

glipizide/metformin - oral, Metaglip (cont.)

PRECAUTIONS: See also Warning section.Before taking this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to glipizide or metformin; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: alcohol use, severe breathing problems (e.g., obstructive lung disease, severe asthma), blood problems (e.g., anemia, vitamin B12 deficiency), electrolyte imbalance (hyponatremia), fertility problems (e.g., ovulation problems), certain hormonal conditions (adrenal/pituitary insufficiency, thyroid disease, syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone-SIADH).Before having surgery or any X-ray/scanning procedure using injectable iodinated contrast material, tell your doctor that you are taking this medication. You will need to temporarily stop this medication before the time of your surgery/procedure. Consult your doctor for further instructions.You may experience blurred vision, dizziness, or drowsiness due to extremely low or high blood sugar levels. Do not drive, use machinery, or do any activity that requires alertness or clear vision until you are sure you can perform such activities safely.Limit alcohol while taking this medication because it can increase the risk of developing hypoglycemia and lactic acidosis. Rarely, alcohol can interact with glipizide and cause a serious reaction (disulfiram-like reaction) with symptoms such as facial flushing, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, or stomach pain. Consult your doctor or pharmacist about using alcohol safely.It may be harder to control your blood sugar when your body is stressed (e.g., due to fever, infection, injury, or surgery). Consult your doctor because this may require a change in your treatment plan, medications, or blood sugar testing.This medication may make you more sensitive to the sun. Avoid prolonged sun exposure, tanning booths, and sunlamps. Use a sunscreen and wear protective clothing when outdoors.Kidney function declines as you grow older. This medication is removed by the kidneys. Therefore, elderly people may be at greater risk for side effects such as lactic acidosis or low blood sugar while using this drug.This medication can cause changes in the menstrual cycle (promote ovulation) and increase the risk of becoming pregnant. Consult your doctor or pharmacist about the use of reliable birth control while using this medication.During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Insulin treatment may be preferred during pregnancy. If you are using glipizide during your pregnancy, your doctor may switch you to insulin at least 1 month before the expected delivery date because of glipizide's risk of low blood sugar in your newborn. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. Follow your doctor's instructions carefully.This drug passes into breast milk and could have undesirable effects on a nursing infant. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Medically Reviewed by a Doctor on 4/16/2014

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