Glipizide

About Glipizide

This belongs to the group of medicines known as oral antidiabetics.

Glipizide can be used to treat Type 2 (non-insulin dependent) diabetes mellitus.

Insulin is made naturally in the pancreas. It regulates the amount of sugar in the blood. If the body does not make enough insulin to meet its needs, or does not properly use the insulin it makes, this results in the condition called diabetes mellitus (sugar diabetes).

Glipizide works by increasing the amount of insulin the pancreas secretes.

Glipizide is available in tablet form.

It is also sometimes known as: Glibenese; Minodiab. You may notice the use of any of these names on the packaging of your medicine.

Before Taking Glipizide

Before taking Glipizide make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

• if you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding
• if you suffer from kidney or liver problems
• if you are an insulin dependent diabetic
• if you have ever suffered from heart problems
• if you have ever suffered from thyroid problems
• if you suffer from porphyria (a blood disorder) or other blood disorders
• if you are due to have an operation
• if you have an infection
• if you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or any other medicine
• if you are taking any other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal and complementary medicines

How to Take Glipizide

• Take Glipizide exactly as directed by your doctor.
• Always read the printed information leaflet, if possible before beginning treatment.
• Try to take this medicine at the same time each day to avoid missing any doses.
• If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember (with food) and continue taking it at the usual time. If it is nearly time for your next dose, leave out the missed dose; never take two doses at the same time to make up. If in doubt speak to your pharmacist or doctor.
• If taking Glipizide as a single dose take it with your breakfast. If you take more than one dose, take with main meals.
• Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of Glipizide go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Always take the container with you, if possible, even if empty.
• Glipizide is for you. Never give it to others even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.

Getting the most from your treatment

• Before taking any 'over-the-counter' medicines, check with your pharmacist which medicines are safe for you to take alongside Glipizide.
• At the start of treatment your vision may be affected (e.g.blurred) for a short time; if this happens, do not drive or operate machinery.
• It is IMPORTANT that you follow any dietary instructions that you have been given by your doctor or diabetic nurse.
• Before having any kind of surgery including dental or emergency treatment, tell your dentist, doctor or surgeon you are taking Glipizide.
• Check with your doctor before taking up any physical exercise, as this will have a long lasting effect on your blood sugar levels.
• You must keep your regular appointments with your doctor or diabetic nurse. Your doctor may want to adjust the dose of Glipizide you are taking. DO NOT stop taking Glipizide without speaking to your doctor or diabetic nurse first.
• Your doctor may recommend that you test for sugar in the blood or urine to check your diabetes is being well controlled.
• Avoid drinking large amounts of alcohol or drinking alcohol on an empty stomach. Alcohol may cause low blood sugar and affects the control of your condition.
• Glipizide may cause dizziness, particularly when getting up from a sitting or lying position. Getting up slowly should help.
• Glipizide may cause drowsiness. Make sure your reactions are normal before driving, operating machinery or doing other jobs which could be dangerous if you were not fully alert.
• Glipizide may cause constipation. Constipation can often be eased by eating plenty of fruit and vegetables and by drinking plenty of water.
• Glipizide may cause your skin to become more sensitive to sunlight than it is usually. Avoid strong sunlight and sun beds and use a sun protection cream higher than factor 15 until you know how your skin reacts.

Hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar)

• Hypoglycaemia is likely to occur if you miss a meal, if you exercise more than usual, if you cannot eat because of sickness or if you drink a lot of alcohol.
• The symptoms to look out for include anxious feeling, cold sweats, confusion, headache, feeling sick, being sick, nervousness, palpitations (being aware of your heartbeat), shaking, unusual tiredness, weakness or visual problems. Eat something containing sugar such as glucose tablets, biscuits or a sugary drink (not diet) and follow this up with a starchy snack, such as a sandwich to raise your blood sugar.
• Check with your doctor or diabetic nurse straight away, because you may get further attacks over the next few days. The dose of your tablets may need to be altered. Severe symptoms of hypoglycaemia such as convulsions and unconsciousness require IMMEDIATE medical attention.
• Drivers should take special care on long journeys. If hypoglycaemia occurs, you should wait at least fifteen minutes before continuing on your journey. Driving is not permitted when you are unable to recognise the warning signs of a hypoglycaemic attack.

Hyperglycaemia (high blood sugar)

• Symptoms usually appear more slowly then those of low blood sugar. These symptoms may occur if you over eat, miss a dose of your medicine, if you do not follow a proper diet, if you have a fever or infection.
• Symptoms include drowsiness, flushed face, fruity smell on breath, increased urination (passing water), loss of appetite or unusual thirst. Severe symptoms may include rapid pulse and heavy breathing.
• If you experience any of the symptoms mentioned check with your doctor or diabetic nurse immediately.

Can Glipizide cause problems?

Along with their needed effects, all medicines can cause unwanted symptoms, which usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. Speak with your doctor if any of the following symptoms continue or become troublesome.

Feeling sick, being sick, diarrhoea, constipation, weight gain, skin rash, dizziness or drowsiness.

Important: If you experience a skin rash, itching, fever (high temperature), jaundice (yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes), joint pains, swelling of the tongue, throat or face, stop taking Glipizide and go to the hospital immediately.

If you experience any other worrying symptoms which you think may be due to Glipizide, discuss them with your doctor or pharmacist.

How to store Glipizide

• Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
• Store in a cool dry place, away from direct heat and light.
• Never keep out of date or unwanted medicines. Discard them safely out of the reach of children or take them to your local pharmacist who will dispose of them for you.

© EMIS and Cegedim Pharmacy Services Ltd 2005   Updated: 26/05/2005