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Glipizide-Metformin

Pronounced

"GLIP-eh-zide/met-FOR-min"

Uses

This diabetes medication is a combination of 2 drugs (glipizide and metformin). It is used along with a diet and exercise program to control high blood sugar in patients with type 2 diabetes.

Glipizide is a sulfonylurea and works by stimulating the release of your body's natural insulin and by decreasing the amount of sugar that your liver makes. Metformin is a biguanide and works by decreasing the amount of sugar that your liver makes and that your stomach/intestines absorb. Both of these medications work by helping to restore your body's proper response to the insulin you naturally produce.

Controlling high blood sugar helps prevent kidney damage, blindness, nerve problems, loss of limbs, and sexual function problems. Proper control of diabetes may also lessen your risk of a heart attack or stroke.

How to Use This Medication

Read the Patient Information Leaflet if available from your pharmacist before you start using this medication and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Take this medication by mouth as directed by your doctor, usually once or twice a day with meals. Drink plenty of fluids while taking this medication unless otherwise directed by your doctor.

The dosage is based on your medical condition, response to treatment, and other medications you may be taking. Be sure to tell your doctor and pharmacist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products). To reduce your risk of side effects (such as upset stomach), your doctor may direct you to start this medication at a low dose and gradually increase your dose. Follow your doctor's instructions carefully.

If you are already taking another diabetes drug (such as chlorpropamide), follow your doctor's directions carefully for stopping the old drug and starting this combination medication.

Colesevelam can decrease the absorption of glipizide. If you are taking colesevelam, take this product at least 4 hours before taking colesevelam.

Use this medication regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. Remember to use it at the same time(s) each day.

Tell your doctor if your condition lasts or gets worse (for example, if you have high/low blood sugar). It may take up to 2 weeks before the full benefit of this drug takes effect.

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Drug information is selected from data included with permission and copyrighted by First DataBank, Inc. This is a summary and does not contain all possible information about this product. For complete information about this product or your specific health needs, ask your healthcare professional. Always seek the advice of your healthcare professional if you have any questions about this product or your medical condition. This information is not intended as individual medical advice and does not substitute for the knowledge and judgment of your healthcare professional. This information does not contain any assurances that this product is safe, effective or appropriate for you.

This information is intended only for residents of the United States. Products sold under the same brand names in other countries may contain different ingredients.

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Information expires December 2025.