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Ingredient Name: GLIPIZIDE (GLIP-i-zide)

Drug Manufacturer: MYLAN

Common Uses: This medicine is a sulfonylurea antidiabetic medicine used for treating type 2 diabetes in patients who cannot control blood sugar levels by diet and exercise alone. It is used along with diet and exercise. It may be used alone or with other antidiabetic medicines.

Before Using This Medicine: Some medicines or medical conditions may interact with this medicine. INFORM YOUR DOCTOR OR PHARMACIST of all prescription and over-the-counter medicine that you are taking. ADDITIONAL MONITORING OF YOUR DOSE OR CONDITION may be needed if you are taking beta-blockers (eg, propranolol), angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors (eg, enalapril), anticoagulants (eg, warfarin), azole antifungals (eg, miconazole, ketoconazole), chloramphenicol, clofibrate, fenfluramine, insulin, monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors (eg, phenelzine), nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicines (NSAIDs) (eg, ibuprofen), phenylbutazone, probenecid, quinolone antibiotics (eg, ciprofloxacin), salicylates (eg, aspirin), sulfonamides (eg, sulfamethoxazole), calcium channel blockers (eg, diltiazem), corticosteroids (eg, prednisone), decongestants (eg, pseudoephedrine), diazoxide, diuretics (eg, furosemide, hydrochlorothiazide), estrogens, hormonal contraceptives (eg, birth control pills), isoniazid, niacin, phenothiazines (eg, promethazine), phenytoin, rifamycins (eg, rifampin), sympathomimetics (eg, albuterol, epinephrine, terbutaline), thyroid supplements (eg, levothyroxine), or gemfibrozil. DO NOT START OR STOP any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval. Inform your doctor of any other medical conditions, including stomach or bowel problems (eg, stomach or bowel narrowing or blockage, stomach paralysis); a high fever; a severe infection; severe diarrhea; high blood acid levels; poor nutrition; very poor health; recent severe injury; allergies; pregnancy; or breast-feeding. Tell your doctor if you have a history of liver, kidney, thyroid, or heart problems; certain hormonal problems (eg, adrenal or pituitary problems, syndrome of inappropriate secretion of antidiuretic hormone [SIADH]); or low blood sodium levels. Tell your doctor if you will be having surgery or if you drink alcohol. USE OF THIS MEDICINE IS NOT RECOMMENDED if you have certain severe problems associated with diabetes (eg, diabetic ketoacidosis, diabetic coma); moderate to severe burns; or very high blood acid levels (acidosis). Use of this medicine in CHILDREN is not recommended. Discuss with your doctor the risks and benefits of giving this medicine to your child. Contact your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns about using this medicine.

How to Use This Medicine: Follow the directions for taking this medicine provided by your doctor. TAKE THIS MEDICINE by mouth 30 minutes before a meal as directed by your doctor. If you are taking 1 dose daily, take this medicine 30 minutes before breakfast or the first main meal of the day unless your doctor tells you otherwise. STORE THIS MEDICINE at room temperature, between 68 and 77 degrees F (20 and 25 degrees C). Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. This medicine works best if it is taken at the same time each day. CONTINUE TO TAKE THIS MEDICINE even if you feel well. Do not miss any doses. IF YOU MISS A DOSE OF THIS MEDICINE, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose. Go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Cautions: DO NOT USE THIS MEDICINE IF you are allergic to any ingredient in this medicine. Tell your doctor if you have had a severe allergic reaction to any sulfonamide medicine (eg, sulfamethoxazole). If you have a question about whether you are allergic to this medicine or if a certain medicine is a sulfonamide medicine, contact your doctor or pharmacist. LAB TESTS may be performed while you use this medicine. These tests may be used to monitor your condition or check for side effects. Be sure to keep all doctor and lab appointments. THIS MEDICINE MAY CAUSE DROWSINESS, DIZZINESS, BLURRED VISION, OR LIGHTHEADEDNESS. These effects may be worse if you take it with alcohol or certain medicines. Use this medicine with caution. Do not drive or perform other possibly unsafe tasks until you know how you react to it. DO NOT DRINK ALCOHOL while you are taking this medicine. It may increase the risk of low blood sugar. Discuss any questions or concerns with your doctor. THIS MEDICINE MAY CAUSE LOW BLOOD SUGAR LEVELS. Low blood sugar may make you anxious, sweaty, weak, dizzy, drowsy, or faint. It may also make your heart beat faster; make your vision change; give you a headache, chills, or tremors; or make you more hungry. It is a good idea to carry a reliable source of glucose (eg, tablets or gel) to treat low blood sugar. If this is not available, you should eat or drink a quick source of sugar like table sugar, honey, candy, orange juice, or non-diet soda. This will raise your blood sugar level quickly. Tell your doctor right away if this happens. To prevent low blood sugar, eat meals at the same time each day and do not skip meals. RISK OF LOW BLOOD SUGAR MAY BE INCREASED by severe or prolonged exercise, drinking alcohol, or skipping meals. THIS MEDICINE IS A SULFONYLUREA. It may increase the risk of death from heart disease. Talk with your doctor about the benefits and risks of this or other therapies to treat your condition. THIS MEDICINE MAY CAUSE YOU TO BECOME SUNBURNED more easily. Avoid the sun, sunlamps, or tanning booths until you know how you react to this medicine. Use a sunscreen or wear protective clothing if you must be outside for more than a short time. THIS MEDICINE SHOULD NOT BE USED BY ITSELF TO TREAT TYPE 1 DIABETES. If you have questions about using this medicine to treat type 1 diabetes, talk with your doctor. TELL YOUR DOCTOR OR DENTIST THAT YOU TAKE THIS MEDICINE BEFORE YOU RECEIVE any medical or dental care, emergency care, or surgery. BEFORE YOU BEGIN TAKING ANY NEW MEDICINES, either prescription or over-the-counter, check with your doctor or pharmacist. Use this medicine with caution in the ELDERLY; they may be more sensitive to its effects, especially low blood sugar levels. FOR WOMEN: If you become pregnant, contact your doctor. You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of using this medicine while you are pregnant. This medicine should not be used for at least 1 month before the expected delivery date because it may cause low blood sugar in the baby. It is not known if this medicine is found in breast milk. Do not breast-feed while taking this medicine.

Possible Side Effects: SIDE EFFECTS that may occur while taking this medicine include diarrhea; dizziness; drowsiness; headache; or nausea. If they continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor. CONTACT YOUR DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY if you experience confusion; dark urine; fainting; fever, chills, or persistent sore throat; irregular heartbeat; low blood sugar symptoms (eg, anxiety; fast heartbeat; lightheadedness; severe or persistent dizziness, drowsiness, or headache; tremors; unusual sweating; weakness); severe or persistent blurred vision or other vision problems; unusual bruising or bleeding; unusual tiredness or weakness; or yellowing of the eyes or skin. AN ALLERGIC REACTION to this medicine is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue; skin redness; or dizziness. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist. This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, contact your healthcare provider. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Overdose: IF OVERDOSE IS SUSPECTED, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms may include coma; confusion; fainting; fast heartbeat; lethargy; lightheadedness; seizures; severe dizziness or drowsiness; tremor; or unusual sweating.

Additional Information: PROPER DIET, REGULAR EXERCISE, AND REGULAR BLOOD SUGAR TESTING ARE IMPORTANT for best results with this medicine. Follow the diet and exercise program given to you by your health care provider. CARRY AN ID CARD at all times that says you have diabetes. Check your blood sugar levels as directed by your doctor. If they are often higher or lower than they should be and you take this medicine exactly as prescribed, tell your doctor. IT MAY BE HARDER TO CONTROL YOUR BLOOD SUGAR DURING times of stress such as fever, infection, injury, or surgery. Talk with your doctor about how to control your blood sugar if any of these occur. Do not change the dose of your medicine without checking with your doctor. WHEN USED FOR LONG PERIODS OF TIME, THIS MEDICINE MAY NOT WORK AS WELL. If your blood sugar has been under control and then becomes hard to manage, contact your doctor. Do not change the dose of your medicine without checking with your doctor. DO NOT SHARE THIS MEDICINE with others for whom it was not prescribed. DO NOT USE THIS MEDICINE for other health conditions. KEEP THIS MEDICINE out of reach of children and pets.

Copyright 2009 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc.

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