This group of medicines is used for managing type 2 diabetes in patients who cannot control blood sugar levels by diet and exercise alone. This medicine may be used in combination with insulin as well as other oral diabetes medicines.
When this medicine should not be used
- Do not use this medicine if you are allergic to any ingredient in this medicine
- Before using this medicine, tell your health care provider if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:
- if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
- if you are taking any prescription or non- prescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
- some medicines may interact with this medicine. Check with your doctor or pharmacist about which medicines you should not take with this medicine. Tell your health care provider if you are taking any of these medicines: Beta-blockers (e.g. propranolol) can mask signs of low blood sugar and change blood sugar levels (rapid heartbeat). They can also cause low blood sugar to last longer than usual. It may be necessary for your doctor to change your dose of diabetic medicines. Be sure to keep all appointments.
- This may not be a complete list of all interactions that may occur. Ask your health care provider if this medicine may interact with other medicines that you take.
How to store and dispose of this medicine
- Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light
- Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of any outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed
- Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone
Warnings while using this medicine
- Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine
- This group of medicine may cause hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar)
Signs and symptoms of hypoglycaemia include anxiety, blurred vision, confusion, difficulty in thinking, drowsiness, fast heartbeat, headache, nausea, nervousness, nightmares, shakiness, slurred speech, sweating, and unusual tiredness or weakness. Discuss with your doctor how to handle hypoglycemic reactions.
- Do not drink alcohol while you are using this medicine without discussing it with your doctor. Drinking alcohol with some medicines may cause flushing of your face and neck
- Some medicines may cause increased sensitivity to the sun. Avoid exposure to the sun, sunlamps, or tanning booths until you know how you react to this medicine. Use sunscreen or protective clothing if you must be outside for a prolonged period
- If you plan on becoming pregnant, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using this medicine during pregnancy. If you are or will be breast feeding while you are using this medicine, check with your doctor or pharmacist to discuss the risks to your baby
Possible side effects while using this medicine
- All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. These may include feeling of fullness, heartburn, itching, nausea, rash etc
- Seek immediate medical attention if any of the following SEVERE side effects occurs: Severe allergic reactions (difficulty breathing, hives, rash, tightness in the chest, swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue), signs and symptoms of hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar), exhaustion, fast, deep breathing, vomiting, weakness
If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.