Glucovance Drug Info
Glucovance Drug Uses: Glucovance is a combination of two drugs (sulfonylurea and biguanide). It is used along with a diet and exercise program to control high blood sugar in patients with type 2 diabetes (non-insulin-dependent diabetes). This medication works by stimulating the release of your body's natural insulin and by restoring your body's proper response to insulin. Controlling high blood sugar helps prevent heart disease, strokes, kidney disease, blindness and circulation problems, as well as sexual function problems (impotence).
How to Use Glucovance: Take Glucovance by mouth, usually twice daily with meals; or as directed by your doctor. Drink plenty of fluids while taking this medication. Use this medication regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. Remember to use it at the same times each day. Your dosage is based on your medical condition and response to therapy. This medication may come with a Patient Information Leaflet. Read it carefully and ask your doctor or pharmacist any questions you may have about your medication.
Glucovance Precautions: The metformin in this combination medication can rarely cause a condition called lactic acidosis, which can be fatal. Seek immediate medical attention if you develop any of the following symptoms of lactic acidosis: unusual tiredness (fatigue) or severe drowsiness, cold skin, muscle pain, breathing trouble or rapid breathing, unusually slow or irregular heartbeat. Lactic acidosis is more likely to occur in patients who have: kidney or liver disease, conditions that may cause a low oxygen blood level or poor circulation (e.g., severe congestive heart failure, recent heart attack, recent stroke), excessive alcohol use, a lack of body fluids (dehydration), X-ray or scanning procedures that require an injectable iodinated contrast drug, surgery, or a serious infection. The elderly are also at higher risk, especially if you are over 80 years of age and have not had kidney and liver tests.
Glucovance Drug Interactions: This drug should not be used with the following medications because very serious interactions may occur: bosentan. If you are currently using any of these medications, tell your doctor or pharmacist before starting glyburide/metformin. Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription products you may use, especially of: other diabetes drugs (e.g., insulin, rosiglitazone), aspirin or aspirin-like drugs (e.g., salicylates, NSAIDs such as ibuprofen, phenylbutazone), azole antifungals (e.g., fluconazole), cimetidine, birth control pills, "blood thinners" (e.g., warfarin), chloramphenicol, clofibrate, clomiphene, corticosteroids (e.g., prednisone), decongestants (e.g., pseudoephedrine), diazoxide, diet pills, epinephrine, estrogens, high blood pressure drugs (beta-blockers -- including glaucoma eye drops such as propranolol, timolol, metoprolol; calcium channel blockers such as nifedipine; ACE inhibitors such as captopril), isoniazid, MAO inhibitors (e.g., furazolidone, linezolid, moclobemide, phenelzine procarbazine, selegiline, isocarboxazid, tranylcypromine), niacin, phenothiazines (e.g., chlorpromazine), phenytoin, probenecid, quinolone antibiotics (e.g., ciprofloxacin), rifampin, sulfonamides (e.g., sulfa antibiotics), thyroid drugs, "water pills" (diuretics such as hydrochlorothiazide, furosemide), fenugreek, ginseng. If you are scheduled to undergo any X-ray or scanning procedure using injectable iodinated contrast material, be sure to inform your doctor that you are taking this medication. You will need to temporarily stop this medication around the time of your procedure. Consult your doctor for further instructions. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.
Glucovance Possible Side Effects: If stomach symptoms recur later (after you are on the same dose for several days or weeks), tell your doctor immediately. A late recurrence of stomach symptoms may be due to lactic acidosis. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these highly unlikely but very serious side effects occur: persistent sore throat or fever, easy bleeding or bruising, severe stomach pain, yellowing eyes or skin, dark urine, unusual tiredness or weakness, unusual or sudden weight gain, mental/mood changes, swelling of the hands or feet, seizures. This medication can cause low blood sugar (hypoglycemia). This effect may occur if you do not consume enough calories (from food, juices, fruit, etc.). The symptoms include chills, cold sweat, blurred vision, dizziness, drowsiness, shaking, rapid heartbeat, weakness, headache, fainting, tingling of the hands or feet, or hunger. It is a good habit to carry glucose tablets or gel to treat low blood sugar. If you are in a situation where you don't have these reliable forms of glucose, eat a quick source of sugar such as table sugar, honey, or candy, or drink a glass of orange juice or non-diet soda to quickly raise your blood sugar level. Tell your doctor immediately about the reaction. To help prevent hypoglycemia, eat meals on a regular schedule and do not skip meals. Symptoms of high blood sugar (hyperglycemia) include thirst, increased urination, confusion, drowsiness, flushing, rapid breathing, or fruity breath odor. If these symptoms occur, tell your doctor immediately. Your medication dosage may need to be increased. A serious allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
Glucovance Overdose: Seek emergency medical attention immediately if an overdose is suspected. Symptoms of Glucovance overdose include: itching, swelling, dizziness, trouble breathing.
Glucovance Storage: Store Glucovance at room temperature away from moisture and sunlight. Avoid excessive heat. Avoid freezing. Keep out of the reach of children. Dispense of this medicine in a tight, light-resistant container. Do not store Glucovance in the bathroom.
Glucovance Missed Dose: Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the medicine at the next regularly scheduled time. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
Disclaimer: The information found on this website is for informational purposes only. It does not cover all possible uses, procedures, safety measures, side effects, or drug interactions of the products. We are not responsible for the accuracy and reliability of this drug information, or any consequences arising from the use of this information. This is only general information and should not be relied on for any purpose.
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