What is Glucovance?

Glucovance contains a combination of glyburide and metformin. Glyburide and metformin are both oral diabetes medicines that help control blood sugar levels. Glucovance is used together with diet and exercise to improve blood sugar control in adults with type 2 diabetes. Glucovance is not for treating type 1 diabetes.

Always read the patient information and instructions carefully before using this medication.

• 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 another 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).

Make sure to tell your doctor and pharmacist:

• If you have any drug allergies.
• Which other prescription and non-prescription medications you currently take.
• 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).

Also be aware that:

• 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 clearly 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 of glyburide's risk of 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 breast-feeding.

Common side-effects may include but are not limited to:

• Nausea, stomach upset, diarrhea, or weight gain may occur. Stomach symptoms that occur after the first days of your treatment may be a sign of lactic acidosis.

Contact your doctor if you experience any of the following side-effects:

• Easy bleeding/bruising, signs of infection (such as persistent sore throat, fever), persistent nausea, severe stomach/abdominal pain, yellowing eyes/skin, dark urine.
• This medication can cause low blood sugar (hypoglycemia). This may occur if you do not consume enough calories from food or if you do unusually heavy exercise. Symptoms of low blood sugar include sudden sweating, shaking, fast heartbeat, hunger, blurred vision, dizziness, or tingling hands/feet. It is a good habit to carry glucose tablets or gel to treat low blood sugar. If you don't have these reliable forms of glucose, rapidly raise your blood sugar by eating a quick source of sugar such as table sugar, honey, or candy, or drink fruit juice or non-diet soda. Tell your doctor right away about the reaction and the use of this product. To help prevent low blood sugar, eat meals on a regular schedule, and do not skip meals. Check with your doctor or pharmacist to find out what you should do if you miss a meal.
• Symptoms of high blood sugar (hyperglycemia) include thirst, increased urination, confusion, drowsiness, flushing, rapid breathing, and fruity breath odor. If these symptoms occur, tell your doctor right away. Your dosage may need to be increased.
• Any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.

Q: What happens if I miss a dose?

A: 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.

Q: What should I avoid while taking Glucovance?

A: 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.