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Friday, June 20, 2008

Glucovance Oral

This anti-diabetic medication is a combination of 2 drugs (glyburide and metformin). It is used along with a diet and exercise program to control high blood sugar in patients with type 2 diabetes (non-insulin-dependent diabetes).

Glyburide is a sulfonylurea and works by stimulating the release of your body's natural insulin and by decreasing the amount of sugar that your liver makes. Metformin is a biguanide and works by decreasing the amount of sugar that your liver makes and that your stomach/intestines absorb. Both of these medications work by helping to restore your body's proper response to the insulin you naturally produce.

Controlling high blood sugar helps prevent heart disease, strokes, kidney disease, blindness, circulation problems, and sexual function problems.
How To Use Glucovance Oral

Read the Patient Information Leaflet available from your pharmacist before you start using this medication and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Take this medication by mouth, usually once or twice a day with meals or as directed by your doctor. Drink plenty of fluids while taking this medication unless otherwise directed by your doctor.

The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to therapy. Your doctor may direct you to take a low dose at first, gradually increasing the dose to lower the chance of side effects such as upset stomach and low blood sugar. Your doctor will adjust your dose based on your blood sugar levels to find the best dose for you. Follow your doctor's directions carefully. The usual maximum dose for adults is 2000 milligrams of metformin and 20 milligrams of glyburide each day.

If you are already taking another anti-diabetic drug (e.g., chlorpropamide), follow your doctor̢۪s directions carefully for stopping the old drug and starting this combination medication.

Use this medication regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. Remember to use it at the same time(s) each day.

Inform your doctor if your condition persists or worsens (e.g., high/low blood sugar levels). It may take up to 2 weeks before the full benefit of this drug takes effect.

Metformin

Metformin is a chemical kin to the French lilac plant, which was noted in the early 1900’s to lower the blood sugar. However, French lilac, like phenformin, turned out to be too toxic for use in humans. Metformin, with a much shorter action time than phenformin, has a much lower risk for severe side effects and is quite safe for use by anyone who is otherwise healthy. In fact, in the major UKPDS study, it was the only drug that reduced diabetes-related death rates, heart attacks, and strokes. It should not be used by those who use more than two ounces or two drinks of alcohol a day, who have congestive heart failure, or who have significant kidney, liver, or lung disease.

Metformin lowers fasting blood glucose levels by an average of 25% (17 to 37%), postprandial blood glucose up to 44.5%, and the A1c by an average of 1.5% (0.8 to 3.1%). Metformin reduces raised plasma insulin levels in cases of metabolic syndrome by as much as 30% and reduces the need for injected insulin in Type 2s by 15 to 32%.

Metformin is available under the trade name Glucophage, or as an extended-release tablet called Glucophage XR. It works well when combined with sulfonylureas. A combination of glyburide and metformin is available as Glucovance. Combined therapy leads to a greater reduction in blood sugar than can be attained by either class alone. Generic metformin is available at a reduced cost.

Metformin possesses some distinct advantages in treating diabetes. Excess glucose produced by the liver is the major source of high blood sugars in Type 2 diabetes and is typically the reason for high blood sugars on waking in the morning. Metformin reduces this overproduction of glucose. It helps in lowering the blood sugar, especially after eating, with no risk of hypoglycemia when used alone. Modest improvement in cholesterol levels are also seen. The 10 year UKPDS Study of over 3,000 people with Type 2 diabetes found that those who were placed on metformin had a 36% decrease in overall mortality and a 39% decrease in heart attacks.

Because metformin shuts off the liver’s excess production of glucose, it reduces the amount of injected insulin needed to control the blood sugar in both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes. People with Type 2 diabetes who are on insulin usually are advised to lower their insulin doses prior to starting metformin. The full improvement in glycemic control and cholesterol levels may not be seen until 4 to 6 weeks of use have passed.

Side effects from metformin include a change in taste, loss of appetite, nausea or vomiting, abdominal bloating or gas, diarrhea, or skin rash. These may occur during the first few weeks of taking the medication but are seldom long-lasting. Taking the medication with food and starting out with a low dose help reduce side effects. The dosage can be gradually increased as side effects diminish.

Lactic acidosis, the serious but rare side effect originally seen with phenformin, results when a buildup of lactic acid occurs due to an inability to clear metformin from the system. Lactic acidosis occurs very rarely, only once in every 30,000 person-years of use. It almost always occurs in older people who have another major health problem, especially one that may impair breathing or circulation. Warning signs of lactic acidosis include fast and shallow breathing, diarrhea, severe muscle aches, cramping, unusual weakness or tiredness, or feeling cold. Because lactic acidosis has a mortality rate of about 40%, anyone who has significant lung disease, congestive heart failure, or kidney disease should never take this drug.

Because drinking alcohol while taking metformin may also trigger lactic acidosis when other health risks are present, be sure to ask your doctor about alcohol consumption if you are taking this drug. Be aware that Tagamet, a gastrointestinal medication, may enhance the effects of metformin. Therefore, the dose of metformin may need to be lower if you already take Tagamet.

Although not yet FDA approved, metformin is now in clinical trials for treatment of teens who have developed Type 2 diabetes. Some pediatricians also prescribe it, on occasion, to help control a strong Dawn Phenomenon seen in a growing teen with Type 1 diabetes. This use is also not approved. It also helps lower insulin resistance in women with polycystic ovary disease. One side-effect for these women, sometimes a desired outcome, is a greater likelihood of pregnancy.

Friday, June 6, 2008

May Cause

This medication may cause changes in your blood sugar. You should know the symptoms of low and high blood sugar and what to do if you have these symptoms.

You may experience hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) while you are taking this medication. Your doctor will tell you what you should do if you develop hypoglycemia. He or she may tell you to check your blood sugar, eat or drink a food or beverage that contains sugar, such as hard candy or fruit juice, or get medical care. Follow these directions carefully if you have any of the following symptoms of hypoglycemia:

* shakiness
* dizziness or lightheadedness
* sweating
* nervousness or irritability
* sudden changes in behavior or mood
* headache
* numbness or tingling around the mouth
* weakness
* pale skin
* hunger
* clumsy or jerky movements

If hypoglycemia is not treated, severe symptoms may develop. Be sure that your family, friends, and other people who spend time with you know that if you have any of the following symptoms, they should get medical treatment for you immediately.

* confusion
* seizures
* loss of consciousness

Call your doctor immediately if you have any of the following symptoms of hyperglycemia (high blood sugar):

* extreme thirst
* frequent urination
* extreme hunger
* weakness
* blurred vision

If high blood sugar is not treated, a serious, life-threatening condition called diabetic ketoacidosis could develop. Call your doctor immediately if you have any of these symptoms:

* dry mouth
* upset stomach and vomiting
* shortness of breath
* breath that smells fruity
* decreased consciousness

Glyburide may cause side effects. If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:

* skin rash
* itching or redness
* exaggerated sunburn
* yellowing of the skin or eyes
* light-colored stools
* dark urine
* unusual bleeding or bruising
* fever
* sore throat

Glyburide Warnings

Glyburide Warnings
Here are some additional precautions you should be aware of before taking glyburide.

* Tell your doctor if you have ever had unusual or allergic reactions to medications, especially to glyburide or to any sulfa medication, including sulfonamide antibiotics, diuretics (water pills), or other oral antidiabetics.

* Tell your doctor if you now have or ever had kidney disease, liver disease, thyroid disease, or a severe infection.

* Follow the special dietary instructions that your doctor gave you. This is an important part of controlling your blood sugar levels and is necessary for this medicine to work properly.

* Avoid drinking alcoholic beverages while taking this medication (unless otherwise directed by your doctor). Some patients who take this medicine experience nausea, vomiting, dizziness, stomach pain, pounding headache, sweating, and redness of the face and skin when they drink alcohol, and large amounts of alcohol can lower blood sugar to dangerously low levels.

* Be sure to tell your doctor or dentist that you are taking this medication before having any kind of surgery or other medical or dental treatment.

* Test for sugar in your urine as directed by your doctor. It is a convenient way to determine whether or not your diabetes is being controlled by this medicine.

* Eat or drink something containing sugar right away if you experience any symptoms of low blood sugar (such as anxiety, chills, cold sweats, cool or pale skin, drowsiness, excessive hunger, headache, nausea, nervousness, rapid heartbeat, shakiness, or unusual tiredness or weakness). It is also important that your family and friends recognize the symptoms of low blood sugar and know what to do if they observe any of these symptoms in you. Also, check with your doctor as soon as possible -- even if these symptoms are corrected by the sugar. The blood-sugar-lowering effects of this medicine can last for hours, and the symptoms may return during this period. Good sources of sugar are orange juice, corn syrup, honey, sugar cubes, and table sugar. You are at greatest risk of developing low blood sugar if you skip or delay meals, exercise more than usual, cannot eat because of nausea or vomiting, or drink large amounts of alcohol.

* Be sure to tell your doctor if you are pregnant. Studies of this drug taken in human pregnancy have not yet been completed, but studies in animals have shown it can cause birth defects. Consult your doctor if you are nursing an infant.

What side effects may I notice from taking glyburide

Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:
•hypoglycemia (low blood glucose) which can cause symptoms such as anxiety or nervousness, confusion, difficulty concentrating, hunger, pale skin, nausea, fatigue, perspiration, headache, palpitations, numbness of the mouth, tingling in the fingers, tremors, muscle weakness, blurred vision, cold sensations, uncontrolled yawning, irritability, rapid heartbeat, shallow breathing, and loss of consciousness.
•breathing difficulties, severe skin reactions or excessive phlegm, which may indicate that you are having an allergic reaction to the drug.
•dark yellow or brown urine, or yellowing of the eyes or skin, indicating that the drug is affecting your liver.
•fever, chills, sore throat; which means the drug may be affecting your immune system.
•unusual bleeding or bruising; which occurs when the drug is affecting your blood clotting system.

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
•headache
•heartburn, stomach discomfort
•increased sensitivity to the sun
•nausea, vomiting
•skin rash, redness, swelling or itching

Interact with Glyburide

•alcohol
•beta-blockers (used for high blood pressure or heart conditions)
•bosentan (bosentan should not be taken with glyburide, contact your prescriber)
•cisapride
•clofibrate
•diazoxide
•medicines for fungal or yeast infections (examples: fluconazole, itraconazole, miconazole, voriconazole)
•metoclopramide
•rifampin
•warfarin (a blood thinner)

Many medications may cause changes (increase or decrease) in blood sugar, these include:
•alcohol containing beverages
•aspirin and aspirin-like drugs
•beta-blockers, often used for high blood pressure or heart problems (examples include atenolol, metoprolol, propranolol)
•chromium
•female hormones, such as estrogens or progestins, birth control pills
•isoniazid
•male hormones or anabolic steroids
•medications for weight loss
•medicines for allergies, asthma, cold, or cough
•niacin
•pentamidine
•phenytoin
•quinolone antibiotics (examples: ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin, ofloxacin)
•some herbal dietary supplements
•steroid medicines such as prednisone or cortisone
•thyroid hormones
•water pills (diuretics)

Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.

Precautions

Before taking glyburide,

* tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to glyburide or any other drugs.
* tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking, especially antibiotics, anticoagulants ('blood thinners') such as warfarin (Coumadin), dexamethasone (Decadron), diuretics ('water pills'), estrogens, isoniazid (INH), MAO inhibitors [phenelzine (Nardil) and tranylcypromine (Parnate)], medications for high blood pressure or heart disease, metformin (Glucophage), niacin (nicotinic acid), oral contraceptives, phenytoin (Dilantin), prednisone, probenecid (Benemid), and vitamins.
* tell your doctor if you have or have ever had heart or kidney disease.
* tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking glyburide, call your doctor.
* if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking glyburide.
* you should know that this drug may make you drowsy. Do not drive a car or operate machinery until you know how this drug affects you.
* remember that alcohol can add to the drowsiness caused by this drug.
* tell your doctor if you use tobacco products. Cigarette smoking may decrease the effectiveness of glyburide.
* plan to avoid unnecessary or prolonged exposure to sunlight and to wear protective clothing, sunglasses, and sunscreen. Glyburide may make your skin sensitive to sunlight.

Precautions

Before taking glyburide,

* tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to glyburide or any other drugs.
* tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking, especially antibiotics, anticoagulants ('blood thinners') such as warfarin (Coumadin), dexamethasone (Decadron), diuretics ('water pills'), estrogens, isoniazid (INH), MAO inhibitors [phenelzine (Nardil) and tranylcypromine (Parnate)], medications for high blood pressure or heart disease, metformin (Glucophage), niacin (nicotinic acid), oral contraceptives, phenytoin (Dilantin), prednisone, probenecid (Benemid), and vitamins.
* tell your doctor if you have or have ever had heart or kidney disease.
* tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking glyburide, call your doctor.
* if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking glyburide.
* you should know that this drug may make you drowsy. Do not drive a car or operate machinery until you know how this drug affects you.
* remember that alcohol can add to the drowsiness caused by this drug.
* tell your doctor if you use tobacco products. Cigarette smoking may decrease the effectiveness of glyburide.
* plan to avoid unnecessary or prolonged exposure to sunlight and to wear protective clothing, sunglasses, and sunscreen. Glyburide may make your skin sensitive to sunlight.

What are Glyburide Tablets

GLYBURIDE (Diabeta®, Glynase™, Micronase®) helps to treat type 2 diabetes mellitus. Treatment is combined with a suitable diet and balanced exercise. Glyburide increases the amount of insulin released from the pancreas and helps your body to use insulin more efficiently. Generic glyburide tablets are available.