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Glucovance |
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What is Glucovance and why is it prescribed? Glucovance is used in the treatment of type 2 diabetes. Glucovance is a combination of 2 drugs, glyburide (DiaBeta, Micronase) and metformin (Glucophage), that attack high blood sugar levels in several ways. The glyburide component stimulates the pancreas to produce more insulin and helps the body use it properly. The metformin component also encourages proper insulin utilization, and in addition works to decrease sugar production and absorption. Glucovance is prescribed when diet and exercise prove insufficient to keep sugar levels under control. Very rarely, Glucovance has been known to cause a dangerous condition called lactic acidosis, a buildup of lactic acid in the blood. Lactic acidosis is a medical emergency that requires immediate treatment in the hospital. Notify your doctor without delay if you experience any of the following symptoms: A slow or irregular heartbeat; a cold, dizzy, or light-headed feeling; a weak, tired, or uncomfortable feeling; stomach discomfort; trouble breathing; or unusual muscle pain. How should you take Glucovance? Follow your doctors directions for taking Glucovance. Glucovance is taken once or twice a day with meals. If you miss a dose take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the one you missed and go back to your regular schedule. Never take two doses at the same time. Store Glucovance at room temperature and protect from light. Are there any Glucovance side effects? Glucovance side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. More common Glucovance side effects may include cold sweats, diarrhea, dizziness, headache, hunger, nausea, shakiness, stomach pain, upper respiratory infections, and vomiting. What are the possible food and drug interactions when taking Glucovance? If Glucovance is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. Be sure to inform your doctor of all the prescription and over the counter medications you are taking. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Glucovance with Airway-opening drugs (such as Proventil and Ventolin), Beta-blockers (heart and blood-pressure drugs such as Inderal and Tenormin), Birth control pills, Calcium channel blockers (such as Calan, Isoptin, and Procardia), Chloramphenicol (Chloromycetin), Ciprofloxacin (Cipro), Estrogens (such as Premarin), HydroDiuril, Lasix, and other diuretics, Isoniazid (Rifamate), Major tranquilizers (such as Compazine, Stelazine, and Thorazine), MAO inhibitors (such as the antidepressants Nardil and Parnate), Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (such as Advil, Motrin, Naprosyn, and Voltaren), Niacin (Niacor, Niaspan), Phenytoin (Dilantin), Probenecid, Steroids (such as prednisone/Deltasone), Sulfa drugs (such as Bactrim), Thyroid medications (such as Synthroid), or Warfarin (Coumadin). Are there any special warnings about Glucovance? Avoid excessive alcohol intake while taking Glucovance. Heavy drinking increases the danger of lactic acidosis and can also trigger an attack of low blood sugar. Missed meals, malnutrition, general debility, liver or kidney problems, other medications, and over-exertion also increase the risk of hypoglycemia. Symptoms of a mild case include cold sweats, dizziness, shakiness, and hunger. Severe hypoglycemia can lead to seizures and coma. If you notice any of the warning signs, check with your doctor immediately. Lactic acidosis also becomes more likely when you become dehydrated. If you experience severe vomiting, diarrhea, fever, or if your fluid intake is significantly reduced, tell your doctor. Glucovance occasionally causes a mild deficiency of vitamin B12. Your doctor will check annually and may prescribe a supplement if necessary. Some experts suspect that the glyburide component of Glucovance may lead to more heart problems than treatment with diet alone. In a long-term trial of a similar drug, researchers noted an increase in heart-related deaths. If you have a heart condition, you may want to discuss this potential risk with your doctor. |
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Information on this website is provided for educational purposes and should not replace discussions with your doctor. |
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