Safely Buy Glucotrol XL ( Glipizide XL ) from Canada Prescriptions Plus.

Indications

Glucotrol XL is an extended-release tablet formulation of the medication glipizide, which is used to manage high blood sugar levels in patients with type 2 diabetes.

Glucotrol XL is typically taken in combination with a healthy diet and exercise program and helps to improve glycemic control in adults with this condition.

Glucotrol XL is indicated as an adjunct to diet and exercise to improve glycemic control.

Use and Dosage

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

Take this medication by mouth with breakfast as directed by your doctor, usually once daily. The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment.

To reduce your risk of side effects, your doctor may direct you to start this medication at a low dose and gradually increase your dose. 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 glipizide.

Swallow the tablets whole. Do not crush or chew the tablets. Doing so can release the entire drug at once, increasing the risk of side effects.

Colesevelam can decrease the absorption of glipizide. If you are taking colesevelam, take glipizide at least 4 hours before taking colesevelam.

Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same time each day. Tell your doctor if your condition does not improve or if it worsens (your blood sugar is too high or too low).

Side Effects

Common side effects include:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Drowsiness
• Loss of appetite
• Stomach upset
• Gas
• Diarrhea
• Constipation
• Weight gain

Mostly, the side effects caused by this diabetes medication are mild and will resolve even without medical intervention. In case the adverse reactions worsen or persist, you should hold this medication and consult your doctor or any healthcare professional.

Severe side effects, such as:

• Mental or mood changes
• Seizures
• Severe fatigue
• Swelling of the extremities
• Easy bruising or blessing
• Severe abdominal pain
• Dark urine
• Yellowish eyes and skin
• Persistent vomiting
• High blood sugar or hyperglycemia (flushing, fruity breath odour, palpitations, increased thirst, increased urination, confusion)
• Low blood sugar or hypoglycemia (shaking, sweating, blurred vision, tingling sensation, dizziness)
• Symptoms of infection (sore throat, fever, chills)

This is not a complete list of the side effects of Glucotrol XL.

Cautions

Before taking glipizide, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; 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: liver disease, kidney disease, thyroid disease, certain hormonal conditions (adrenal/pituitary insufficiency, syndrome of inappropriate secretion of antidiuretic hormone-SIADH), electrolyte imbalance (hyponatremia), stomach/intestine problems (such as gastrointestinal stenosis or stricture, impaired emptying).

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 your risk of developing low blood sugar. Alcohol can rarely interact with glipizide 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 the safe use of alcohol.

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.

Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).

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

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 drug during pregnancy. If glipizide is used, it may be switched to insulin at least 2 weeks before the expected delivery date because glipizide risks causing low blood sugar in your newborn. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.

It is unknown if this medication passes into breast milk. However, similar drugs pass into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.

Form and Strengths

Glucotrol XL is available in the following form and strengths:

• Glucotrol XL ER Tablet:
  • 2.5 mg
  • 10 mg
• Glipizide XL ER Tablet:
  • 2.5 mg
  • 10 mg

FAQ

Is Glucotrol XL also used for diabetic ketoacidosis?

No, this is not prescribed for type 1 diabetes or diabetic ketoacidosis.

What is the difference between Glucotrol and Glucotrol XL?

The latter is an extended-release version of Glucotrol.

Does Glucotrol XL make you feel sleepy?

Yes, this drug causes drowsiness.

Resources:

1. https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2008/020329s22lbl.pdf
2. https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-10095/glucotrol-xl-oral/details
3. https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=eed99b60-d043-4249-9b2a-f05e46fb588d