WHAT IS Glucovance/Glyburide(glibenclamide)-metformin TABLETS?

GLYBURIDE; Actoplus met/METFORMIN helps to treat type 2 diabetes. Treatment is combined with a diet and exercise. This medicine helps your body to use insulin better. This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

WHAT SIDE EFFECTS MAY I NOTICE FROM Glucovance/Glyburide(glibenclamide)-metformin?

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

• breathing difficulties
• dark yellow or brown urine, or yellowing of the eyes or skin
• severe skin rash, redness, swelling, or itching
• unusual bleeding or bruising
• fever, chills, sore throat
• low blood sugar (ask your doctor or healthcare professional for a list of these symptoms)

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

• diarrhea
• stomach discomfort
• infection
• headache
• heartburn
• nausea, vomiting
• dizziness

This list may not describe all possible side effects.

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 SHOULD I TELL MY HEALTH CARE PROVIDERS BEFORE I TAKE Glucovance/Glyburide(glibenclamide)-metformin?

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

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

WHAT SHOULD I WATCH FOR WHILE USING Glucovance/Glyburide(glibenclamide)-metformin?

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 tanning beds/booths.

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

WHERE SHOULD I KEEP Glucovance/Glyburide(glibenclamide)-metformin?

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.

Keep out of the reach of children.

WHAT MAY INTERACT WITH Glucovance/Glyburide(glibenclamide)-metformin?

• quinidine
• Reglan/metoclopramide
• quinine
• entecavir
• Procardia/nifedipine
• dofetilide
• Gengraf/cyclosporine
• trimethoprim
• morphine
• medicines for fungal or yeast infections
• Coumadin/warfarin
• bosentan
• vancomycin
• Digitek/digoxin
• Zantac/ranitidine
• Diflucan/fluconazole
• cimetidine
• procainamide
• cisapride
• other medicines for diabetes

Many medications may cause an increase or decrease in blood sugar, these include:

• isoniazid
• medicines for mental problems
• steroid medicines like Deltasone/prednisone or cortisone
• water pills or diuretics
• medicines for allergies, asthma, cold, or cough
• niacin
• pentamidine
• Chloromycetin/chloramphenicol
• aspirin and aspirin-like drugs
• quinolone antibiotics like Cipro/ciprofloxacin, Levaquin/levofloxacin, Floxin/ofloxacin
• Benemid/probenecid
• male hormones or anabolic steroids
• medicines for weight loss
• medicines called MAO Inhibitors like Nardil, Parnate, Marplan, Eldepryl
• female hormones, like estrogens or progestins and birth control pills
• thyroid medicine
• alcohol containing beverages
• heart medicines
• chromium
• some herbal dietary supplements
• NSAIDs, medicines for pain and inflammation, like Motrin/ibuprofen or Aleve/naproxen
• Dilantin er/phenytoin

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care providers 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.

HOW SHOULD I USE Glucovance/Glyburide(glibenclamide)-metformin?

Take this medicine by mouth with meals. Swallow with a drink of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. 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 is the shelf life of the pills?

• The expiry date is mentioned on each blister. It is different for different batches. The shelf life is 2 years from the date of manufacture and would differ from batch to batch depending on when they were manufactured.