Glucovance and Hypoglycemia

There are a number of possible side effects with Glucovance, and hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) is one that occurs commonly. During clinical studies, hypoglycemia occurred in up to 37.7 percent of people taking Glucovance. Symptoms of hypoglycemia can include sweating, shakiness, and blurry vision. Because low blood sugar levels can cause serious or even life-threatening complications, it is important to be aware of the possible signs and symptoms of low blood sugar and to know what to do if these symptoms occur.

 

An Overview of Glucovance and Hypoglycemia

Among the side effects of Glucovance® (glyburide and metformin) is its possible effect on blood sugar levels. For some people, Glucovance can cause blood sugar levels to drop too low (hypoglycemia).
 

How Commonly Does Glucovance Cause Hypoglycemia?

During clinical studies, hypoglycemia occurred in up to 37.
 7 percent of people taking Glucovance. This is most likely due to the glyburide component of Glucovance. Glyburide causes the pancreas to make more insulin, and too much insulin can cause hypoglycemia. Metformin, the other component of Glucovance, does not usually cause hypoglycemia by itself. It is important to note that in these trials, no one required medical attention or medication to treat their hypoglycemia (they were able to manage the hypoglycemia on their own).
 
Hypoglycemia symptoms can vary depending on a number of factors, including how low the blood sugar levels are. Some examples of early symptoms of low blood sugar include:
 
  • Sweating
  • Shakiness
  • Extreme hunger
  • Dizziness
  • Cold sweats
  • Blurry vision.
     
More severe symptoms of low blood sugar can include:
 
  • Changes in behavior, such as irritability
  • Loss of coordination
  • Difficulty speaking
  • Confusion
  • Seizures
  • Loss of consciousness
  • Coma
  • Loss of life.
     
If you are taking Glucovance and hypoglycemia symptoms occur, contact your healthcare provider immediately or seek emergency medical care and stop taking the medicine. If your healthcare provider believes that hypoglycemia is causing your symptoms, he or she may recommend that you treat the low blood sugar immediately by eating or drinking something with sugar in it, such as orange juice, hard candy, a tablespoon of honey, or even a tablespoon of granulated sugar.
 
(Glucovance and Hypoglycemia Continued: Page 2)
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;