Glipizide and Metformin Hydrochloride tablet

What is this medicine?

GLIPIZIDE; METFORMIN helps to treat type 2 diabetes. Treatment is combined with diet and exercise. This medicine helps your body to use insulin better.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• become easily dehydrated
• diabetic ketoacidosis
• heart disease
• if you frequently drink alcohol containing drinks
• kidney disease
• liver disease
• polycystic ovaries
• severe infection or injury
• stroke
• thyroid disease
• undergoing surgery or certain x-ray procedures with injectable contrast agents
• an unusual or allergic reaction to glipizide, metformin, sulfa drugs, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding

How should I use this medicine?

Take this medicine by mouth with meals. Swallow with a drink of water. Take your medicine at the same time each day. Do not take more often than directed.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

Patients over 65 years old may need a smaller dose than younger adults.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

What may interact with this medicine?

Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications:

• dofetilide
• gatifloxacin
• certain contrast medicines given before X-rays, CT scans, MRI, or other procedures

This medicine may also interact with the following medications:

• aspirin and aspirin-like drugs
• chloramphenicol
• digoxin
• diuretics
• female hormones, like estrogens or progestins and birth control pills
• isoniazid
• medicines for blood pressure, heart disease, irregular heart beat
• medicines for fungal infections like fluconazole, ketoconazole, itraconazole, posaconazole, and voriconazole
• medicines called MAO Inhibitors like Nardil, Parnate, Marplan, Eldepryl
• morphine
• niacin
• NSAIDs, medicines for pain and inflammation, like ibuprofen or naproxen
• phenothiazines like chlorpromazine, mesoridazine, prochlorperazine, thioridazine
• phenytoin
• probenecid
• procainamide
• quinidine
• quinine
• ranitidine
• steroid medicines like prednisone or cortisone
• stimulant medicines for attention disorders, weight loss, or to stay awake
• thyroid medicine
• trimethoprim
• vancomycin
• warfarin

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Visit your doctor or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. Learn how to check your blood sugar. Tell your doctor or health care professional if your blood sugar is high, you might need to change the dose of your medicine. If you are sick or exercising more than usual, you might need to change the dose of your medicine. Do not skip meals. Ask your doctor or health care professional if you should avoid alcohol. If you have symptoms of low blood sugar, eat or drink something containing sugar at once and contact your doctor or health care professional. Make sure family members know that you can choke if you eat or drink when you develop serious symptoms of low blood sugar, like seizures or unconsciousness. They must get medical help at once.

This medicine can make you more sensitive to the sun. Keep out of the sun. If you cannot avoid being in the sun, wear protective clothing and use sunscreen. Do not use sun lamps or sun tanning beds/booths.

Wear a medical identification bracelet or chain to say you have diabetes, and carry a card that lists all your medications.

What side effects may I notice from this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

• allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
• breathing problems
• feeling faint or lightheaded, falls
• fever, chills, sore throat
• low blood glucose (ask your healthcare professional for a list of these symptoms)
• muscle aches or pains
• nausea, vomiting, unusual stomach upset or pain
• slow or irregular heartbeat
• unusual bleeding or bruising
• unusual stomach pain or discomfort
• unusually tired or weak

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• diarrhea
• dizziness
• headache
• metallic taste in mouth
• stomach discomfort, gas, bloating

This list may not describe all possible side effects.

Where should I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store at room temperature between 15 and 25 degrees C (59 and 77 degrees F). Keep container tightly closed and protect from light. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.