What is the most important information I should know about glipizide and metformin?
You should not use glipizide and metformin if you have severe kidney disease or diabetic ketoacidosis (call your doctor for treatment).
If you need to have any type of x-ray or CT scan using a dye that is injected into your veins, you may need to temporarily stop taking glipizide and metformin.
You may develop lactic acidosis, a dangerous build-up of lactic acid in your blood. Call your doctor or get emergency medical help if you have unusual muscle pain, trouble breathing, stomach pain, dizziness, feeling cold, or feeling very weak or tired.
What is glipizide and metformin?
Glipizide and metformin is a combination of two oral diabetes medicines that help control blood sugar levels.
Glipizide and metformin is used together with diet and exercise to improve blood sugar control in adults with type 2 diabetes. This medicine is not for treating type 1 diabetes.
Glipizide and metformin may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking glipizide and metformin?
You should not use this medicine if you are allergic to glipizide or metformin, or if you have:
- severe kidney disease; or
- metabolic acidosis or diabetic ketoacidosis (call your doctor for treatment).
If you need to have any type of x-ray or CT scan using a dye that is injected into your veins, you may need to temporarily stop taking glipizide and metformin.
Tell your doctor if you have ever had:
- kidney disease;
- congestive heart failure, especially if you take digoxin (Lanoxin) or furosemide (Lasix);
- a genetic enzyme deficiency called glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency;
- liver disease;
- heart disease; or
- if you are over 80 years old and have not recently had your kidney function checked.
You may develop lactic acidosis, a dangerous build-up of lactic acid in your blood. This may be more likely if you have other medical conditions, a severe infection, chronic alcoholism, or if you are 65 or older. Ask your doctor about your risk.
Follow your doctor's instructions about using this medicine if you are pregnant or you become pregnant. Controlling diabetes is very important during pregnancy, and having high blood sugar may cause complications in both the mother and the baby. However, you may need to stop taking glipizide and metformin for a short time just before your due date.
Metformin may stimulate ovulation in a premenopausal woman and may increase the risk of unintended pregnancy. Talk to your doctor about your risk.
You should not breastfeed while you are taking this medicine.
How should I take glipizide and metformin?
Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose. Use the medicine exactly as directed.
Take glipizide and metformin with meals.
Call your doctor if you are sick with vomiting, diarrhea, or a fever. These conditions can lead to severe dehydration, which could be dangerous while you are taking glipizide and metformin.
Drink plenty of liquids while you are taking glipizide and metformin.
You may have low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) and feel very hungry, dizzy, irritable, confused, anxious, or shaky. To quickly treat hypoglycemia, eat or drink a fast-acting source of sugar (fruit juice, hard candy, crackers, raisins, or non-diet soda).
Your doctor may prescribe a glucagon injection kit in case you have severe hypoglycemia. Be sure your family or close friends know how to give you this injection in an emergency.
Also watch for signs of high blood sugar (hyperglycemia) such as increased thirst or urination.
Blood sugar levels can be affected by stress, illness, surgery, exercise, alcohol use, or skipping meals. Ask your doctor before changing your dose or medication schedule.
Glipizide and metformin is only part of a complete treatment program that may also include diet, exercise, weight control, blood sugar testing, and special medical care. Follow your doctor's instructions very closely.
Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
Your doctor may have you take extra vitamin B12 while you are taking glipizide and metformin. Take only the amount of vitamin B12 that your doctor has prescribed.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Take your dose as soon as you can, but only if you are getting ready to eat a meal. If you skip a meal, skip the missed dose and wait until your next meal.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222. An overdose can cause severe hypoglycemia or lactic acidosis.
What should I avoid while taking glipizide and metformin?
Avoid drinking alcohol. It lowers blood sugar and may increase your risk of lactic acidosis.
If you also take colesevelam, avoid taking it within 4 hours after you take glipizide and metformin.
What are the possible side effects of glipizide and metformin?
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Stop using this medicine and call your doctor at once if you have:
- heart problems -- swelling, rapid weight gain, feeling short of breath;
- severe hypoglycemia --extreme weakness, blurred vision, sweating, trouble speaking, tremors, stomach pain, confusion, seizure; or
- lactic acidosis --unusual muscle pain, trouble breathing, stomach pain, vomiting, irregular heart rate, dizziness, feeling cold, or feeling very weak or tired.
Common side effects may include:
- upset stomach, nausea, diarrhea;
- headache; or
- cold symptoms such as stuffy nose, sneezing, sore throat.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
What other drugs will affect glipizide and metformin?
Many drugs can affect glipizide and metformin, making this medicine less effective or increasing your risk of lactic acidosis. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible interactions are listed here. Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any medicine you start or stop using.
Where can I get more information?
Your pharmacist can provide more information about glipizide and metformin.
