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What are Glipizide; Metformin tablets?
What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
• frequently drink alcohol or alcohol-containing beverages
• become easily dehydrated
• heart attack
• heart failure
• hormone changes or problems
• 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 glipizide, sulfonamides, metformin, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding
How should this medicine be used?
Take glipizide-metformin tablets by mouth with meals. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Swallow the tablets with a drink of water. Take your doses at the same time each day; do not take more often than directed.
Contact your pediatrician or health care professional 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.
What drug(s) may interact with Glipizide; Metformin?
• alcohol
• antifungal medicines like fluconazole, itraconazole or miconazole
• asparaginase
• cephalexin
• chloramphenicol
• cimetidine
• cisapride
• cyclosporine
• digoxin
• dofetilide
• entecavir
• guanethidine
• lithium
• metoclopramide
• morphine
• niacin
• nifedipine
• octreotide
• other medicines for diabetes
• procainamide
• propantheline
• quinine
• quinidine
• ranitidine
• trimethoprim
• vancomycin
• warfarin
• water pills (diuretics like amiloride, furosemide, triamterene)
Many medications may cause changes (increase or decrease) in blood sugar, these include:
• alcohol containing beverages
• aspirin and aspirin-like drugs
• beta-blockers, often used for high blood pressure or heart problems (examples include atenolol, metoprolol, propranolol)
• chromium
• female hormones, such as estrogens or progestins, birth control pills
• isoniazid
• male hormones or anabolic steroids
• medications for weight loss
• medicines for allergies, asthma, cold, or cough
• niacin
• pentamidine
• phenytoin
• quinolone antibiotics (examples: ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin, ofloxacin)
• some herbal dietary supplements
• steroid medicines such as prednisone or cortisone
• thyroid hormones
• water pills (diuretics like amiloride, furosemide, triamterene)
Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.
What should I watch for while taking Glipizide; Metformin?
Learn how to monitor your blood sugar. Learn what to do if you have high or low blood sugar. Do not skip meals. If you are exercising much more than usual you may need extra snacks to avoid side effects caused by low blood sugar. Do not change your medication dose without talking to your prescriber.
Alcohol can increase possible side effects of this medicine. You should avoid excessive or regular alcohol use. Ask your prescriber if you should avoid alcohol.
If you have mild symptoms of low blood sugar, eat or drink something containing sugar at once and contact your health care professional. It is wise to check your blood sugar to confirm that it is low. It is important to recognize your own symptoms of low blood sugar so that you can treat them quickly. Make sure family members know that you can choke if you eat or drink when you develop serious symptoms of low blood sugar, such as seizures or unconsciousness. They must get medical help at once.
If you develop a severe diarrhea or vomiting, or are unable to maintain proper fluid intake, you should contact your prescriber. 'Sick-days' may require adjustments to your dosage or your illness may need to be evaluated. Ask your prescriber what you should do if you become ill.
This medicine can increase the sensitivity of your skin to the sun; wear protective clothing outdoors and use a sunscreen. Do not use sun lamps or sun tanning beds or booths.
If you are going to have surgery or will need an x-ray procedure that uses contrast agents, tell your prescriber or health care professional that you are taking this medicine.
Wear a medical identification bracelet or chain to say you have diabetes, and carry a card that lists all your medications.
What side effects may I notice from receiving Glipizide; Metformin?
Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:
• breathing difficulties or shortness of breath
• dark yellow or brown urine
• dizziness
• fever, chills, or frequent sore throats
• muscle pain
• passing out or fainting
• severe vomiting or diarrhea
• skin rash, redness, swelling, or itching
• slow or irregular heartbeat
• unusual weakness, fatigue or discomfort
• unusual stomach pain or discomfort
• yellowing of the eyes or skin
Symptoms of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia). Know the symptoms of low blood sugar, so that you can quickly treat them; which may include:
• anxiety or nervousness, confusion, difficulty concentrating, hunger, pale skin, nausea, fatigue, sweating, headache, palpitations, numbness of the mouth, tingling in the fingers, tremors, muscle weakness, blurred vision, cold sensations, uncontrolled yawning, irritability, rapid heartbeat, shallow breathing, and loss of consciousness. Hypoglycemia may cause you to not be aware of your actions or surroundings if it is severe, so you should let others know what to do if you cannot help yourself in a severe reaction.
Symptoms of high blood sugar (hyperglycemia) include:
• dizziness, dry mouth, flushed dry-skin, loss of appetite, nausea, stomach cramping, unusual thirst, frequent passing of urine
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
• decreased appetite
• diarrhea
• gas
• headache
• heartburn
• increased sensitivity to the sun
• metallic taste in the mouth
• mild stomachache
• nausea
• weight loss
Where can I keep my medicine?
Keep out of the reach of children in a container that small children cannot open.
Store at room temperature between 15—25 degrees C (59—77 degrees F). Keep container tightly closed and protect from light. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.
Important Disclaimer: The drug information provided here is for educational purposes only. It is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the diagnosis, treatment and advice of a medical professional. This drug information does not cover all possible uses, precautions, side effects and interactions. It should not be construed to indicate that this or any drug is safe for you. Consult your medical professional for guidance before using any prescription or over the counter drugs.
