severe hypoglycemia or lactic acidosis.

What to avoid?

Avoid drinking alcohol. It lowers blood sugar and may increase your risk of lactic acidosis.

If you also take colesevelam, avoid taking it within 4 hours after you take Glucovance.

Resources:

1. https://www.drugs.com/glucovance.html#side-effects
2. https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-19822/glucovance-oral/details
3. https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2008/021178s010lbl.pdf