:: Health Conditions - Diabetes - Glyburide / Glibencamide + Metformin

Glucovance

Glucovance is the brand name of a drugs Glyburide / Glibencamide + Metformin.
Glyburide is in a class of drugs called sulfonylureas. It is used to help control blood sugar levels by stimulating the pancreas to release more insulin into the blood.
Metformin is also used to regulate blood sugar levels. Metformin works in three ways: first, it reduces the amount of glucose (sugar) produced by your liver; second, it reduces the amount of glucose absorbed from food through your stomach; and third, it makes the insulin that your body produces work better to reduce the amount of glucose already in your blood.
Glyburide and metformin (Generic Glucovance) is used with diet and exercise to treat type 2 diabetes.

What happens if I miss a dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and take only the next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose of this medication.

What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention if an overdose is suspected.
Symptoms of a glyburide and metformin overdose include hunger, nausea, anxiety, cold sweats, weakness, drowsiness, unconsciousness, and coma. An overdose of glyburide and metformin may also cause lactic acidosis. See the "What are the possible side effects of glyburide and metformin?" section for symptoms of lactic acidosis.

What are the possible side effects of glyburide and metformin?
Stop taking glyburide and metformin and seek emergency medical attention if you experience an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives) to glyburide and metformin.

A small number of people who have taken metformin have developed a serious condition called lactic acidosis that has been fatal in up to 50% of cases. Lactic acidosis has occurred most often in people whose kidneys were not working properly. Liver problems may also increase the risk of developing lactic acidosis. Stop taking glyburide and metformin and call your doctor immediately if you experience a feeling of general discomfort or sickness; weakness; sore or aching muscles; trouble breathing, unusual drowsiness, dizziness or lightheadedness; unusual or unexplained stomach upset (after the initial stomach upset that may occur at the start of therapy with glyburide and metformin); or the sudden development of a slow or irregular heartbeat. These may be signs of lactic acidosis.

Know the signs and symptoms of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), which include hunger, headache, drowsiness, weakness, dizziness, fast heartbeat, sweating, tremor, and nausea. Carry a piece of hard, non-dietetic candy or glucose tablets with you to treat episodes of low blood sugar.
Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take glyburide and metformin and talk to your doctor if you experience

• nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, or diarrhea at the start of therapy; or
• headache.

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.