Glipizide, Metformin Hydrochloride Oral tablet
What is this medicine?
GLIPIZIDE; METFORMIN (GLIP i zide; met FOR min) helps to treat type 2 diabetes. Treatment is combined with 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 provider before I take this medicine?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
become easily dehydrated
diabetic ketoacidosis
glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency
heart disease
if you frequently drink alcohol containing drinks
kidney disease
liver disease
polycystic ovaries
severe infection or injury
stroke
thyroid disease
undergoing surgery or certain x-ray procedures with injectable contrast agents
an unusual or allergic reaction to glipizide, metformin, sulfa drugs, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
pregnant or trying to get pregnant
breast-feeding
How should I use this medicine?
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?
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?
Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications:
dofetilide
gatifloxacin
certain contrast medicines given before X-rays, CT scans, MRI, or other procedures
This medicine may also interact with the following medications:
aspirin and aspirin-like drugs
chloramphenicol
clarithromycin
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 provider 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 should I watch for while using this medicine?
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 sun tanning beds/booths.
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 this medicine?
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
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
diarrhea
dizziness
headache
metallic taste in mouth
stomach discomfort, gas, bloating
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.
Where should I keep my medicine?
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.
