Glucovance (Glyburide/Metformin)

What is Glucovance?

Glucovance is an anti-diabetic medication that is a combination of two drugs, glyburide and metformin.

What is Glucovance used for?

Glucovance is used to control high blood sugar levels in patients with type2 (non insulin dependent) diabetes. Lowering high blood sugar further helps prevent nerve problems, kidney damage, loss of limbs, blindness, and problems associated with sexual function.

How does Glucovance work?

Glucovance works by enhancing the release of insulin that is naturally produced by the body and by lowering the amount of sugar produced by the liver and absorbed by the stomach or intestines.

How to use Glucovance

Glucovance should be taken in the manner prescribed by the doctor. Taking it for longer periods or in larger amounts than recommended can cause health problems.

The drug is usually taken once or twice daily, with meals. Drink plenty of fluids while on the dosing schedule of Glucovance. Remember to take the medicine at the same time each day.

Get your blood tested on a regular basis while using Glucovance.

Glucovance warnings and precautions

Do not use this drug if you are allergic to glyburide or metformin. Tell your doctor if you have other allergies as well. Also, the medication is not to be used by people suffering from kidney disease or by those who are in a state of diabetic ketoacidosis.

Prior to taking Glucovance, tell your doctor if you have heart or liver disease, history of heart attack or stroke, G6PD (glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency), which is an enzyme deficiency.

Avoid drinking alcohol while you are being treated with this medication.

Although this medication is unlikely to cause harm to a fetus, pregnant women should not use this drug without consulting their doctors. Lactating women must have a word with their doctor before consuming this medicine.

What do I do if I have missed a Glucovance dose?

If you have missed your Glucovance dose you can take the missed dose as soon as you remember but do not take it if it is time for your next dose.

What do I do if I have taken a Glucovance overdose?

If you have taken a Glucovance overdose, you should seek emergency medical attention.

Glucovance interactions

Before taking Glucovance, consult your doctor if you are taking cimetidine, quinine, morphine, antibiotics, heart or blood pressure medications.

If you take Glucovance with other drugs that increase blood sugar, you may get hyperglycemia (high blood sugar). Therefore avoid taking those drugs with Glucovance. The list of such drugs include water pills (diuretics), blood pressure medicines, steroids, isoniazid, thyroid medications, phenothiazines, seizure medications, diet pills, birth control pills, medicines for the treatment of asthma, cold, or allergies.

You may get hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) if you use Glucovance with other drugs that lower blood sugar. A list of these drugs include sulfa drugs, a monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOI), nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), aspirin or other salicylates, beta-blockers or probenecid.

Do not start taking any new medication without telling your doctor.

Glucovance side effects

Glucovance side effects include symptoms of lactic acidosis (such as slow heart rate, drowsiness, cold feeling, fainting); hives; breathing difficulty; swelling of face, tongue, lips or throat and other allergic reactions. If you get any of these side effects after using Glucovance, stop taking the medicine and contact your doctor.

Headache, mild nausea, vomiting, dizziness, upset stomach, diarrhea, runny nose, sneezing, cough, or cold symptoms are some less serious side effects of Glucovance.