Brand Names: Metaglip

Generic Name: glipizide and metformin (Pronunciation: GLIP ih zyd and met FOR min)

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

What is glipizide and metformin (Metaglip)?

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

Glipizide 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.

Glipizide and metformin may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Glipizide-Metformin 2.5 mg-250 mg-MYL

round, white, imprinted with G31, M

Glipizide-Metformin 2.5 mg-250 mg-TEV

oblong, pink, imprinted with 93, 7455

Glipizide-Metformin 2.5 mg-500 mg-MYL

oblong, white, imprinted with M, G32

Glipizide-Metformin 2.5 mg-500 mg-TEV

oblong, white, imprinted with 93, 7456

Glipizide-Metformin 5 mg-500 mg-MYL

oblong, peach, imprinted with M, G33

Glipizide-Metformin 5 mg-500 mg-TEV

oblong, pink, imprinted with 93, 7457

Metaglip 2.5 mg-250 mg

oval, pink, imprinted with BMS, 6081

Metaglip 2.5-500 mg

oval, white, imprinted with BMS, 6077

Metaglip 5-500 mg

oval, pink, imprinted with BMS, 6078

What are the possible side effects of glipizide and metformin (Metaglip)?

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 glipizide 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;
• pain or burning with urination;
• swelling or rapid weight gain; or
• increased blood pressure (severe headache, blurred vision, trouble concentrating, chest pain, numbness, seizure).

Less serious side effects may include:

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

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What is the most important information I should know about glipizide and metformin (Metaglip)?

Do not use glipizide 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 glipizide 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 glipizide 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 glipizide 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.