Glipizide (GLIP-i-zide), Metformin Hydrochloride (met-FOR-min hye-droe-KLOR-ide)

Treats type 2 diabetes.

Brand Name(s):

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Tablet

• Take your medicine as directed. Your dose may need to be changed several times to find what works best for you.
• It is best to take this medicine with food or milk.
• Read and follow the patient instructions that come with this medicine. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.
• Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.
• Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

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

• Some foods and medicines can affect how glipizide/metformin works. Tell your doctor if you are using aspirin, chloramphenicol, cimetidine, fluconazole, isoniazid, miconazole, niacin, phenytoin, probenecid, trimethoprim, vancomycin, blood pressure medicines, an NSAID pain or arthritis medicine, an MAO inhibitor, a sulfa medicine, estrogens, birth control pills, thyroid medicine, warfarin or another blood thinner, a diuretic (water pill), a steroid medicine, or a phenothiazine medicine.
• If you are also taking colesevelam, take it at least 4 hours after you take glipizide/metformin.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have liver disease, heart or blood vessel problems, congestive heart failure, adrenal or pituitary gland problems, or G6PD deficiency.
• This medicine may cause the following problems:
  • Lactic acidosis (rare, but serious)
  • Higher risk of heart or blood vessel problems
  • Low blood sugar
• Make sure any doctor or dentist who treats you knows that you are using this medicine. You may need to stop using it before you have surgery, an X-ray, a CT scan, or other medical tests.
• Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

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

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
• Blurred vision, changes in vision
• Confusion, fast heartbeat, increased hunger, shakiness, sweating
• Stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, muscle pain or cramping
• Trouble breathing, lightheadedness, dizziness
• Unusual tiredness or weakness

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

• Mild nausea, diarrhea, or stomach upset

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

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088