Glipizide/Metformin (By Mouth)

Glipizide (GLIP-i-zide), Metformin (met-FOR-min)

Helps to control blood sugar levels in people who have type 2 diabetes.

Brand Name(s):

Metaglip
There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to glipizide or metformin, if you have kidney disease or metabolic acidosis (diabetic ketoacidosis), or if you are also using medicine for congestive heart failure.

How to Use This Medicine:

Tablet

• Your doctor will tell you how much of this medicine to use and how often. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to.
• It is best to take this medicine with a meal.

If a dose is missed:

• If you miss a dose or forget to use your medicine, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to use the medicine and skip the missed dose.
• Do not use extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:

• Store the medicine at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
• Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of any outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.
• Keep all medicine away from children and never share your medicine with anyone.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• There are many other drugs that may interact with this medicine. Make sure your doctor knows about ALL other medicines you are using, especially insulin, Tagamet®, Compazine®, Coumadin®, Dilantin®, isoniazid, niacin, estrogens, birth control pills, thyroid medicine, diuretics or "water pills," heart or blood pressure medicine, steroids such as prednisone, medicine for yeast infections, or any cold or allergy medicines.
• Do not drink alcohol while you are using this medicine.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have heart problems, kidney disease, liver disease, or problems with your adrenal or pituitary gland.
• Make sure any doctor or dentist who treats you knows that you are using this medicine.
• You may need to stop using this medicine before and after surgery or medical tests. This medicine may interact with the dye used for an X-ray or CT scan.
• This medicine may not work as well if you have surgery, get hurt, or get sick, especially if you have severe vomiting, diarrhea, or fever. Call your doctor for instructions.
• You may have nausea, diarrhea, or vomiting when you first start using this medicine. If these problems go away and then come back after you have been using this medicine awhile, call your doctor.
• You may develop low blood sugar while you are using this medicine. You may feel weak, drowsy, confused, anxious, or very hungry. You may have trouble seeing or have a headache that won't go away. Ask your doctor what you should do if this happens.
• Other medicines used to treat diabetes have been known to increase the risk of heart problems. It is not known if glipizide or metformin increases your risk. Ask your doctor if you have questions about this.
• Your doctor will need to check your blood or urine at regular visits while you are using this medicine. Be sure to keep all appointments.
• This medicine is only part of a complete program for controlling diabetes. You can also help yourself by eating a healthy diet, watching your weight, and getting regular exercise.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Extreme thirst, decrease in how much or how often you urinate
• Extreme weakness, tiredness, or confusion
• Rapid breathing, trouble breathing, nausea and vomiting
• Lightheadedness or fainting
• Seizures

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Dizziness, headache
• Nausea, diarrhea, stomach pain

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.