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Glyburide / Metformin Coupon - Glyburide / Metformin 5mg/500mg tablet

glyburide / metformin

Generic Glucovance
Used for Diabetes Type 2
Used for Diabetes Type 2

Glyburide/metformin is used to manage blood sugar levels in adults with Type 2 diabetes. It works best when taken with a healthy diet and regular exercise. This medication combines a sulfonylurea (glyburide) and a biguanide (metformin). You take it by mouth, typically once or twice daily with meals. Since glyburide/metformin can cause hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), it's important to carry fast-acting sugars like gummy candy or fruit juice to quickly raise your blood sugar if needed. Other common side effects include diarrhea, headache, and nausea. Brand name Glucovance has been discontinued.

Reviewed by:
reviewer
Ally Tsai, PharmD
reviewer
Kristianne Hannemann, PharmD
Last reviewed on December 17, 2024
BasicsSide effectsPros & consPharmacist tipsFAQsWarningsDosageInteractionsCostContraindicationsAlternativesImagesReferencesPricesMedicare
basics-icon

What is Glyburide/metformin?

What is Glyburide/metformin used for?

How Glyburide/metformin works

Glyburide/metformin is a combination of two medications:

  • Glyburide is a sulfonylurea. It lowers blood sugar levels by telling your pancreas to release more insulin.

  • Metformin is a biguanide. It works by telling the liver to make less sugar and lowering the amount of sugar absorbed through the gut. In addition, it makes the body more sensitive to insulin.

Are you looking for information on glyburide (Diabeta) or metformin (Glucophage) instead?

Drug Facts

Common BrandsGlucovance (brand name no longer available)
Drug ClassSulfonylurea / Biguanide
Controlled Substance ClassificationNot a controlled medication
Generic StatusLower-cost generic available
AvailabilityPrescription only
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$88.35(save 87.59%)
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What are the side effects of Glyburide/metformin?

The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.

Common Side Effects

  • Low blood sugar levels (up to 38%)
  • Diarrhea (17%)
  • Headache (9%)
  • Nausea or vomiting (8%)
  • Belly pain (7%)
  • Dizziness (6%)

Other Side Effects

  • Redness or itching on the skin
  • Rash

Serious Side Effects

Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
  • Severe skin or allergic reactions: rash, blisters, sores, trouble breathing, swelling
  • Low blood sugar: shakiness, fast heartbeat, sweating, dizziness, anxiety, confusion, feeling very hungry
  • Buildup of lactic acid: confusion, feeling weak, fast heartbeat, rapid breathing, no appetite, nausea, vomiting

Source: DailyMed

The following side effects have also been reported

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

More common

Anxious feeling

behavior change similar to being drunk

blurred vision

cold sweats

confusion

convulsions (seizures)

cool, pale skin

cough

difficulty with concentrating

drowsiness

excessive hunger

fast heartbeat

fever

headache (continuing)

nausea

nervousness

nightmares

restless sleep

shakiness

slurred speech

sneezing

sore throat

unconsciousness

unusual tiredness or weakness

Rare

Abdominal or stomach discomfort

decreased appetite

diarrhea

fast shallow breathing

general feeling of discomfort

muscle pain or cramping

unusual sleepiness

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

More common

Dizziness

headache

vomiting

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

pros-and-cons

Pros and cons of Glyburide/metformin

thumbs-up

Pros

Combines two medications into one pill for convenience

Dose can be adjusted if needed

Taken by mouth instead of an injection

thumbs-down

Cons

Need to take with meals

Not safe for use in people with moderate-to-severe kidney disease

More likely to cause weight gain compared to some other medications for diabetes

pharmacist-tips

Pharmacist tips for Glyburide/metformin

pharmacist

  • Take glyburide/metformin at the same time every day with your meals. This helps to lower the risk of low blood sugar and to better absorb the medication into your body. Taking this medication with food can also lower the risk of stomach problems, including diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and belly pain.

    • It's important to eat a healthy diet and exercise regularly to keep your blood sugar under control. Make sure to work with your healthcare team on a diet and exercise plan while taking glyburide/metformin.

      • Glyburide/metformin can put you at risk of having low blood sugar. Your risk is higher if you're also using insulin. Make sure you eat consistent meals while taking glyburide/metformin to prevent your blood sugar from dropping too low. If you make any changes in your diet, talk with your healthcare team because they might need to adjust the dose of your blood sugar medications.

        • Make sure to keep fast-acting sugars, such as glucose tablets or boxes of fruit juice, with you at all times. This is so that you can take them if your blood sugar level drops too low. Check your blood sugar if you feel confused, shaky, or have a fast heartbeat. Make sure you know how to treat low blood sugar (less than 70 mg/dL) and when you need to call 911.

          • If possible, it's best to avoid alcohol when you're taking glyburide/metformin. Drinking alcohol with this medication can cause dangerously low blood sugar.

            • While you're taking glyburide/metformin, make sure to drink enough fluids to keep hydrated, especially if you're experiencing vomiting or diarrhea or feeling ill. These conditions can lead to dehydration and raise your risk of having a buildup of lactic acid in your blood.

              • Make sure to get your routine blood tests done on time while you’re taking glyburide/metformin. By doing so, your healthcare team can check for side effects, like liver injury or changes to your vitamin B12 levels, or your risk for lactic acidosis (too much acid in your blood).

                • If you're scheduled for a surgery, let your healthcare team know ahead of time. They can discuss with you when to stop glyburide/metformin before surgery and when to restart this medication afterwards. This is because you might not be able to eat or drink during the time around your surgery, which can raise your risk of lactic acidosis.

                  • Talk with a healthcare professional or radiologist about your medication history before getting any procedures done. The contrast dyes that are used for certain imaging procedures can temporarily affect your kidneys. If you're taking glyburide/metformin, this effect on the kidneys can raise your risk of metformin buildup in your body and lactic acidosis, which can be dangerous.

                    • If you feel cold in your hands or feet, dizzy, weak, confused, nauseous, or have trouble breathing, belly pain, or a racing heart, stop taking glyburide/metformin and get medical attention right away. These can be signs of a serious condition called lactic acidosis (high acid levels in the blood), which sometimes can require treatment in the hospital.

                      faqs

                      Frequently asked questions about Glyburide/metformin

                      Can you take glyburide and metformin together?
                      Your diabetes care team might prescribe both glyburide and metformin to control your blood sugar levels. Typically, metformin is the first-choice medication for diabetes. But if you're already taking metformin and your blood sugar level is still high, your prescriber might add on glyburide to help. If so, taking a combination pill like glyburide/metformin might be more convenient that taking the medications separately.
                      Is glyburide/metformin a blood thinner?
                      No, glyburide/metformin isn't a blood thinner. Blood thinners are medications that are taken to prevent or treat blood clots. Instead glyburide/metformin is a combination of 2 different medications used to lower blood sugar levels.
                      Does glyburide/metformin expire?
                      Yes, glyburide/metformin can expire. Always check the expiration date of your medication before you take it. Don't take it if your medication is past the expiration date. It's unclear whether expired glyburide/metformin will work well or be safe to take. You're recommended to bring the expired medication to drug take-back location and get a refill from the pharmacy or a new prescription from your diabetes care team.
                      How long does glyburide/metformin stay in your system?
                      After you stop taking glyburide/metformin, it takes 1-2 days for most of glyburide/metformin to leave your body. Keep in mind that this time frame is estimated based on the half-lives of the individual medications. It can also be affected by your health conditions, so it can be different for each individual person.
                      Can glyburide/metformin cause weight gain?
                      Yes, you might experience some weight gain after starting glyburide/metformin. While metformin can lead to some modest weight loss, glyburide is known to cause weight gain. This is because glyburide tells your cells to absorb more sugar from the blood. The cells then store this sugar as fat. Clinical study shows that people who took glyburide/metformin for 5 months gained on average about 3 to 4 pounds. Talk with your healthcare team if you're concerned about glyburide/metformin and weight gain.
                      Can glyburide/metformin make you dizzy?
                      Yes, glyburide/metformin can make you feel dizzy. You might also experience dizziness if your blood sugar level is too low. To lower your risk of dangerously low blood sugar levels, take this medication with meals. Keep fast-acting sugars, such as glucose tablets or boxes of fruit juice, so you can raise your blood sugar up to a safe level, if needed. Don't drive or do anything that requires a lot of focus while you feel dizzy. If the dizziness keeps happening or is very bothersome, contact your care team.
                      Can I take glyburide/metformin if I'm pregnant?
                      Let your diabetes care team know if you're pregnant or thinking of becoming pregnant. It's important to manage your blood sugar levels during pregnancy to lower the risk of complications. But neither glyburide nor metformin are first-choice options. In particular, glyburide can raise the risk of low blood sugar levels in the baby. Your healthcare team can talk with you about safer options for managing blood sugar levels during pregnancy.
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                      What are the risks and warnings for Glyburide/metformin?

                      Glyburide/metformin can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.

                      risk-warning

                      Lactic acidosis (too much acid in your body)

                      • Risk factors: Kidney or liver problems | Heart failure or heart attack | Age 65 or older | Not eating food or fasting before surgery | Excessive alcohol use | Imaging procedure using contrast dye | Taking certain medications that affect the kidneys

                        Metformin can cause a rare, but serious medical condition called lactic acidosis (too much lactic acid in your blood). If left untreated, this condition can lead to other health problems, including organ failure, which can be deadly. Discuss with your primary care provider about your medical history before starting glyburide/metformin and any planned procedures during treatment. They can check for your risk for lactic acidosis. Get medical attention right away if you experience fast breathing, irregular heartbeat, or feeling very tired or confused. These can be symptoms that you have too much lactic acid in your blood.

                        risk-warning

                        Low blood sugar

                        • Risk factors: Missing meals or having inconsistent meal times | Drinking alcohol | Intense or long periods of exercise | Taking medications that lower blood sugar | People ages 60 years or older | Kidney or liver problems

                          Glyburide/metformin can cause your blood sugar levels to drop to dangerously low levels. Symptoms of low blood sugar include feeling shaky, being nervous or anxious, fast heartbeat, sweating or body chills, confusion, and feeling very hungry. Make sure you and your family know how to treat low blood sugar and when they need to call 911. You might need to check your blood sugar more often to make sure it doesn't drop too much while taking this medication. It's best to keep emergency fast-acting sugars with you at all times, in case you need to bring your blood sugar back up to a safer range.

                          risk-warning

                          Possible risk of serious heart problems

                          A study of tolbutamide (a medication similar to glyburide) suggests that taking sulfonylureas might raise the risk of death due to heart problems. More research is needed in this area for glyburide. Let your healthcare team know right away if you experience any symptoms of a heart attack (chest pain, sweating, nausea, or dizziness) or heart failure (trouble breathing, tiredness, swelling in your body, or sudden weight gain). Your care team might recommend that you stop taking glyburide/metformin and go to a hospital.

                          risk-warning

                          Risk of low red blood cell count (hemolytic anemia)

                          • Risk factors: People with low levels of glucose-6-phosphodiesterase (G6PD)

                            People who took medications similar to glyburide have experienced hemolytic anemia, which is a condition that causes low red blood cells. If you have a certain genetic condition that raises your risk of this problem, your healthcare team will most likely consider a different medication for you. Let your care team know if you experience symptoms of anemia, such as weakness, tiredness, or dizziness.

                            risk-warning

                            Low vitamin B12 levels

                            • Risk factors: Long-term use of metformin | Lower-than-average calcium or vitamin B12 intake or absorption

                              Taking metformin for a long period of time can cause your vitamin B12 levels to drop. Having low vitamin B12 levels can lead to a higher risk of anemia. Your primary care provider will check your vitamin B12 levels through blood work every 2 to 3 years. If needed, they might recommend that you take vitamin B12 supplementation. Let your healthcare team know if you frequently have low energy, dizziness, muscle problems, or tingling or numbness in your hands and feet.

                              dosage

                              Glyburide/metformin dosage forms

                              The average cost for 180 tablets of 5mg/500mg of Glyburide/metformin is $24.00 with a free GoodRx coupon. This is 72.83% off the average retail price of $88.35.
                              tablet
                              Tablet
                              DosageQuantityPrice as low asPrice per unit
                              1.25mg/250mg60 tablets$10.96$0.18
                              2.5mg/500mg180 tablets$24.00$0.13
                              5mg/500mg180 tablets$24.00$0.13

                              Typical dosing for Glyburide/metformin

                              The starting dose of glyburide/metformin can vary depending on your previous dose of glyburide and metformin.

                              • Already taking glyburide OR metformin: The typical starting dose can range between 2.5 mg/500 mg to 5 mg/500 mg (glyburide / metformin) by mouth twice daily with meals.

                              • Already taking glyburide AND metformin: The typical starting dose is the same dose of glyburide and metformin that you're currently taking.

                              The maximum dose is 20 mg/2,000 mg (glyburide / metformin).

                              interactions

                              Interactions between Glyburide/metformin and other drugs

                              Glyburide/metformin may interact with certain medications or supplements. Always let your doctor and pharmacist know about any other medications or supplements (including prescribed and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and dietary or herbal supplements) that you are currently taking. The list below does not include all possible drug interactions with Glyburide/metformin. Please note that only the generic name of each medication is listed below.

                              Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is not recommended. Your doctor may decide not to treat you with this medication or change some of the other medicines you take.

                              • Acetrizoic Acid
                              • Bosentan
                              • Diatrizoate
                              • Ethiodized Oil
                              • Iobenzamic Acid
                              • Iobitridol
                              • Iocarmic Acid
                              • Iocetamic Acid
                              • Iodamide
                              • Iodipamide
                              • Iodixanol
                              • Iodohippuric Acid
                              • Iodopyracet
                              • Iodoxamic Acid
                              • Ioglicic Acid
                              • Ioglycamic Acid
                              • Iohexol
                              • Iomeprol
                              • Iopamidol
                              • Iopanoic Acid
                              • Iopentol
                              • Iophendylate
                              • Iopromide
                              • Iopronic Acid
                              • Ioseric Acid
                              • Iosimide
                              • Iotasul
                              • Iothalamate
                              • Iotrolan
                              • Iotroxic Acid
                              • Ioxaglate
                              • Ioxitalamic Acid
                              • Ipodate
                              • Metrizamide
                              • Metrizoic Acid
                              • Tyropanoate Sodium

                              Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be required in some cases. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.

                              Using this medicine with any of the following medicines may cause an increased risk of certain side effects, but using both drugs may be the best treatment for you. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.

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                              How much does Glyburide/metformin cost?

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                              contraindications-icon

                              Glyburide/metformin contraindications

                              Contraindications are specific health conditions or situations in which a person should not take a medication due to safety concerns. If you have any of the following conditions or if any of the following apply to you, let your healthcare provider know because Glyburide/metformin will not be safe for you to take.

                              • Severe kidney problems

                              • Sudden or long-term acidosis (dangerously high levels of acid), including diabetic ketoacidosis

                              • Taking together with bosentan (Tracleer)

                              alternatives

                              What are alternatives to Glyburide/metformin?

                              There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of Glyburide/metformin. Compare a few possible alternatives below.
                              Glyburide/metformin
                              Used for:
                              $10.96 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                              Glimepiride (Amaryl)
                              Used for:

                              • Type 2 diabetes in adults

                              $10.00 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                              Glipizide/metformin
                              Used for:
                              $19.99 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                              images

                              Glyburide/metformin images

                              Yellow Oval 5 / 500 And Logo 5712 - Glyburide / Metformin Hydrochloride 5mg-500mg Tablet
                              This medicine is Yellow, Oval Tablet Imprinted With "5/500" And "Logo 5712".Yellow Oval 5 / 500 And Logo 5712 - Glyburide / Metformin Hydrochloride 5mg-500mg Tablet
                              Orange Oval 93 And 7262 - Glyburide / Metformin Hydrochloride 5mg-500mg Tablet
                              This medicine is Orange, Oval Tablet Imprinted With "93" And "7262".Orange Oval 93 And 7262 - Glyburide / Metformin Hydrochloride 5mg-500mg Tablet
                              Blue Oblong Logo 753 - Glyburide / Metformin Hydrochloride 5mg-500mg Tablet
                              This medicine is Blue, Oblong Tablet Imprinted With "Logo 753".Blue Oblong Logo 753 - Glyburide / Metformin Hydrochloride 5mg-500mg Tablet
                              Yellow Round Cor 142 - Glyburide / Metformin Hydrochloride 5mg-500mg Tablet
                              This medicine is Yellow, Round Tablet Imprinted With "Cor 142".Yellow Round Cor 142 - Glyburide / Metformin Hydrochloride 5mg-500mg Tablet
                              Yellow Oval I 24 - Glyburide / Metformin Hydrochloride 5mg-500mg Tablet
                              This medicine is Yellow, Oval Tablet Imprinted With "I 24".Yellow Oval I 24 - Glyburide / Metformin Hydrochloride 5mg-500mg Tablet
                              Yellow Oblong 48 And A - Glyburide / Metformin Hydrochloride 5mg-500mg Tablet
                              This medicine is Yellow, Oblong Tablet Imprinted With "A" And "48".Yellow Oblong 48 And A - Glyburide / Metformin Hydrochloride 5mg-500mg Tablet

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                              References

                              Best studies we found

                              American Kidney Fund. (2024). Stages of kidney disease (CKD).

                              Aurobindo Pharma Limited. (2024). Glyburide and metformin hydrochloride tablet, film coated [package insert]. DailyMed.

                              ElSayed, N. A., et al. (2022). 9. Pharmacologic approaches to glycemic treatment: Standards of Care in Diabetes–2023. Diabetes Care.

                              View All References (4)

                              MedlinePlus. (2023). Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency.

                              National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. (2022). Hemolytic anemia.

                              National heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. (2022). Vitamin B12-deficiency anemia.

                              You and Your Hormones. (2021). Insulin.

                              GoodRx Health has strict sourcing policies and relies on primary sources such as medical organizations, governmental agencies, academic institutions, and peer-reviewed scientific journals. Learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate, thorough, and unbiased by reading our editorial guidelines.
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