Glucovance 1.25mg/250mg tablet

Introduction

How To Use

• Take this medicine by mouth with a glass of water.
• Take this medicine with or without food.
• Swallow it as a whole, do not crush or chew the medicine.
• Take it at the same time every day to help you remember.
• Or use it exactly as instructed by your doctor.

Expert Advice

• Take this medicine exactly as instructed by your doctor.
• Drink enough fluids to prevent dehydration.
• Do not share this medicine with anyone.
• Do not use more than the recommended dose.
• Do not skip or alter the dose.
• Do not discontinue this medicine without consulting your doctor.
• Inform your doctor immediately if you experience any serious side effects.

Primary Uses

Indications

This medicine is used for managing maturity onset diabetes

Side Effects

• Before using this medicine, inform your doctor about your complete medical history, especially about heart disease and kidney disease.
• Please monitor kidney function during use of this medicine.
• Please discontinue use for 48 hours before and after surgery.
• Do not discontinue this medicine without informing your doctor.
• Inform your doctor about all your current medicines and significant past medical history.
• Inform your doctor if you are undergoing any surgery.

Contraindications

• Do not use this medicine if you’re allergic to any of its constituents.
• This medicine is not recommended for children.
• Patients with diabetic ketoacidosis (metabolic disorder).
• Patients in pre-coma state.
• Severe kidney or liver impairment
• Heart or breathing disorders.
• Patients consuming large amounts of alcohol.

FAQS

What family of medicines does this medicine belong to?

It belongs to a class of medicines known as sulfonylureas. These drugs are used in the treatment of diabetes.

Can this medicine cause low blood sugar?

This is a possible side effect, but can be avoided if meals are taken regularly.

What do I do if I skip a dose?

If it has not been too long, have the skipped dose with your next meal. If it is almost time to take your next dose, do not take two doses, simply return to the prescribed routine.

What will happen if I skip a meal?

If you are not regular with your meals, you may experience symptoms of low blood sugar: Such as palpitation, sweating, dizziness, light headedness etc. In this case, taking sugar can relieve your symptoms.

Should this medicine be used beyond the date of expiry?

Kindly avoid taking any medicine beyond the mentioned date of expiry.

Can this medicine be used if I have a liver or kidney disease?

No. Please consult your doctor if you suffer from a liver or a kidney disease.

Is this medicine safe to use during pregnancy?

No. This medicine is not recommended for use in pregnancy. Please consult your doctor before using it during pregnancy.

Can I use this medicine during lactation?

No. The use of this medication is not recommended for use during lactation. Please consult your doctor before using this medicine during breast feeding.

Can I use this medicine with my blood pressure lowering medication?

Some of the blood pressure lowering medicines may enhance the effect of glibenclamide causing hypoglycemia. Please consult your doctor for further assistance.

Can I use this drug with insulin?

If your doctor has recommended using this drug with insulin then it should be added to your treatment. However, it is advised to strictly follow the prescribed doses , as failure to do may cause symptoms of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) such as; dizziness, light headedness, palpitations etc.

Can this medicine be used in type 1 diabetes?

No. This medicine is only for use in type 2 diabetes.

Is it okay to use this medicine in elderly?

Yes, this medicine can be given to elderly patients but regular dose monitoring is important because older patients are more prone to the development of low blood sugar. Please consult your doctor for further guidance.

What family of drugs does this medicine belong to?

Metformin belongs to a class of drugs known as biguanides. It is used to improve insulin activity, and control weight in diabetic patients. It is also known to regulate menstrual cycles (periods) and is used in the treatment of PCOs (Poly Cystic Ovarian Disease.)

Does this medicine contain hormones, or insulin?

No, this drug does not contain hormones, or insulin,. It enhances the effect of insulin, which helps patients with diabetes or PCOs, since their bodies tend to develop a resistance to the actions of insulin.

Can this drug be used with thyroid medications, and steroids?

Though there is no dangerous drug interaction, an adjustment in doses of both anti thyroid drugs, and steroids (eg: prednisone) may be required. It should be noted that patients taking steroids sometimes develop diabetes as a side effect. Please consult your physician, and discuss all the medicines you are taking, including their doses.

What is lactic acidosis and does this medication cause it?

Lactic acidosis is a very rare, and potentially fatal side effect of this medication. It occurs when there is an excessive buildup of lactic acid in the body. It may occur in patients who have overdosed. Symptoms include stomach problems, dizziness, breathing difficulty, muscle aches, irregular heartbeat, etc. Patients who experience these symptoms should go to a doctor immediately.

How long should I use this medicine for?

Please use this medicine for the time that has been prescribed, and in the dose prescribed by your physician. Using it for longer than prescribed can cause side effects such as Vitamin B12 deficiency.

Can this medicine cause low blood sugar?

Low blood sugar is rare with Metformin, but it is a possible side effect, especially if you are taking other anti-diabetic drugs. Please maintain regularity in meals, dosage, and exercise to maintain blood sugar levels, and continue monitoring sugar levels. Also carry sugar or a sugary drink in case you feel dizzy, or develop any other sign of low blood sugar.

What do I do if I miss a dose?

You can take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If you remember when it is almost time for your next dose, then skip the missed dose entirely. Do not double your dose to catch up for missed doses.

What will happen if I skip a meal?

It is important to maintain regularity in meals, and exercise. Low blood sugar is rare, but may occur if you are taking other anti-diabetic medication.

Will this medicine make me loose or gain weight?

Weight gain is unlikely with this medicine, however, it does cause weight loss. This is because it improves the actions of insulin, and decreases hunger. Please take note that this drug is not a medicine which treats weight loss, and should only be used if prescribed by your physician. This medicine may, however, cause bloating. It is best taken after meals to avoid this side effect.

Can this medication cause any Vitamin deficiency or anemia?

This medication can result in a vitamin B12 deficiency after being used for a long time, and this can cause anemia. Please discuss with your doctor if you are already anemic, or if you start experiencing symptoms such as paleness, weakness, lethargy, etc.

Is it safe to use in patients with liver disease?

In patients who have fatty liver, and hepatitis C related liver disease, it is safe and is recommended. However, it is discouraged in patients who have liver cirrhosis, due to its association with lactic acidosis.