Why is Glucovance prescribed?

Glucovance is used in the treatment of type 2 (noninsulin dependent) diabetes. Diabetes develops when the body's ability to burn sugar declines and the unused sugar builds up in the bloodstream. Ordinarily, sugar is moved out of the blood and into the body's cells by the hormone insulin. A buildup occurs when the body either fails to make enough insulin or doesn't respond to it properly.

Glucovance is a combination of 2 drugs--glyburide (DiaBeta, Micronase) and metformin (Glucophage)--that attack high blood sugar levels in several ways. The glyburide component stimulates the pancreas to produce more insulin and helps the body use it properly. The metformin component also encourages proper insulin utilization, and in addition works to decrease sugar production and absorption.

Glucovance is prescribed when diet and exercise prove insufficient to keep blood sugar levels under control. Glucovance can also be combined with other diabetes drugs such as Avandia.

Glucovance (Glyburide) is used for:

Treating type 2 diabetes. It is used along with diet and exercise. It may be used alone or with other antidiabetic medicine.

Glucovance (Glyburide) is a sulfonylurea and biguanide antidiabetic combination. It causes the pancreas to release insulin, which helps to lower blood sugar levels. It also decreases the amount of sugar that the liver produces and the intestines absorb. It also helps to make your body more sensitive to the insulin that you naturally produce.

What are glyburide; metformin tablets?

Why should Glucovance (Glyburide) not be prescribed?

Glucovance (Glyburide) is processed primarily by the kidneys, and can build up to excessive levels in the body if the kidneys aren't working properly. It should be avoided if you have kidney disease or your kidney function has been impaired by a condition such as blood poisoning, shock, or a heart attack. It should also be avoided if you need to take medicine for congestive heart failure, and you'll probably be unable to use it if you have liver disease.

If you need to have an x-ray procedure done, find out if it requires injection of a contrast agent. If so, Glucovance will have to be temporarily discontinued. (Check with your doctor for instructions; do not discontinue the drug on your own.)

If you have ever had an allergic reaction to metformin, glyburide, or diabetes medications similar to glyburide, you should not take Glucovance (Glyburide). It also should not be prescribed if you have acute or chronic metabolic acidosis.

General information:

• If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.
• Glucovance (Glyburide) is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.
• If you have any questions about Glucovance (Glyburide) , pharmacist, please talk with your doctor, or other health care provider.

This information is a summary only. It does not contain all information about Glucovance (Glyburide) . If you have questions about the medicine you are taking or would like more information, pharmacist, check with your doctor, or other health care provider.