Important Note

The following information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before using this drug.

ANTIDIABETICS - ORAL

Uses

This medication is used in the treatment of diabetes. Controlling high blood sugar helps prevent heart disease, strokes, kidney disease, circulation problems, and blindness.

How To Use

May be taken with food or milk if stomach upset occurs. Take this medication at the same time(s) each day in order to maintain a constant blood level. Monitor blood glucose levels daily while taking this medication. This medication must be used along with a proper diet and an exercise program.

Side Effects

Headache, stomach upset, loss of appetite, nausea, diarrhea or vomiting may occur as your body adjusts to the medication. Inform your doctor if you develop: itchy skin, dark urine, fever, sore throat, swelling of the hands or feet, unusual bleeding or bruising. This medication can cause low blood sugar (hypoglycemia). The symptoms include chills, cold sweat, shaking, rapid heart rate, weakness, headache, fainting. If you experience these symptoms, eat a quick source of sugar such as table sugar, orange juice, honey, non-diet soda. Tell your doctor about the reaction. To help prevent hypoglycemia, eat meals on a regular schedule and do not skip meals. Symptoms of high blood sugar (hyperglycemia) include confusion, drowsiness, flushing, rapid breathing, or fruity breath odor. If these symptoms occur, contact your doctor. This medication can increase sensitivity to sunlight. In the unlikely event you have an allergic reaction to this drug, seek immediate medical attention. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include rash, itching, swelling, dizziness or trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

Precautions

Tell your doctor your medical history, especially of: high blood pressure, liver or kidney disease, any allergies. Avoid alcohol while taking this medication. It can cause facial flushing, nausea, vomiting, dizziness or stomach pain. This medication may make you prone to sunburn. Wear protective clothing and a sunscreen if needed. Caution is advised when using this drug in the elderly because they may be more sensitive to the effects of the drug. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant. Insulin therapy may be necessary during pregnancy. Certain oral antidiabetic medications are excreted into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Drug Interactions

Inform your doctor about all the medicines you use (both prescription and nonprescription) especially if you are using: "blood thinners" (e.g., warfarin), MAO inhibitors (e.g., furazolidone, linezolid, phenelzine, selegiline, tranylcypromine), beta-blockers (e.g., metoprolol, propranolol, timolol), certain "water pills" (diuretics such as hydrochlorothiazide), corticosteroids (e.g., prednisone), glaucoma eye medicines, aspirin-like drugs, probenecid. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

Overdose

If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include shakiness, nervousness, rapid heartbeat, hunger, or sweating.

Notes

Do not share this medication with others. It is recommended you attend a diabetes education program to understand diabetes and all important aspects of its treatment including meals/diet, exercise, personal hygiene, medications and getting regular eye, foot and medical exams. Consult your doctor or pharmacist. Keep all medical appointments. Laboratory and/or medical tests (e.g., liver and kidney function tests, fasting blood glucose, hemoglobin A1c, complete blood counts) will be performed to monitor for side effects and response to therapy. Regularly check your blood or urine for sugar, as directed by your doctor or pharmacist.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose, take as soon as remembered; do not take if it is almost time for the next dose, instead, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.

Storage

Store at room temperature away from moisture and sunlight. Do not store in the bathroom.

Medical Alert

Your condition can cause complications in a medical emergency. For enrollment information call MedicAlert at 1-800-854-1166 (USA), or 1-800-668-1507 (Canada).