Glyburide and metformin are the generic names of two medications used to treat Type II diabetes (separately). They are also combined into one medication (brand name Glucovance). The two work to balance blood sugar levels. Metformin helps to control the amount of sugar in the system by lowering the amount of sugar that gets absorbed, decreasing the amount released-from-reserves sugar and helping the body to use sugar more efficiently. Glyburide induces the pancreas to put more insulin into the blood, which controls sugar.
Common Serious Side Effects
The metformin and glyburide combination may cause a variety of relatively common side effects that can be serious. The more common serious side effects from Glucovance include anxiety, abnormal tiredness, changes in behavior (as if you had too much alcohol), abnormal bodily weakness, vision blurring, sore throat and cold sweats. Others may include falling unconscious, mental confusion, sneezing, seizures, speech slurring, pale and cool skin, shakiness and concentration problems. Patients who use Glucovance have also experienced restless sleep, cough, nightmares, drowsiness, nervousness, excessive hunger, nausea, tachycardia (rapid heartbeat), continual headaches and fever.
Rare Serious Side Effects
Far fewer people who take the glyburide and metformin combination experience side effects considered rare by the Mayo Clinic. These may include abnormal sleepiness, discomfort in the abdomen, muscle pain, appetite decreases, muscle cramps, diarrhea, an overall feeling of bodily discomfort, and rapid and shallow breathing. All of these, although rare, are serious, and you should get a consultation with your physician immediately if you get any of these side effects. There is also the potential of having an allergic reaction to Glucovance, with symptoms such as hoarseness, rash, facial or mouth swelling, chest tightness, itching or hives. Again, consult a doctor if you experience any of these symptoms.
Common Temporary Side Effects
The Mayo Clinic reports that there are only three common side effects: vomiting, headaches and dizziness. While these may be annoying, they will subside on their own once you acclimate to the medication. According to Drugs.com, you may also experience indigestion.
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