Glucovance
Generic Name: Glyburide
What is Glucovance?
Glucovance, along with diet and exercise, is used to treat type 2 diabetes (non-insulin-dependent). This drug combines two glucose-lowering drugs, glyburide and metformin.What is the most important information I should know about Glucovance?
Glucovance can cause a rare, but serious condition called lactic acidosis (a build up of lactic acid in the blood) that can be potentially fatal. Lactic acidosis is a medical emergency and must be treated in the hospital. Stop taking Glucovance and call your doctor right away if you feel very weak or tired; have muscle pain; have trouble breathing; have stomach pain with nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea; feel cold, especially in your arms and legs; feel dizzy or lightheaded; have a slow or irregular heartbeat; or if a medical condition suddenly changes.Glucovance may cause low blood sugar. This can happen if you do not follow your diet, exercise too much, drink alcohol, are under stress, or get sick. It can also happen if you take other glucose-lowering drugs.
Taking Glucovance may increase your risk of developing heart problems.
Who should not take Glucovance?
Do not begin treatment with Glucovance if you have kidney disease, congestive heart failure treated with medications, drink alcohol excessively, or are dehydrated.Do not use Glucovance if you are scheduled to undergo surgery or an x-ray procedure involving special dye or contrast agents.
Do not use Glucovance if you have a serious infection, a history of heart attack or stroke, are ≥80 years of age and have not had your kidney function tested, or are allergic to any of its ingredients.
What should I tell my doctor before I take the first dose of Glucovance?
Tell your doctor about all prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal medications you are taking before beginning treatment with Glucovance. Also, talk to your doctor about your complete medical history, especially if you have an illness that causes severe diarrhea, vomiting, or fever; heart, kidney, or liver problems; glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency (lack of an enzyme responsible for the breakdown of red blood cells); low levels of vitamin B12; or are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding. Your doctor should also know if you are going to have surgery or an x-ray procedure that requires special dye or contrast agents.What is the usual dosage?
The information below is based on the dosage guidelines your doctor uses. Depending on your condition and medical history, your doctor may prescribe a different regimen. Do not change the dosage or stop taking your medication without your doctor's approval.Patients with Inadequate Diabetes Control on Diet and Exercise
Adults: The recommended starting dose is 1.25 milligrams (mg)/250 mg once or twice daily. Your doctor may increase your dose as appropriate.
Patients with Inadequate Diabetes Control on a Sulfonylurea and/or Metformin
Adults: The recommended starting dose is 2.5 mg/500 mg or 5 mg/500 mg twice daily. Your doctor may increase your dose as appropriate.
How should I take Glucovance?
Glucovance should be taken with meals.What should I avoid while taking Glucovance?
Avoid alcohol. It can interfere with your blood sugar levels and your diabetes treatment.What are possible food and drug interactions associated with Glucovance?
If Glucovance is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Glucovance with the following: albuterol, amiloride, beta-blockers (such as atenolol and metoprolol), calcium channel blockers (such as diltiazem and nifedipine), chloramphenicol, chlorpromazine, ciprofloxacin, corticosteroids (such as prednisone), digoxin, estrogens, isoniazid, miconazole, morphine, monoamine oxidase inhibitors (such as tranylcypromine), nicotinic acid, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (such as ibuprofen), birth control pills, phenytoin, procainamide, probenecid, quinidine, quinine, ranitidine, salicylates (such as aspirin), sulfonamides (such as sulfamethoxazole), diuretics (water pills such as hydrochlorothiazide, furosemide, and triamterene), thyroid products, trimethoprim, vancomycin, and warfarin.What are the possible side effects of Glucovance?
Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, tell your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking this drug.Side effects may include: low blood sugar, diarrhea, nausea, upper respiratory infection, headache, vomiting, dizziness, abdominal pain
Can I receive Glucovance if I am pregnant or breastfeeding?
The effects of Glucovance during pregnancy and breastfeeding are unknown. Tell your doctor immediately if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding.What should I do if I miss a dose of Glucovance?
If you miss a dose of Glucovance, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take two doses at once.How should I store Glucovance?
Store at room temperature.
I'm Shereen A. Gharbia, PharmD. Welcome to PDR Health!
