Sign in

or Register now

MyDiabetesCentral.com

See all of our health sites at www.HealthCentral.com
Thursday, November 12, 2009
  • Font size
  • Bookmark
  • Save
Shedding Light on the Co-morbidities of DiabetesThe Complications of Having Rheumatoid Arthritis and Diabetes

Glucovance Oral

Precautions and Side Effects


Generic Name: GLYBURIDE/METFORMIN TABLET - ORAL
Pronounced: (GLEYE-byou-ride/met-FOR-min)

Glucovance Oral Warning

Table of Contents

Metformin can rarely cause a serious (sometimes fatal) condition called lactic acidosis. Stop taking this medication and seek immediate medical attention if you develop any of the following symptoms of lactic acidosis: unusual tiredness, severe drowsiness, chills, blue/cold skin, muscle pain, fast/difficult breathing, unusually slow/irregular heartbeat.

Lactic acidosis is more likely to occur in patients who have certain medical conditions, including kidney or liver disease, conditions that may cause a low oxygen blood level or poor circulation (e.g., severe congestive heart failure, recent heart attack, recent stroke), heavy alcohol use, a severe loss of body fluids (dehydration), X-ray or scanning procedures that require an injectable iodinated contrast drug, recent surgery, or a serious infection. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these conditions occur or if you notice a big change in your overall health. You may need to stop taking metformin temporarily. The elderly are also at higher risk, especially those older than 80 years who have not had kidney tests. (See also Side Effects and Precautions sections.)

Glucovance Oral Side Effects

See also Warning section.

Nausea, stomach upset, diarrhea, or weight gain may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly. If stomach symptoms return later (after you are on the same dose for several days or weeks), tell your doctor immediately. Stomach symptoms that occur after the first days of your treatment may be a sign of lactic acidosis.

Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

Tell your doctor immediately if any of these rare but very serious side effects occur:

  • easy bleeding/bruising
  • signs of infection (e.g., persistent sore throat, fever)
  • persistent nausea
  • severe stomach/abdominal pain
  • yellowing eyes/skin
  • dark urine
  • < Page
  • 1
  • Font size
  • Bookmark
  • Was this helpful? Yes
  • Save

Ask a Question

Get answers from our experts and community members.

View all questions (2321) >
Free Newsletter
Get weekly updates, news alerts and more on Diabetes and related health conditions.