Glynase

Who is Glynase for ?

Glyburide is used to treat Type 2 (noninsulin-dependent) diabetes (formerly "adult-onset"), particularly in people whose diabetes cannot be controlled by diet alone. Glyburide is not used to treat Type 1 (insulin-dependent) diabetes (formerly "juvenile-onset"). this medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

Glyburide lowers blood sugar by stimulating the pancreas to secrete insulin and helping the body use insulin efficiently. The pancreas must be capable of producing insulin for this medication to work.

When should I be careful taking Glynase ?

Oral hypoglycemic drugs, including glyburide, have been associated with increased cardiovascular mortality. Talk to your doctor about the possible risks, benefits, and alternatives of using this drug for your condition.

Before taking glyburide,

• tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to glyburide or any other drugs.
• tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking, especially antibiotics, anticoagulants ("blood thinners") such as warfarin (Coumadin), dexamethasone (Decadron), diuretics ("water pills"), estrogens, isoniazid (INH), MAO inhibitors - phenelzine (Nardil) and tranylcypromine (Parnate), medications for high blood pressure or heart disease, niacin, oral contraceptives, phenytoin (Dilantin), prednisone, probenecid (Benemid), and vitamins.
• tell your doctor if you have or have ever had heart or kidney disease.
• tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking glyburide, call your doctor.
• if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking glyburide.
• you should know that this drug may make you drowsy. Do not drive a car or operate machinery until you know how this drug affects you.
• remember that alcohol can add to the drowsiness caused by this drug.
• tell your doctor if you use tobacco products. Cigarette smoking may decrease the effectiveness of glyburide.
• plan to avoid unnecessary or prolonged exposure to sunlight and to wear protective clothing, sunglasses, and sunscreen. Glyburide may make your skin sensitive to sunlight.

Side Effects

Although side effects from glyburide are not common, they can occur. If you have any of these symptoms, eat or drink a food or beverage with sugar in it, such as hard candy or fruit juice, and call your doctor immediately; symptoms of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) include:

• shakiness
• dizziness
• rapid heartbeat
• sweating or confusion
• blurred vision
• headache
• numbness or tingling of the mouth
• weakness
• fatigue
• pale color
• sudden hunger

If you have any of these symptoms, call your doctor immediately; symptoms of high blood sugar (hyperglycemia) include:

• thirst
• dry mouth
• tiredness
• flushing
• dry skin
• frequent urination
• loss of appetite
• trouble breathing

If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:

• seizures
• loss of consciousness
• skin rash
• itching or redness
• exaggerated sunburn
• yellowing of the skin or eyes
• light-colored stools
• dark urine
• unusual bleeding or bruising
• fever
• sore throat