Home
Individuals and Families
Health and Wellness
Wellness Library
glyburide and metformin

glyburide and metformin

Pronunciation: GLYE bure ide and met FOR min

Brand: Glucovance

Glucovance

slide 1 of 17, Glucovance,

2.5 mg-500 mg, oblong, orange, imprinted with BMS, 6073

Image of Glucovance
slide 1 of 17

Glucovance

slide 2 of 17, Glucovance,

5 mg-500 mg, oblong, yellow, imprinted with BMS, 6074

Image of Glucovance
slide 2 of 17

Glyburide-Metformin

slide 3 of 17, Glyburide-Metformin,

1.25 mg-250 mg, oval, white, imprinted with LOGO 751

Image of Glyburide-Metformin
slide 3 of 17

Glyburide-Metformin

slide 4 of 17, Glyburide-Metformin,

2.5 mg-500 mg, oval, yellow, imprinted with R752

Image of Glyburide-Metformin
slide 4 of 17

Glyburide-Metformin

slide 5 of 17, Glyburide-Metformin,

5 mg-500 mg, oval, blue, imprinted with R753

Image of Glyburide-Metformin
slide 5 of 17

Glyburide-Metformin

slide 6 of 17, Glyburide-Metformin,

2.5 mg-500 mg, oval, orange, imprinted with I 23

Image of Glyburide-Metformin
slide 6 of 17

Glyburide-Metformin

slide 7 of 17, Glyburide-Metformin,

2.5 mg-500 mg, capsule, pink, imprinted with A, 47

Image of Glyburide-Metformin
slide 7 of 17

Glyburide-Metformin

slide 8 of 17, Glyburide-Metformin,

5 mg-500 mg, capsule, yellow, imprinted with A, 48

Image of Glyburide-Metformin
slide 8 of 17

Glucovance

slide 9 of 17, Glucovance,

1.25 mg-250 mg, oblong, yellow, imprinted with BMS, 6072

Image of Glucovance
slide 9 of 17

Glucovance

slide 10 of 17, Glucovance,

2.5 mg-500 mg, oblong, orange, imprinted with BMS, 6073

Image of Glucovance
slide 10 of 17

Glucovance

slide 11 of 17, Glucovance,

5 mg-500 mg, oblong, yellow, imprinted with BMS, 6074

Image of Glucovance
slide 11 of 17

Glyburide-Metformin

slide 12 of 17, Glyburide-Metformin,

1.25 mg-250 mg, round, yellow, imprinted with cor 140

Image of Glyburide-Metformin
slide 12 of 17

Glyburide-Metformin

slide 13 of 17, Glyburide-Metformin,

2.5 mg-500 mg, round, orange, imprinted with cor 141

Image of Glyburide-Metformin
slide 13 of 17

Glyburide-Metformin

slide 14 of 17, Glyburide-Metformin,

5 mg-500 mg, round, yellow, imprinted with cor 142

Image of Glyburide-Metformin
slide 14 of 17

Glyburide-Metformin

slide 15 of 17, Glyburide-Metformin,

1.25 mg-250 mg, oblong, yellow, imprinted with LOGO 5710, 1.25/250

Image of Glyburide-Metformin
slide 15 of 17

Glyburide-Metformin

slide 16 of 17, Glyburide-Metformin,

2.5 mg-500 mg, oblong, orange, imprinted with LOGO 5711, 2.5/500

Image of Glyburide-Metformin
slide 16 of 17

Glyburide-Metformin

slide 17 of 17, Glyburide-Metformin,

5 mg-500 mg, oval, yellow, imprinted with LOGO 5712, 5/500

Image of Glyburide-Metformin
slide 17 of 17

What is the most important information I should know about glyburide and metformin?

You should not use this medicine if you have severe kidney disease, if you also take bosentan (Tracleer), or if you have metabolic acidosis or diabetic ketoacidosis (call your doctor for treatment).

If you need to have any type of x-ray or CT scan using a dye that is injected into your veins, you may need to temporarily stop taking glyburide and metformin.

You may develop lactic acidosis, a dangerous build-up of lactic acid in your blood. Call your doctor or get emergency medical help if you have unusual muscle pain, trouble breathing, stomach pain, dizziness, feeling cold, or feeling very weak or tired.

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 together with diet and exercise to improve blood sugar control in adults with type 2 diabetes. This medicine is not for treating type 1 diabetes.

Glyburide and metformin may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking glyburide and metformin?

You should not use this medicine if you are allergic to glyburide or metformin, or:

  • severe kidney disease;
  • metabolic acidosis or diabetic ketoacidosis (call your doctor for treatment); or
  • if you are also using bosentan (to treat pulmonary arterial hypertension).

If you need to have any type of x-ray or CT scan using a dye that is injected into your veins, you may need to temporarily stop taking glyburide and metformin.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

  • kidney disease;
  • an enzyme deficiency called glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency (G6PD);
  • liver disease; or
  • heart disease, heart attack, or stroke.

You may develop lactic acidosis, a dangerous build-up of lactic acid in your blood. This may be more likely if you have other medical conditions, a severe infection, chronic alcoholism, or if you are 65 or older. Ask your doctor about your risk.

Follow your doctor's instructions about using this medicine if you are pregnant or you become pregnant. Controlling diabetes is very important during pregnancy, and having high blood sugar may cause complications in both the mother and the baby. However, you may need to stop taking glyburide and metformin for a short time just before your due date.

Metformin may stimulate ovulation in a premenopausal woman and may increase the risk of unintended pregnancy. Talk to your doctor about your risk.

You should not breastfeed while taking glyburide and metformin.

How should I take glyburide and metformin?

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

Take glyburide and metformin with meals.

Drink plenty of liquids while you are taking glyburide and metformin.

Call your doctor if you are sick with vomiting, diarrhea, or a fever. These conditions can lead to severe dehydration, which could be dangerous while you are taking glyburide and metformin.

You may have low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) and feel very hungry, dizzy, irritable, confused, anxious, or shaky. To quickly treat hypoglycemia, eat or drink a fast-acting source of sugar (fruit juice, hard candy, crackers, raisins, or non-diet soda).

Your doctor may prescribe a glucagon injection kit in case you have severe hypoglycemia. Be sure your family or close friends know how to give you this injection in an emergency.

Also watch for signs of high blood sugar (hyperglycemia) such as increased thirst or urination.

Blood sugar levels can be affected by stress, illness, surgery, exercise, alcohol use, or skipping meals. Ask your doctor before changing your dose or medication schedule.

Glyburide and metformin is only part of a complete treatment program that may also include diet, exercise, weight control, blood sugar testing, and special medical care. Follow your doctor's instructions very closely.

Your doctor may have you take extra vitamin B12 while you are taking glyburide and metformin. Take only the amount of vitamin B12 that your doctor has prescribed.

Store at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at one time.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222. An overdose can cause severe hypoglycemia or lactic acidosis.

What should I avoid while taking glyburide and metformin?

Avoid drinking alcohol. It lowers blood sugar and may increase your risk of lactic acidosis.

If you also take colesevelam, avoid taking it within 4 hours after you take glyburide and metformin.

What are the possible side effects of glyburide and metformin?

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have:

  • heart problems -- swelling, rapid weight gain, feeling short of breath;
  • severe hypoglycemia --extreme weakness, blurred vision, sweating, trouble speaking, tremors, stomach pain, confusion, seizure; or
  • lactic acidosis --unusual muscle pain, trouble breathing, stomach pain, vomiting, irregular heart rate, dizziness, feeling cold, or feeling very weak or tired.

Common side effects may include:

  • low blood sugar;
  • nausea, diarrhea, upset stomach; or
  • headache.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What other drugs will affect glyburide and metformin?

Many drugs can affect glyburide and metformin, making this medicine less effective or increasing your risk of lactic acidosis. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible interactions are listed here. Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any medicine you start or stop using.

Where can I get more information?

Your pharmacist can provide more information about glyburide and metformin.

This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated, disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. Learn how we develop our content.

Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.

© 2019 Cigna. All rights reserved
Language Assistance

Disclaimer

Individual and family medical and dental insurance plans are insured by Cigna Health and Life Insurance Company (CHLIC), Cigna HealthCare of Arizona, Inc., Cigna HealthCare of Illinois, Inc., and Cigna HealthCare of North Carolina, Inc. Group health insurance and health benefit plans are insured or administered by CHLIC, Connecticut General Life Insurance Company (CGLIC), or their affiliates (see a listing of the legal entities that insure or administer group HMO, dental HMO, and other products or services in your state). Group Universal Life (GUL) insurance plans are insured by CGLIC. Life (other than GUL), accident, critical illness, hospital indemnity, and disability plans are insured or administered by Life Insurance Company of North America, except in NY, where insured plans are offered by Cigna Life Insurance Company of New York (New York, NY). All insurance policies and group benefit plans contain exclusions and limitations. For availability, costs and complete details of coverage, contact a licensed agent or Cigna sales representative. This website is not intended for residents of New Mexico.

 Selecting these links will take you away from Cigna.com to another website, which may be a non-Cigna website. Cigna may not control the content or links of non-Cigna websites. Details