Brand Names: Glucovance

Generic Name: glyburide and metformin (Pronunciation: GLY byoo ryd and met FOR min)

• What is glyburide and metformin (Glucovance)?
• What are the possible side effects of glyburide and metformin (Glucovance)?
• What is the most important information I should know about glyburide and metformin (Glucovance)?
• What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking glyburide and metformin (Glucovance)?
• How should I take glyburide and metformin (Glucovance)?
• What happens if I miss a dose (Glucovance)?
• What happens if I overdose (Glucovance)?
• What should I avoid while taking glyburide and metformin (Glucovance)?
• What other drugs will affect glyburide and metformin (Glucovance)?
• Where can I get more information?

What is glyburide and metformin (Glucovance)?

Glyburide and metformin is a combination of two oral diabetes medicines that help control blood sugar levels.

Glyburide and metformin is for people with type 2 diabetes who do not use daily insulin injections. This medication is not for treating type 1 diabetes.

Glyburide and metformin may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

Glucovance 1.25 mg-250 mg

oblong, yellow, imprinted with BMS, 6072

Glucovance 2.5 mg-500 mg

oblong, orange, imprinted with BMS, 6073

Glucovance 5 mg-500 mg

oblong, yellow, imprinted with BMS, 6074

GlyBURIDE-Metformin 1.25 mg-250 mg-GG

round, yellow, imprinted with cor 140

Glyburide-Metformin 1.25-250 mg-IVA

oblong, yellow, imprinted with LOGO 5710, 1.25/250

GlyBURIDE-Metformin 2.5 mg-500 mg-GG

round, orange, imprinted with cor 141

Glyburide-Metformin 2.5-500 mg-IVA

oblong, orange, imprinted with LOGO 5711, 2.5/500

GlyBURIDE-Metformin 5 mg-500 mg-GG

round, yellow, imprinted with cor 142

Glyburide-Metformin 5-500 mg-IVA

oval, yellow, imprinted with LOGO 5712, 5/500

What are the possible side effects of glyburide and metformin (Glucovance)?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these symptoms of lactic acidosis: weakness, increasing sleepiness, slow heart rate, cold feeling, muscle pain, shortness of breath, stomach pain, feeling light-headed, and fainting.

Stop using glyburide and metformin and get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

• feeling short of breath, even with mild exertion; or
• swelling or rapid weight gain.

Other less serious side effects may be more likely to occur, such as:

• sneezing, runny nose, cough or other signs of a cold;
• headache;
• dizziness; or
• mild nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain.

Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What is the most important information I should know about glyburide and metformin (Glucovance)?

Do not use glyburide and metformin if you have congestive heart failure or kidney disease, or if you are in a state of diabetic ketoacidosis (call your doctor for treatment with insulin).

Before taking glyburide and metformin, tell your doctor if you have heart disease, liver disease, or a history of heart attack or stroke.

Some people have developed a life-threatening condition called lactic acidosis while taking glyburide and metformin. Get emergency medical help if you have any of these symptoms of lactic acidosis: weakness, increasing sleepiness, slow heart rate, cold feeling, muscle pain, shortness of breath, stomach pain, feeling light-headed, and fainting.

If you need to have any type of x-ray or CT scan using a dye that is injected into your veins, you may need to temporarily stop taking glyburide and metformin. Be sure the surgeon knows ahead of time that you are using this medication.

Know the signs of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) and how to recognize them, including hunger, headache, confusion, irritability, drowsiness, weakness, dizziness, tremors, sweating, fast heartbeat, seizure (convulsions), fainting, or coma (severe hypoglycemia can be fatal). Always keep a source of sugar available in case you have symptoms of low blood sugar.