Glipizide; Metformin Tablets

What is this medication?

GLIPIZIDE; METFORMIN (GLIP i zide; met FOR min) treats type 2 diabetes. It works by decreasing your blood sugar (glucose). It is a combination of a sulfonylurea and metformin. Changes to diet and exercise are often combined with this medication.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Metaglip

What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?

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

• Anemia
• Dehydration
• Diabetic ketoacidosis
• Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency
• Heart disease
• If you often drink alcohol
• Kidney disease
• Liver disease
• Polycystic ovary syndrome
• Serious infection or injury
• Thyroid disease
• Vomiting
• An unusual or allergic reaction to glipizide, metformin, sulfa medications, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• Pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• Breast-feeding

How should I use this medication?

Take this medication by mouth with meals. Swallow with a drink of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Take your medication at the same time each day. Do not take more often than directed.

Talk to your care team about the use of this medication 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 medication?

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

• Certain contrast medications given before X-rays, CT scans, MRI, or other procedures
• Dofetilide

This medication may also interact with the following medications:

• Acetazolamide
• Alcohol
• Aspirin and aspirin-like medications
• Certain antivirals for HIV or hepatitis
• Certain medications for blood pressure, heart disease, irregular heart beat
• Chloramphenicol
• Cimetidine
• Colesevelam
• Dichlorphenamide
• Digoxin
• Diuretics
• Female hormones, like estrogens or progestins and birth control pills
• Glycopyrrolate
• Isoniazid
• Lamotrigine
• Medications for fungal infections like ketoconazole and itraconazole
• MAOIs like Carbex, Eldepryl, Marplan, Nardil, and Parnate
• Memantine
• Methazolamide
• Metoclopramide
• Midodrine
• Niacin
• NSAIDs, medications for pain and inflammation, like ibuprofen or naproxen
• Phenothiazines like chlorpromazine, mesoridazine, prochlorperazine, thioridazine
• Phenytoin
• Ranitidine
• Ranolazine
• Steroid medications like prednisone or cortisone
• Stimulant medications for attention disorders, weight loss, or to stay awake
• Thyroid medication
• Topiramate
• Trospium
• Vandetanib
• 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 medication?

Visit your care team for regular checks on your progress.

A test called the HbA1C (A1C) will be monitored. This is a simple blood test. It measures your blood sugar control over the last 2 to 3 months. You will receive this test every 3 to 6 months.

Learn how to check your blood sugar. Learn the symptoms of low and high blood sugar and how to manage them.

Always carry a quick-source of sugar with you in case you have symptoms of low blood sugar. Examples include hard sugar candy or glucose tablets. Make sure others know that you can choke if you eat or drink when you develop serious symptoms of low blood sugar, such as seizures or unconsciousness. They must get medical help at once.

Tell your care team if you have high blood sugar. You might need to change the dose of your medication. If you are sick or exercising more than usual, you might need to change the dose of your medication.

Do not skip meals. Ask your care team if you should avoid alcohol. Many nonprescription cough and cold products contain sugar or alcohol. These can affect blood sugar.

This medication may cause ovulation in premenopausal women who do not have regular monthly periods. This may increase your chances of becoming pregnant. You should not take this medication if you become pregnant or think you may be pregnant. Talk with your care team about your birth control options while taking this medication. Contact your care team right away if you think you are pregnant.

This medication 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 ID bracelet or chain, and carry a card that describes your disease and details of your medication and dosage times.

This medication may cause a decrease in folic acid and vitamin B12. You should make sure that you get enough vitamins while you are taking this medication. Discuss the foods you eat and the vitamins you take with your care team.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:

• Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
• Hemolytic anemia—unusual weakness or fatigue, dizziness, headache, trouble breathing, dark urine, yellowing skin or eyes
• High lactic acid level—muscle pain or cramps, stomach pain, trouble breathing, general discomfort and fatigue
• Low vitamin B12 level—pain, tingling, or numbness in the hands or feet, muscle weakness, dizziness, confusion, trouble concentrating

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

• Diarrhea
• Nausea
• Upset stomach

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medication?

Keep out of the reach of children and pets.

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 medication after the expiration date.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.