What is glyburide and metformin?
Glyburide and metformin is a combination of two oral diabetes medicines that help control blood sugar levels.
Glyburide and metformin is used to treat type 2 diabetes. This medication is not for treating type 1 diabetes.
Glyburide and metformin may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
What is the most important information I should know about glyburide and metformin?
You should not use this medication if you are allergic to glyburide or metformin, or if you have kidney disease or are in a state of diabetic ketoacidosis (call your doctor for treatment with insulin).
If you need to have any type of x-ray or CT scan using a dye that is injected into your veins, you will need to temporarily stop taking glyburide and metformin.
Before you take this medication, tell your doctor if you have liver or heart disease, a history of heart attack or stroke, or an enzyme deficiency called glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency (G6PD).
Some people develop lactic acidosis while taking glyburide and metformin. Get emergency medical help if you have even mild symptoms such as: muscle pain or weakness, numb or cold feeling in your arms and legs, trouble breathing, stomach pain, nausea with vomiting, slow or uneven heart rate, dizziness, or feeling very weak or tired.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking glyburide and metformin?
You should not use this medication if you are allergic to glyburide or metformin, if you have kidney disease, or if you are in a state of diabetic ketoacidosis (call your doctor for treatment with insulin).
If you need to have any type of x-ray or CT scan using a dye that is injected into your veins, you will need to temporarily stop taking glyburide and metformin.
Some people develop a life-threatening condition called lactic acidosis while taking metformin. You may be more likely to develop lactic acidosis if you have liver or kidney disease, congestive heart failure, a severe infection, if you are dehydrated, or if you drink large amounts of alcohol. Older adults may also have a higher risk of developing lactic acidosis. Talk with your doctor about your individual risk.
To make sure you can safely take this medication, tell your doctor if you have any of these other conditions:
an enzyme deficiency called glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency (G6PD);
liver disease; or
heart disease or a history of heart attack or stroke.
a history of heart attack or stroke.
FDA pregnancy category B. This medicine is not expected to harm an unborn baby. Similar diabetes medications have caused severe hypoglycemia in newborn babies whose mothers had used the medication near the time of delivery. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.
It is not known whether this medicine passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. You should not breast-feed while taking glyburide and metformin.
Certain oral diabetes medications may increase your risk of serious heart problems. However, not treating your diabetes can damage your heart and other organs. Talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of treating your diabetes with glyburide and metformin.