Do you have diabetes (Type 2 Diabetes)? If so, your doctor may have prescribed you a combination pill called Glipizide and Metformin. This is an important medicine that is given to many people with diabetes in our country and helps control blood sugar levels. So today, let's talk about this medicine and the things you need to be careful about while using it, in a simple way that you can understand.
What really happens with this medicine?
Simply put, this is a combination of two medications. That is, it contains both Glipizide and Metformin in one pill. Together, these two help lower your body's sugar levels in several ways.
- Glipizide: This belongs to a class of drugs called sulfonylureas. It works by stimulating your pancreas to produce more of the hormone insulin that your body needs.
- Metformin: This mainly works by reducing the unnecessary production of sugar by your liver. In addition, it helps the body's cells respond better to insulin (improves insulin sensitivity).
The most important thing is that this medicine alone is not enough. The best results can only be achieved when this medicine is taken in conjunction with a proper diet and exercise as advised by the doctor .
Things you need to tell your doctor before starting medication
It is very important that your doctor is fully aware of your health condition before giving you this medicine. Therefore, if you have any of the following conditions, be sure to tell your doctor about them.
| Your condition or habit | Why should you inform? |
|---|---|
| Kidney or Liver disease | Because the medicine is eliminated from the body through these organs, if their function is impaired, the dosage of the medicine may need to be adjusted. |
| Heart disease | Special care should be taken when using this medicine in certain heart conditions. |
| Frequent drinking habit | Combining alcohol and this medication increases the risk of a serious condition called lactic acidosis. |
| Diabetic ketoacidosis | This is a serious complication of diabetes, and this medicine is not suitable for it. |
| Low hemoglobin in the blood (Anemia) | It is important to be aware of anemia, as this medication can affect the absorption of vitamin B12. |
| Being pregnant or trying to get pregnant | This medicine is not recommended during pregnancy, and other treatment methods are required. |
| Being a breastfeeding mother | You should discuss with your doctor whether the medicine can pass to your baby through breast milk. |
| Allergies to other medications, sulfa drugs, or foods | It is very important for safety to tell us about any allergies you have. |
How should I use the medicine?
This is very simple, but it must be followed exactly.
- This pill should be taken with a meal . Do not take it on an empty stomach.
- Swallow the tablet whole with a glass of water.
- Always take the dose prescribed by your doctor, at the exact time prescribed. Do not change the time or dose as you wish.
- If you are over 65 years old, your doctor may give you a slightly lower dose.
- If you think you have taken too much medicine by mistake: If you think so, don't delay. Go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department (ETU) immediately. Or call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital .
- If you miss a dose: Take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the scheduled time. Do not take a double dose for any reason.
Other medications that may interact with this medicine
Warning: It is very dangerous to take this medicine with certain types of 'contrast' substances injected into the body before tests such as X-ray, CT scan, MRI, and the heart disease drug Dofetilide. If you are going to have such a test, tell your doctor in advance.
In addition, many other medications can interact with this medicine. For example:
- Aspirin and other painkillers (NSAIDs)
- Some medications for blood pressure and heart disease
- Diuretics (or 'water pills')
- Types of Steroids
- Types of hormones, including birth control pills
- Some fungicides and antibiotics
- Some medications for mental illness (MAOIs)
- Medications for thyroid diseases
This list is not complete. So give your doctor a clear list of all the medications, vitamins, herbal remedies, and supplements you take. Also, tell them if you smoke or drink alcohol.
Things you should pay attention to when taking medication
- Regular check-ups: Go to the clinics at the scheduled times as prescribed by your doctor and check your condition. A blood test called HbA1C will be done every 3-6 months to see how well your sugar is being controlled.
- Learn to test your blood sugar: Learn how to use a glucometer at home. Know the signs of hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia, and what to do if they occur.
- Keep some sugar nearby: Always keep something like a sugar cube, toffee, or glucose tablet in your bag or pocket in case your sugar level suddenly drops.
- Don't skip meals: Eat at the right time. Skipping meals can cause your blood sugar levels to drop dangerously low.
- Be careful with sunlight: This medication may make your skin a little sensitive to sunlight (photosensitivity). So use sunscreen , wear clothing that covers your body, and wear a hat when going out in the sun.
- Be careful with vitamins: Long-term use of this medication may cause low levels of vitamin B12 and folic acid in some people. Therefore, it is important to eat a balanced diet and, if necessary, take vitamins as directed by your doctor.
What are the possible side effects?
Like any medicine, this one can cause side effects in some people. Some of them are serious, some of them are common.
| Nature of the side effect | Characteristics and what to do |
|---|---|
| Serious side effects that should be reported to the doctor immediately | |
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat. Immediate treatment is required. |
| Lactic acidosis (High lactic acid level) | Muscle pain, stomach cramps, shortness of breath, extreme fatigue. This is an emergency and requires immediate hospitalization. |
| Hemolytic anemia | Unusual weakness, dizziness, difficulty breathing, dark urine, yellowing of the skin or eyes. |
| Symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency | Pain in the limbs, numbness, muscle weakness, dizziness, memory loss. |
| Side effects that are usually not serious, but should be reported to the doctor if they persist | |
| Stomach upset, nausea | These are often reduced by taking the medicine with food. |
| Diarrhea | This may occur when you first start taking the medicine. If it persists, tell your doctor. |
Take-Home Message
- This medicine is only an aid in controlling diabetes. Proper diet and exercise are essential.
- Remember to take the medicine with a meal, at the same time every day.
- Be aware of the symptoms of hypoglycemia (dizziness, sweating, palpitations). Always keep some sugar or a piece of candy nearby.
- Don't forget to tell your doctor about any other medications you're taking, especially painkillers.
- If you accidentally take too much medication or experience a severe side effect, go to the ETU immediately.
- This medicine is for you only. Never give your medicine to others.
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