Consumer medicine information

Glucovance

Metformin hydrochloride; Glibenclamide

BRAND INFORMATION

Brand name

Glucovance

Active ingredient

Metformin hydrochloride; Glibenclamide

Schedule

S4

 

Consumer medicine information (CMI) leaflet

Please read this leaflet carefully before you start using Glucovance.

SUMMARY CMI

GLUCOVANCE®

Consumer Medicine Information (CMI) summary

The full CMI on the next page has more details. If you are worried about using this medicine, speak to your doctor or pharmacist.

1. Why am I using GLUCOVANCE?

GLUCOVANCE contains the active ingredients metformin hydrochloride and glibenclamide. GLUCOVANCE is used to control blood glucose levels (the amount of sugar in the blood) in adults with type II diabetes mellitus. For more information, see Section 1. Why am I using GLUCOVANCE? in the full CMI.

2. What should I know before I use GLUCOVANCE?

Do not use if you have ever had an allergic reaction to GLUCOVANCE or any of the ingredients listed at the end of the CMI. Talk to your doctor if you have any other medical conditions, take any other medicines, or are pregnant or plan to become pregnant or are breastfeeding. For more information, see Section 2. What should I know before I use GLUCOVANCE? in the full CMI.

3. What if I am taking other medicines?

Some medicines may interfere with GLUCOVANCE and affect how it works. A list of these medicines is in Section 3. What if I am taking other medicines? in the full CMI.

4. How do I use GLUCOVANCE?

  • The dose varies from person to person.
  • Your doctor will decide the right dose for you, depending on your blood glucose levels and other tests. More instructions can be found in Section 4. How do I use GLUCOVANCE? in the full CMI.

5. What should I know while using GLUCOVANCE?

Things you should do
  • Remind any doctor, dentist or pharmacist you visit that you are using GLUCOVANCE.
  • Make sure that you, your friends, family and work colleagues can recognise the symptoms of hypoglycaemia and hyperglycaemia and know how to treat them.
  • Visit your doctor regularly for check ups.
Things you should not do
  • Do not take any other medicines containing metformin or glibenclamide while taking GLUCOVANCE.
  • Do not skip meals while taking GLUCOVANCE.
  • Do not stop using this medicine or change the dose, without checking with your doctor.
Driving or using machines
  • If you have to be alert, for example driving, be careful not to let your blood glucose levels fall too low. Low blood glucose levels may slow your reaction time and affect your ability to drive or operate machinery.
Drinking alcohol
  • Avoid alcohol as it can strongly affect the control of your diabetes and may lead to serious side effects.
Looking after your medicine
  • Keep your tablets in a cool dry place where temperature stays below 25°C.
  • Keep your tablets in the pack until it is time to take them.
  • Keep GLUCOVANCE where children cannot reach it.

For more information, see Section 5. What should I know while using GLUCOVANCE? in the full CMI.

6. Are there any side effects?

Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you notice any of the following and they worry you: weakness, trembling or shaking, sweating, light headedness, headache, dizziness, irritability and tearfulness, stomach upset, nausea (feeling sick), vomiting, indigestion, diarrhoea, loss of appetite, taste disturbance, skin rash. Tell your doctor immediately or go to accident and emergency at the nearest hospital if you notice any of the following symptoms: nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, trouble breathing, feeling weak, tired or generally unwell, unusual muscle pain, sleepiness, dizziness or light headedness, shivering, feeling extremely cold or slow heartbeat. For more information, including what to do if you have any side effects, see Section 6. Are there any side effects? in the full CMI.



FULL CMI

GLUCOVANCE®

Active ingredient(s): metformin hydrochloride and glibenclamide


Consumer Medicine Information (CMI)

This leaflet provides important information about using GLUCOVANCE. You should also speak to your doctor or pharmacist if you would like further information or if you have any concerns or questions about using GLUCOVANCE.

Where to find information in this leaflet:

1. Why am I using GLUCOVANCE?
2. What should I know before I use GLUCOVANCE?
3. What if I am taking other medicines?
4. How do I use GLUCOVANCE?
5. What should I know while using GLUCOVANCE?
6. Are there any side effects?
7. Product details

1. Why am I using GLUCOVANCE?

GLUCOVANCE contains the active ingredients metformin hydrochloride and glibenclamide. Metformin belongs to a group of medicines called biguanides. Metformin lowers blood glucose by helping your body make better use of insulin. Glibenclamide belongs to a group of medicines called sulfonylureas. Glibenclamide lowers blood glucose by increasing the amount of insulin produced by your pancreas.

GLUCOVANCE is used to control blood glucose levels (the amount of sugar in the blood) in adults with type II diabetes mellitus. This type of diabetes is also known as non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) or maturity onset diabetes.

GLUCOVANCE is used:

  • when diet, exercise and treatment with either metformin or a sulfonylurea medicine are not enough to control your blood glucose
  • in people whose blood sugar levels are already well controlled by the combination of metformin and a sulfonylurea medicine. GLUCOVANCE is to replace these two medicines.

If your blood glucose is not properly controlled, you may experience hypoglycaemia (low blood glucose) or hyperglycaemia (high blood glucose).

Hypoglycaemia

Hypoglycaemia (low blood glucose) can occur suddenly. Signs may include:

  • weakness, trembling or shaking
  • sweating
  • light headedness, dizziness, headache or lack of concentration
  • irritability, tearfulness or crying
  • hunger
  • numbness around the lips and tongue.

If not treated quickly, these may progress to:

  • loss of co-ordination
  • slurred speech
  • confusion
  • fits or loss of consciousness.

Hyperglycaemia

Hyperglycaemia (high blood glucose) usually occurs more slowly than hypoglycaemia. Signs of hyperglycaemia may include:

  • lethargy or tiredness
  • headache
  • thirst
  • passing large amounts of urine
  • blurred vision.

Long-term hyperglycaemia can lead to serious problems such as heart disease, blindness, poor blood circulation, gangrene or kidney damage.

Ask your doctor if you have any questions about why GLUCOVANCE has been prescribed for you.

There is no evidence that GLUCOVANCE is addictive.

This medicine has been prescribed for you personally and you should not pass it onto others even if their symptoms are the same as yours.

2. What should I know before I use GLUCOVANCE?

Warnings

Do not take GLUCOVANCE if:

  • you are allergic to metformin hydrochloride (e.g. Diabex, Diaformin, Glucophage), glibenclamide (e.g. Daonil), any other sulfonylurea medicine such as gliclazide (e.g. Diamicron, Glyade), glipizide (e.g. Minidiab, Melizide), glimepiride (e.g. Amaryl, Dimirel), any other sulfonamides (e.g. Septrin) or any of the ingredients listed at the end of this leaflet. Some of the symptoms of an allergic reaction may include:
    - skin rash, itching or hives;
    - swelling of the face, lips or tongue which may cause difficulty in swallowing or breathing;
    - wheezing or shortness of breath.
  • Always check the ingredients to make sure you can use this medicine.
  • you have the following conditions:
    - type I diabetes mellitus also known as insulin dependent diabetes
    - type II diabetes that is already well controlled by diet alone
    - serious complications with your diabetes or any type of metabolic acidosis such as lactic acidosis, diabetic ketoacidosis (a symptom of uncontrolled diabetes, in which substances called ketone bodies accumulate in the blood - you may notice this as an unusual fruity odour on your breath)
    - severe liver disease
    - kidney failure or severe kidney disease
    - dehydration (for instance due to persistent or severe diarrhoea or recurrent vomiting), severe blood loss or shock
    - severe infection or gangrene
    - certain heart or blood vessel problems, including a recent heart attack or heart failure (when the heart fails to pump blood effectively)
    - severe breathing difficulties
    - blood clots in the lung (symptoms include coughing, shortness of breath, chest pain and a fast heart rate)
    - pancreatitis (symptoms include severe upper stomach pain, often with nausea and vomiting) if associated with severe infection or hypoxia (lack of oxygen)
    - alcohol dependence or binge drinking
    - porphyria, an inherited disorder
    - glucose and galactose malabsorption syndrome or lactase deficiency.
  • you are currently taking miconazole (e.g. Daktarin), either orally or as a mouth gel. Taking GLUCOVANCE with miconazole may cause an excessive drop in your blood glucose level.
  • you need to have major surgery or an examination such as an X-ray or a scan involving the injection of contrast medicines that contain iodine into your bloodstream. You must stop taking GLUCOVANCE for a certain period of time before and after the examination or the surgery. Your doctor will decide whether you need any other treatment for this time. It is important that you follow your doctor's instructions precisely.
  • you are pregnant.
  • you are breastfeeding.
  • the expiry date printed on the pack has passed. If you take this medicine after the expiry date, it may not work as well.
  • the packaging shows signs of tampering or the tablets do not look quite right.

Check with your doctor if you:

  • have any, or have had, other medical conditions:
    - kidney problems
    - liver problems
    - hormone problems with the thyroid, pituitary or adrenal gland
    - heart or blood vessel problems including heart failure.
    Your doctor may want to take special care if you have any of these conditions.
  • take any medicines for any other condition.
  • have allergies to any other medicines, any other substances, such as foods, preservatives or dyes.
  • drink alcohol
  • do not eat regular meals, are fasting or have changed your diet
  • do a lot of exercise
  • are ill or feeling unwell.

Alcohol, diet, exercise and your general health all strongly affect the control of your diabetes.

If you have not told your doctor about any of the above, tell him/her before you start taking GLUCOVANCE.

During treatment, you may be at risk of developing certain side effects. It is important you understand these risks and how to monitor for them. See additional information under Section 6. Are there any side effects?

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Do not take GLUCOVANCE if you are pregnant.

Insulin is more suitable for controlling blood glucose during pregnancy. Your doctor will replace GLUCOVANCE with insulin while you are pregnant.

Do not take GLUCOVANCE if you are breastfeeding.

Talk to your doctor if you are breastfeeding or intend to breastfeed.

Since it is not known whether GLUCOVANCE passes into breast milk, GLUCOVANCE is not recommended while you are breast-feeding.

Children or adolescents

  • Do not give GLUCOVANCE to children or adolescents. The safety and effectiveness of GLUCOVANCE have not been established in children or adolescents.

3. What if I am taking other medicines?

Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including any medicines, vitamins or supplements that you buy without a prescription from your pharmacy, supermarket or health food shop.

Some medicines may be affected by GLUCOVANCE, or may affect how well it works. These include:

  • other medicines containing metformin or glibenclamide
  • other medicines used to treat diabetes
  • iodinated contrast agents (dyes)
  • medicines that contain alcohol, such as cough and cold syrups
  • diuretics, also called fluid tablets
  • certain antifungal medicines, such as miconazole (Daktarin Oral Gel) and fluconazole (Diflucan)
  • certain antibiotics including medicines used to treat tuberculosis
  • medicines used to treat high blood pressure and heart conditions (clonidine, reserpine, guanethidine, sympathicomimetics, beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers and ACE inhibitors)
  • disopyramide, a medicine used to treat an irregular heart beat
  • non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS), medicines used to relieve pain, swelling and other symptoms of inflammation including arthritis, such as aspirin and phenylbutazone
  • desmopressin (e.g. Minirin), a medicine used to treat diabetes insipidus, a condition causing large amounts of urine to be produced
  • danazol (e.g. Azol), a medicine used to treat endometriosis
  • bosentan, a medicine used to treat pulmonary hypertension
  • phenytoin (e.g. Dilantin), a medicine used to treat epilepsy (fits or seizures)
  • medicines used to treat depression such as fluoxetine (e.g. Prozac) and monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)
  • medicines used to treat schizophrenia and mental illnesses, such as chlorpromazine (Largactil) and phenothiazines
  • corticosteroids, such as prednisone (Panafcort, Sone) and cortisone (Cortate)
  • medicine used to stimulate the adrenocortical hormones, such as tetracosactide (tetracosactrin)
  • anabolic steroids
  • oestrogens and progestagens in hormone replacement therapy and oral contraceptives
  • thyroid hormones, such as thyroxine (e.g. Oroxine)
  • some medicines used for asthma
  • medicines used to treat for ulcers and reflux, such as cimetidine and ranitidine
  • medicines used to prevent or to treat blood clots such as warfarin (Coumadin, Marevan), heparin or sulphinpyrazone
  • medicines used to lower lipids, such as bezafibrate, clofibrate, gemfibrozil and nicotinic acid
  • pentoxifylline (oxpentifylline) injection, a medicine used to treat blood vessel problems
  • certain medicines used to treat cancer
  • certain medicines used to treat gout such as probenecid (Pro-cid)
  • acetazolamide (e.g. Diamox), a medicine used to treat glaucoma
  • certain weight reducing medicines
  • large doses of laxatives
  • medicines that are substrates/ inhibitors of organic cation transporters - OCT 1 such as verapamil; OCT 2 such as dolutegravir, crizotinib, olaparib, daclatasvir or vandetanib
  • medicines that are inducers of OCT 1 such as rifampicin
  • medicines that may increase the risk of lactic acidosis when concomitantly used with metformin hydrochloride such as topiramate and other carbonic anhydrase inhibitors, such as zonisamide, acetazolamide or dicchlorphenamide.

These medicines may be affected by GLUCOVANCE or may affect how well it works. You may need different amounts of your medicines or you may need to take different medicines.

Your doctor can tell you what to do if you are taking any of these medicines.

Check with your doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure whether you are taking any of these medicines, whether you should start taking this medicine, or if you are not sure what medicines, vitamins or supplements you are taking, and if these affect GLUCOVANCE.

Your doctor and pharmacist have more information on medicines to be careful with or avoid while taking GLUCOVANCE.

4. How do I use GLUCOVANCE?

Follow all directions given to you by your doctor and pharmacist carefully.

They may differ from the information contained in this leaflet.

If you do not understand the instructions on the pack, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

How much to take

The dose varies from person to person. Your doctor will decide the right dose for you.

People who do not respond to either metformin or a sulfonylurea medicine alone:

  • The usual starting dose is one GLUCOVANCE 500 mg/2.5 mg tablet once a day.

Replacing combined use of metformin and a sulfonylurea or glibenclamide medicine:

  • The usual starting dose is one to two tablets of GLUCOVANCE 500 mg/2.5 mg daily.

Follow the instructions provided and use GLUCOVANCE until your doctor tells you to stop.

Elderly people

The dose depends on the renal function. The usual starting dose for elderly patients may be one GLUCOVANCE 250mg/1.25mg tablet daily.

Age 65 years and older has been identified as a risk factor for hypoglycaemia in patients treated with sulfonylureas. Hypoglycaemia can be difficult to recognize in the elderly. Starting and maintenance doses of glibenclamide must be carefully adjusted to reduce the risk of hypoglycaemia.

It is recommended that these patients are not titrated to the maximum dose of GLUCOVANCE to avoid the risk of hypoglycaemia.

Smaller doses may be prescribed by your doctor if you have kidney problems or generally poor health.

Your doctor may increase the dose slowly over one or two weeks, depending on your blood glucose levels and other tests.

The usual maximum recommended dose is one GLUCOVANCE 500mg/5mg tablet three times a day.

When to take GLUCOVANCE

  • GLUCOVANCE should be taken immediately before your meal. This will reduce the chances of you having an upset stomach or a hypoglycaemic episode.
  • Take your medicine at about the same time each day.
    Taking it at the same time each day will have the best effect. It will also help you remember when to take it.

How to take GLUCOVANCE

  • Swallow the tablets with a glass of water.

How long to take GLUCOVANCE

  • Keep taking GLUCOVANCE for as long as your doctor tells you to.
  • GLUCOVANCE will help control diabetes but will not cure it. Most people will need to take GLUCOVANCE for long periods of time.

If you forget to use GLUCOVANCE

If you miss your dose at the usual time, take the next dose at the usual time.

If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the dose you missed and take your next dose when you are meant to.

Do not take a double dose to make up for the dose you missed.

If you are not sure what to do or have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

If you use too much GLUCOVANCE

If you think that you or anyone else may have taken too much GLUCOVANCE, you may need urgent medical attention.

You should immediately:

  • phone the Poisons Information Centre
    (Australia telephone 13 11 26) for advice, or
  • contact your doctor, or
  • go to the Emergency Department at your nearest hospital.

You should do this even if there are no signs of discomfort or poisoning.

If you take too much GLUCOVANCE, you may feel very tired, sick, vomit, have trouble breathing and have unusual muscle pain, stomach pain or diarrhoea. These may be early signs of a serious condition called lactic acidosis (build up of lactic acid in the blood).

You may also experience symptoms of hypoglycaemia (low blood glucose). If not treated quickly, these symptoms may progress to loss of co-ordination, slurred speech, confusion, fits or loss of consciousness.

If you do experience any signs of hypoglycaemia, raise your blood glucose quickly by eating jelly beans, sugar or honey, drinking a non-diet soft drink or taking glucose tablets.

5. What should I know while using GLUCOVANCE?

Things you should do

Make sure that you, your friends, family and work colleagues can recognise the symptoms of hypoglycaemia and hyperglycaemia and know how to treat them.

Hypoglycaemia

If you experience any of the symptoms of hypoglycaemia, you need to raise your blood glucose immediately. You can do this by doing one of the following:

  • eating 5 to 7 jelly beans
  • eating 3 teaspoons of sugar or honey
  • drinking half a can of non-diet soft drink
  • taking 2 to 3 concentrated glucose tablets.

Make sure that you have a full breakfast immediately after your first dose. If you usually have a light breakfast, hold off the first dose until lunch.

Due to the hypoglycaemic effect of GLUCOVANCE, it is recommended that you have a full meal immediately after a dose, to avoid a drop in your blood glucose level.

Unless you are within 10 to 15 minutes of your next meal or snack, follow up with extra carbohydrates such as plain biscuits, fruit or milk.

Taking this extra carbohydrate will prevent a second drop in your blood glucose level.

The risk of hypoglycaemia is increased in the following situations:

  • irregular meals or changes to diet
  • intensive or prolonged exercise
  • after alcohol intake
  • taking more GLUCOVANCE than prescribed
  • taking certain other medicines
  • in patients with kidney or liver problems
  • in patients with hormone problems with the thyroid, pituitary or adrenal gland
  • in patients from 65 years of age. Hypoglycaemia may be more severe and more prolonged than in younger adults.

Discuss with your doctor whether GLUCOVANCE is the appropriate treatment for your diabetes if you often experience severe symptoms of low blood sugar or if you find it hard to recognise them.

Hyperglycaemia

Call your doctor straight away if you:

  • notice the return of any symptoms of hyperglycaemia. Your doctor may need to consider additional or other treatments for your diabetes.

The risk of hyperglycaemia is increased in the following situations:

  • taking less GLUCOVANCE than prescribed
  • taking certain other medicines
  • too little exercise
  • eating more carbohydrates than normal.

Tell your doctor if you:

  • become ill
  • become dehydrated (for instance due to persistent or severe diarrhoea or recurrent vomiting)
  • are injured
  • have a fever
  • have a serious infection such as influenza, respiratory tract infection or urinary tract infection
  • are having surgery with general anaesthesia (including dental surgery)
  • are having any X-ray or scan that requires the injection of contrast medicines that contain iodine into your bloodstream.

Your blood glucose may become difficult to control at these times. You may also be more at risk of developing a serious condition called lactic acidosis. At these times, your doctor may replace GLUCOVANCE with insulin.

Before starting any new medicine, tell your doctor or pharmacist that you are taking GLUCOVANCE.

Remind any doctor, dentist or pharmacist who are treating you that you are using GLUCOVANCE.

If you become pregnant while taking GLUCOVANCE, tell your doctor.

Visit your doctor regularly for check ups.

Your doctor may want to perform blood tests to check your kidneys, liver, heart, and vitamin B12 levels while you are taking GLUCOVANCE. Make sure that you return to your doctor at least once a year (more often if you are elderly or if your kidney function is at the limit of normal).

Check your blood glucose levels regularly.

This is the best way to tell if your diabetes is being controlled properly. Your doctor or diabetes educator will show you how and when to do this.

Carefully follow the advice from your doctor and dietician on diet, drinking alcohol and exercise.

If you drink alcohol while taking GLUCOVANCE, you may get flushing, headache, breathing difficulties, rapid heartbeat, stomach pains or feel sick and vomit.

Your doctor may suggest avoiding alcohol.

Things you should not do

  • Do not use any other medicines containing metformin or glibenclamide, in the form of either a single or a combination product, while you are being treated with GLUCOVANCE. Taking additional metformin or glibenclamide-containing products may increase the risk of you getting unwanted side effects.
  • Do not skip meals while taking GLUCOVANCE. You are more at risk of developing hypoglycaemia if you skip meals.
  • Do not stop taking this medicine suddenly, or change the dose, without checking with your doctor.
  • Do not use GLUCOVANCE to treat any other conditions unless your doctor tells you to.
  • Do not give GLUCOVANCE to anyone else, even if they have the same condition as you.

Things to be careful of

If you become sick with a cold, fever or flu, it is very important to continue eating your normal meals. If you have trouble eating solid food, use sugar-sweetened drinks as a carbohydrate substitute or eat small amounts of bland food.

Your diabetes educator or dietician can give you a list of foods to eat on sick days.

When you are travelling, it is a good idea to:

  • wear some form of identification (e.g. bracelet) showing you have diabetes
  • carry some form of sugar to treat hypoglycaemia if it occurs, for example, sugar sachets or jelly beans
  • carry emergency food rations in case of a delay, for example, dried fruit, biscuits or muesli bars
  • bring enough GLUCOVANCE tablets with you, so you don't miss any doses.

Protect your skin when you are in the sun, especially between 10 am and 3 pm. If outdoors, wear protective clothing and use a 15+ sunscreen. If your skin does appear to be burning, tell your doctor immediately.

GLUCOVANCE may cause your skin to be more sensitive to sunlight than it is normally. Exposure to sunlight may cause skin rash, itching, redness or severe sunburn.

Driving or using machines

Be careful before you drive or use any machines or tools until you know how GLUCOVANCE affects you.

If you have to be alert, for example driving, be careful not to let your blood glucose levels fall too low.

Low blood glucose levels may slow your reaction time and affect your ability to drive or operate machinery.

Drinking alcohol

Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you drink alcohol.

Alcohol can strongly affect the control of your diabetes and if you drink alcohol while taking GLUCOVANCE it may lead to serious side effects.

Your doctor may suggest avoiding alcohol.

Looking after your medicine

  • Store below 25°C.
  • Keep your tablets in the pack until it is time to take them.
    If you take the tablets out of the pack, they will not keep well.

Follow the instructions in the carton on how to take care of your medicine properly.

Store it in a cool dry place away from moisture, heat or sunlight; for example, do not store it:

  • in the bathroom or near a sink, or
  • in the car or on window sills.

Keep it where young children cannot reach it.

A locked cupboard at least one-and-a-half metres above the ground is a good place to store medicines.

Getting rid of any unwanted medicine

If you no longer need to use this medicine, if your doctor tells you to stop taking GLUCOVANCE or it is out of date, take it to any pharmacy for safe disposal.

Do not use this medicine after the expiry date.

6. Are there any side effects?

Tell your doctor or pharmacist as soon as possible if you do not feel well while you are taking GLUCOVANCE.

GLUCOVANCE helps most people with type II diabetes but it may have unwanted side effects in some people.

All medicines can have side effects. If you do experience any side effects, most of them are minor and temporary. However, some side effects may need medical attention.

If you are an elderly person over 65 years of age, report any side effects promptly to your doctor. You may have an increased chance of getting side effects.

Do not be alarmed by this list of possible side effects. You may not experience any of them.

See the information below and, if you need to, ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any further questions about side effects.

Less serious side effects

Less serious side effectsWhat to do
  • signs of hypoglycaemia which may include weakness, trembling or shaking, sweating, light headedness, headache, dizziness, irritability and tearfulness
  • stomach upset including nausea (feeling sick), vomiting and indigestion
  • pressure on the stomach or feeling of fullness
  • diarrhoea
  • loss of appetite
  • taste disturbance
  • mild skin rash
  • transient visual disturbances due to a decrease of blood glucose levels
  • flushing, headache, breathing difficulties, rapid heart beat, stomach pains or feel sick and vomit if you drink alcohol while taking GLUCOVANCE.
Speak to your doctor if you have any of these less serious side effects and they worry you.

Serious side effects

Serious side effectsWhat to do
  • skin reactions including severe skin rash, itching or hives
  • symptoms of sunburn such as redness, itching or blistering, which may occur more quickly than normal
  • bleeding or bruising more easily than normal, reddish or purplish blotches under the skin
  • symptoms of liver disease such as yellowing of the eyes or skin (jaundice) and dark coloured urine
  • frequent signs of infection, such as fever, chills, sore throat or mouth ulcers.
TELL YOUR DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY OR GO TO ACCIDENT AND EMERGENCY AT THE NEAREST HOSPITAL IF YOU NOTICE ANY OF THE FOLLOWING SYMPTOMS OF LACTIC ACIDOSIS (BUILD UP OF ACID IN THE BLOOD):
  • nausea, vomiting, stomach pain
  • trouble breathing
  • feeling weak, tired or generally unwell
  • unusual muscle pain
  • sleepiness
  • dizziness or light headedness
  • shivering, feeling extremely cold
  • slow heartbeat.
LACTIC ACIDOSIS IS A VERY RARE BUT SERIOUS SIDE EFFECT REQUIRING URGENT MEDICAL ATTENTION OR HOSPITALISATION. ALTHOUGH RARE, IF LACTIC ACIDOSIS DOES OCCUR, IT CAN BE FATAL. THE RISK OF LACTIC ACIDOSIS IS HIGHER IN THE ELDERLY, THOSE WHOSE DIABETES IS POORLY CONTROLLED, THOSE WITH PROLONGED FASTING, THOSE WITH CERTAIN HEART CONDITIONS, THOSE WHO DRINK ALCOHOL AND THOSE WITH KIDNEY OR LIVER PROBLEMS.
Call your doctor straight away, or go straight to the Emergency Department at your nearest hospital if you notice any of these serious side effects.
These side effects are serious and require urgent medical attention or hospitalization.

Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you notice anything else that may be making you feel unwell. It is very important that you speak to your doctor immediately if a side effect is severe, occurred suddenly or gets worse rapidly.

Other side effects not listed here may occur in some people.

Other side effects not listed above may also occur in some patients. Some side effects from e.g., reduced vitamin B12 level may occur. Your doctor may arrange some tests from time to time to check your progress and to find out the cause of any symptoms.

Reporting side effects

After you have received medical advice for any side effects you experience, you can report side effects to the Therapeutic Goods Administration online at www.tga.gov.au/reporting-problems. By reporting side effects, you can help provide more information on the safety of this medicine.

Always make sure you speak to your doctor or pharmacist before you decide to stop taking any of your medicines.

7. Product details

This medicine is only available with a doctor's prescription.

What GLUCOVANCE contains

Active ingredient
(main ingredient)
Each GLUCOVANCE 250/1.25 tablet contains metformin hydrochloride 250 mg and glibenclamide 1.25 mg.
Each GLUCOVANCE 500/2.5 tablet contains metformin hydrochloride 500 mg and glibenclamide 2.5 mg.
Each GLUCOVANCE 500/5 tablet contains metformin hydrochloride 500 mg and glibenclamide 5 mg.
Other ingredients
(inactive ingredients)
GLUCOVANCE 250/1.25, GLUCOVANCE 500/2.5 and GLUCOVANCE 500/5 tablets contain croscarmellose sodium, povidone, magnesium stearate, cellulose – microcrystalline.
GLUCOVANCE 250/1.25 tablet also contains Opadry II complete film coating system OY-L-22903 Yellow (ARTG PI No: 4389).
GLUCOVANCE 500/2.5 tablet also contains Opadry II complete film coating system OY-L-24808 Pink (ARTG PI No: 4390).
GLUCOVANCE 500/5 tablet also contains Opadry II complete film coating system 31F22700 Yellow (ARTG PI No: 4391).
Potential allergensContains trace amounts of lactose.

Do not take this medicine if you are allergic to any of these ingredients.

What GLUCOVANCE looks like

GLUCOVANCE 250/1.25 is yellow film-coated, capsule-shaped, biconvex tablet, engraved with "250" on one side and "1.25" on the other side (AUST R 96725).

GLUCOVANCE 500/2.5 is pale orange film-coated, capsule-shaped, biconvex tablet, engraved with "2.5" on one side (AUST R 96728).

GLUCOVANCE 500/5 is yellow film-coated, capsule-shaped, engraved with "5" on one side (AUST R 96729).

Each pack contains 90 tablets.

Some strengths or pack sizes may not be marketed.

Who distributes GLUCOVANCE

Alphapharm Pty Ltd trading as Viatris
Level 1, 30 The Bond
30-34 Hickson Road
Millers Point NSW 2000
www.viatris.com.au
Phone: 1800 274 276

This leaflet was prepared in Jan 2024.

GLUCOVANCE® is a Viatris company trade mark

GLUCOVANCE_cmi\Jan24/00

Published by MIMS March 2024

BRAND INFORMATION

Brand name

Glucovance

Active ingredient

Metformin hydrochloride; Glibenclamide

Schedule

S4

 

1 Name of Medicine

Metformin hydrochloride and glibenclamide.

2 Qualitative and Quantitative Composition

Glucovance contains metformin hydrochloride and glibenclamide combination as the active ingredients and is available in three strength combinations:
Each Glucovance 250/1.25 tablet contains 250 mg metformin hydrochloride and 1.25 mg glibenclamide.
Each Glucovance 500/2.5 tablet contains 500 mg metformin hydrochloride and 2.5 mg glibenclamide.
Each Glucovance 500/5 tablet contains 500 mg metformin hydrochloride and 5 mg glibenclamide.

Excipients with known effect.

Trace amounts of Lactose.
For the full list of excipients, see Section 6.1 List of Excipients.

3 Pharmaceutical Form

Oral. Film-coated tablets.

Glucovance 250/1.25.

Yellow film-coated, capsule-shaped, biconvex tablets, engraved with "250" on one side and "1.25" on the other side.

Glucovance 500/2.5.

Pale orange film-coated, capsule-shaped, biconvex tablets, engraved with "2.5" on one side.

Glucovance 500/5.

Yellow film-coated, capsule-shaped, biconvex tablets, engraved with "5" on one side.

4 Clinical Particulars

4.1 Therapeutic Indications

Second line treatment of diabetes mellitus type II in adult patients whose glycaemic control is inadequate after diet and exercise alone and where combined therapy with metformin and glibenclamide is appropriate.

4.2 Dose and Method of Administration

Life threatening lactic acidosis can occur due to accumulation of metformin. The main risk factor is renal impairment, other risk factors include old age associated with reduced renal function and high doses of metformin above 2 g per day.
As with all hypoglycaemic drugs, the dosage should be individualised according to the metabolic response of each patient (glycaemia, HbA1c). It is recommended to initiate therapy with a low dosage and to gradually increase the dose as a function of laboratory results.
Glucovance may be used instead of a previously prescribed oral antidiabetic. This transfer can generally be made without any transition period, starting for preference with a low dosage and adjusting it thereafter as a function of the metabolic response of each patient. However, if the patient was previously taking a sulfonylurea with a long half-life, a treatment-free washout period of a few days may be necessary, so as to minimise the risk of hypoglycaemia due to an additive effect of the two drugs. It is recommended that, when switching the patient to a fixed-dose combination product containing metformin, any previously prescribed individual-component products should be discontinued, to minimise the risk of accidental overdosing or dose related adverse effects. Only one strength of the fixed-dose combination product should be prescribed and used at any one time.
Mistakes, e.g. forgetting to take a dose, must never be corrected by subsequently taking a larger dose. Measures for dealing with such mistakes (in particular forgetting a dose or skipping a meal), or in the event a dose cannot be taken at the prescribed time, must be discussed and agreed between the doctor and the patient beforehand.

Initiation of treatment.

Monotherapy failure.

In the event of monotherapy failure with metformin or a sulfonylurea, the usual initial dosage is 1 tablet of Glucovance 500 mg/2.5 mg daily.

Combination therapy substitution.

In patients already on combination therapy with metformin and sulfonylurea, the initial dosage should be 1 to 2 tablets of Glucovance 500 mg/2.5 mg daily. It is recommended to start with a lower dose of the currently used agents in the fixed combination to reduce the risk of hypoglycaemia.

Dose titration.

The dosage should be adjusted every 2 weeks or longer, by increments of 1 tablet, depending on glycaemia results. A gradual increase in the dosage may aid gastrointestinal tolerance and prevent the onset of hypoglycaemia.

Maximum daily recommended dose.

The maximum recommended daily dose is 3 tablets of Glucovance 500 mg/5 mg. In exceptional cases, an increase up to 4 tablets of Glucovance 500 mg/5 mg per day may be recommended.

Dosing frequency.

The tablets should be taken at the beginning of meals. The dosage regimen depends on the daily dosage in a given patient, such as:
once a day, in the morning at breakfast, for a dosage of 1 tablet per day;
twice a day, morning and evening, for a dosage of 2 or 4 tablets per day;
three times a day, morning, noon and evening, for a dosage of 3 tablets per day.
The dosing frequency should be adjusted according to the eating habits of each patient. However, any intake must be followed by a meal with a sufficiently high carbohydrate content to prevent the onset of hypoglycaemic episodes.

Specific populations.

Elderly.

In the elderly, the dosage of Glucovance should be adjusted depending on renal function parameters (see Section 4.4 Special Warnings and Precautions for Use, Use in the elderly). It is recommended to initiate treatment with one tablet daily of Glucovance 250 mg/1.25 mg, then adjust the doses according to laboratory test results.

Paediatric patients.

Glucovance is not recommended for use in children and adolescents (see Section 5.1 Pharmacodynamic Properties, Clinical trials, Paediatric patients).

4.3 Contraindications

This medicinal product must never be used in case of:
hypersensitivity to metformin hydrochloride, glibenclamide or other sulfonylureas or sulfonamides or to any of the excipients;
any type of metabolic acidosis (such as lactic acidosis, diabetic ketoacidosis);
diabetic pre-coma;
renal failure or renal dysfunction (creatinine clearance < 60 mL/min);
acute conditions with the potential to alter renal function such as: dehydration, severe infection, shock, intravascular administration of iodinated contrast materials (see Section 4.4 Special Warnings and Precautions for Use);
acute or chronic disease which may cause tissue hypoxia such as cardiac or respiratory failure, recent myocardial infarction, shock, acute significant blood loss, sepsis, gangrene;
major surgery (see Section 4.4 Special Warnings and Precautions for Use);
hepatic insufficiency, acute alcohol intoxication, alcoholism;
porphyria;
congenital galactosemia, glucose and galactose malabsorption syndrome or lactase deficiency;
lactation;
in association with miconazole (see Section 4.5 Interactions with Other Medicines and Other Forms of Interactions).

4.4 Special Warnings and Precautions for Use

Metformin.

Lactic acidosis. Lactic acidosis is a rare, but serious metabolic complication that can occur due to metformin accumulation during treatment with metformin. When it occurs, it is fatal in approximately 50% of cases. Lactic acidosis is a medical emergency and must be treated in hospital immediately. The risk of lactic acidosis increases with the degree of renal dysfunction. Reported cases of lactic acidosis in patients on metformin have occurred primarily in diabetic patients with significant renal insufficiency, often in the setting of multiple concomitant medical/surgical problems and multiple concomitant medications. Special caution should be taken in the elderly due to the decrease of renal function with age.
The reported incidence of lactic acidosis in patients receiving metformin is very low (approximately 0.03 cases per 1,000 patient years, with approximately 0.015 fatal cases per 1,000 patient years). The onset is often subtle and accompanied by non-specific symptoms such as malaise, myalgia, respiratory distress, hypothermia, increasing somnolence and non-specific abdominal distress. The incidence of lactic acidosis can and should be reduced by also assessing other associated risk factors, such as poorly-controlled diabetes, ketosis, prolonged fasting, alcoholism, hepatic insufficiency and any condition associated with hypoxia.
Diagnostic laboratory findings are decreased blood pH, plasma lactate levels above 5 microgram/mL and an increased anion gap and lactate/pyruvate ratio.
When metformin is implicated as the cause of lactic acidosis, metformin plasma levels greater than 5 microgram/mL are generally found (see Section 5.2 Pharmacokinetic Properties). Underlying renal disease, or deterioration in renal function, result in reduced clearance of metformin and drug accumulation and are therefore major risk factors in lactic acidosis. The risk of lactic acidosis may therefore be significantly decreased by regular monitoring of renal function in patients taking Glucovance and those patients on concomitant diuretics. The minimum effective dose of Glucovance is recommended. In addition, Glucovance therapy should be temporarily stopped in the presence of any condition associated with hypoxaemia or dehydration, in patients suffering from serious infections or trauma (particularly if gastrointestinal disturbances are noted or acidosis is suspected) and in those undergoing surgery.
Renal function. As metformin is excreted by the kidney, it is recommended that creatinine clearance and/or serum creatinine levels should be determined before initiating treatment and regularly thereafter:
at least annually in patients with normal renal function;
at least two to four times a year in patients with serum creatinine levels at the upper limit of normal and in elderly subjects.
Decreased renal function in elderly subjects is frequent and asymptomatic. Special caution should be exercised in situations where renal function may become impaired, for example when initiating antihypertensive therapy or diuretic therapy, and when starting therapy with a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID).
Administration of iodinated contrast materials. The intravascular administration of iodinated contrast materials in radiologic studies can lead to renal failure. This may induce metformin accumulation and may expose to lactic acidosis. Glucovance must be discontinued either 48 hours before the test when renal function is known to be impaired or from the time of the test when renal function is known to be normal. Glucovance may not be reinstituted until 48 hours afterwards, and only after renal function has been re-evaluated and found to be normal.
Surgery. Because Glucovance contains metformin hydrochloride, Glucovance must be discontinued 48 hours before elective major surgery, and may not be reinstituted earlier than 48 hours afterwards, and only after renal function has been re-evaluated and found to be normal.
Alcohol. Alcohol is known to potentiate the effect of metformin on lactate metabolism. Patients should therefore be warned against excessive alcohol intake, acute or chronic, while taking Glucovance, due to the increase of risk of lactic acidosis particularly in case of fasting or malnutrition or hepatic insufficiency.
Pancreatitis. Glucovance must be discontinued when pancreatitis is combined with sepsis or hypoxia.
Other precautions. The risk of low vitamin B12 levels increases with increasing metformin dose, treatment duration, and/or in patients with risk factors known to cause vitamin B12 deficiency (see Section 4.8 Adverse Effects (Undesirable Effects)). It is recommended that vitamin B12 serum levels are monitored annually.

Glibenclamide.

Hypoglycaemia. As it contains a sulfonylurea, Glucovance exposes the patient to a risk of onset of hypoglycaemic episodes. Severe hypoglycaemia, which may be prolonged and is potentially lethal, can be induced by all sulfonylureas. This treatment should only be prescribed if the patient adheres to a regular meal schedule (including breakfast). It is important that carbohydrate intake is regular since the risk of hypoglycaemia is increased by a late meal, insufficient or unbalanced carbohydrate intakes. Hypoglycaemia is more likely to occur in case of energy-restricted diet, after intensive or prolonged exercise, after alcohol intake or during the administration of a combination of hypoglycaemic agents. The use of glibenclamide in the elderly may be associated with a higher risk of hypoglycaemia than in younger adults. Hypoglycaemia may be more severe and more prolonged in the elderly.

Management of hypoglycaemia.

Moderate hypoglycaemic symptoms without loss of consciousness or neurological manifestations should be corrected by the immediate intake of sugar. An adjustment to the dosage and/or changes to meal patterns should be ensured. Severe hypoglycaemic reactions with coma, seizures or other neurological signs are also possible and constitute a medical emergency requiring immediate treatment with intravenous glucose once the cause is diagnosed or suspected, prior to prompt hospitalisation of the patient.
The careful selection of patients and dosage and adequate instructions for the patient are important to reduce the risk of hypoglycaemic episodes. If the patient encounters repeated episodes of hypoglycaemia, which are either severe or associated with unawareness of the situation, antidiabetic treatment options other than Glucovance should be taken into consideration.
Risk factors for hypoglycaemia should be carefully monitored:
refusal or (more particularly in elderly patients) inability of the patient to co-operate, debilitated patients;
age 65 years or older - it is recommended that these patients are not titrated to the maximum dose of Glucovance to avoid the risk of hypoglycaemia;
malnutrition, irregular meals, missed meals, fasting or changes to diet;
severe and prolonged exercise, poor balance between physical exercise and carbohydrate intake;
renal failure;
severe liver failure;
overdose of Glucovance;
certain endocrine disturbances: thyroid insufficiency, pituitary and adrenal gland insufficiency;
alcohol ingestion (see Section 4.5 Interactions with Other Medicines and Other Forms of Interactions);
concomitant administration of certain other drugs, especially other antidiabetic agents (see Section 4.5 Interactions with Other Medicines and Other Forms of Interactions).
Correction of dosage must also be considered whenever the patient's weight changes, the patient's lifestyle changes or other factors arise that cause an increased susceptibility to hypoglycaemia or hyperglycaemia.
Age 65 years and older has been identified as a risk factor for hypoglycaemia in patients treated with sulfonylureas. Hypoglycaemia can be difficult to recognize in the elderly. Starting and maintenance doses of glibenclamide must be carefully adjusted to reduce the risk of hypoglycaemia.
Renal and hepatic failure. The pharmacokinetics and/or pharmacodynamics of Glucovance may be modified in patients with hepatic failure or severe renal failure. Renal or hepatic insufficiency may cause increased serum concentrations of glibenclamide and hepatic insufficiency may also diminish glyconeogenic capacity. If hypoglycaemia occurs in such patients, it may be prolonged, and appropriate treatment must be initiated.
In the presence of a genetic defect in metabolism, the elimination half-life of glibenclamide may be prolonged.
It should be borne in mind that there is a possibility of cross sensitivity to sulfonamides and their derivatives.

Other precautions.

Type I diabetes should be treated with insulin.
Glucovance should not be used if diabetes mellitus can be regulated by diet alone.
The usual clinical and laboratory tests for diabetes monitoring, including blood glucose determination, should be performed regularly. This allows determination of the minimum effective dosage and detection of primary failure (inadequate lowering of blood glucose concentration at the maximum recommended dosage) or secondary failure (loss of control of blood glucose concentration following an initial period of effectiveness) to the medicinal product. Glycosylated haemoglobin measurements may also be useful for monitoring the patient's response to Glucovance therapy.
Periodic assessment of renal, hepatic and cardiovascular function are also recommended during prolonged periods of treatment with Glucovance.

Blood sugar imbalance.

In cases of surgery or unusual stress (e.g. febrile infections) or any other cause of diabetic decompensation, temporary insulin therapy should be envisaged instead of this treatment.
Because this medicinal product contains lactose, it is contraindicated in case of congenital galactosemia, glucose and galactose malabsorption syndrome or in case of lactase deficiency.

Information for the prescriber.

It is recommended that, when switching the patient to a metformin/glibenclamide fixed-dose combination product, any previously prescribed individual-component products should be discontinued, to minimise the risk of accidental overdosing or dose related adverse effects. Only one strength of the metformin/glibenclamide fixed-dose combination product should be prescribed and used at any one time.

Information for the patient.

The risks of hypoglycaemia and hyperglycaemia, its symptoms and its treatment, as well as its predisposing conditions, must be explained to the patient and his or her family. Symptoms of hyperglycaemia include severe thirst, dry mouth, frequent micturition, dry skin; while symptoms of hypoglycaemia include intense hunger, sweating, tremor, restlessness, irritability, depression, headaches, disturbed sleep or transient neurological disorders. Similarly, the risk of lactic acidosis must be considered in the event of non-specific signs such as muscle cramps accompanied by digestive disorders, abdominal pain and severe asthenia. In particular, the patient should be informed of the importance of adhering to a diet with a regular distribution of carbohydrate intake during the day, following a programme of regular physical exercise and making regular checks on glycaemia. Overweight patients should continue their energy-restricted diet.

Use in the elderly.

In the elderly, decreased renal function is frequent and asymptomatic. Therefore, it is recommended that creatinine and/or serum creatinine levels be determined before initiating treatment and regularly thereafter at least two to four times a year in elderly subjects. The dosage of Glucovance should be adjusted depending on renal function parameters.
Age 65 years and older has been identified as a risk factor for hypoglycaemia in patients treated with sulfonylureas. Hypoglycaemia can be difficult to recognize in the elderly. Starting and maintenance doses of glibenclamide must be carefully adjusted to reduce the risk of hypoglycaemia (see Section 4.2 Dose and Method of Administration).

Paediatric use.

Glucovance should not be administered to children.

Effects on laboratory tests.

No information regarding the effect of metformin or glibenclamide on laboratory tests is available.

4.5 Interactions with Other Medicines and Other Forms of Interactions

Contraindicated combinations.

Related to glibenclamide.

Miconazole (systemic route, oromucosal gel).

Increase in the hypoglycaemic effect with possible onset of hypoglycaemic manifestations, or even coma (see Section 4.3 Contraindications).
Related to metformin.

Iodinated contrast materials.

Glucovance must be discontinued either 48 hours before the test when renal function is known to be impaired, or from the time of the test when renal function is known to be normal (see Section 4.3 Contraindications).

Inadvisable combinations.

Related to glibenclamide.

Bosentan.

There is an increased risk of hepatotoxicity if bosentan is given with glibenclamide. Such use should be avoided. The hypoglycaemic effect of glibenclamide may also be reduced.
Related to sulfonylureas.

Phenylbutazone (systemic route).

Increase in the hypoglycaemic effect of sulfonylureas (displacement of sulfonylureas from protein-binding sites and/or decrease in their elimination). Preferably use another anti-inflammatory agent exhibiting fewer interactions, or else warn the patient and step up self-monitoring; if necessary, adjust the dosage during treatment with the anti-inflammatory agent and after its withdrawal.

Combinations requiring precautions.

Related to metformin.

Cimetidine.

Reduced clearance of metformin has been reported during cimetidine pharmacokinetic interaction study.

Anticoagulants.

Metformin increases the elimination rate of vitamin K antagonists during pharmacokinetics interaction study.

Nifedipine.

A single-dose, metformin-nifedipine drug interaction study in normal healthy volunteers demonstrated that co-administration of metformin and nifedipine increased plasma metformin Cmax and AUC by 20% and 9%, respectively, and increased the amount of metformin excreted in the urine. Tmax and half-life of metformin were unaffected. Nifedipine appears to enhance the absorption of metformin. Metformin had minimal effects on the pharmacokinetics of nifedipine.

Organic cation transporters (OCT).

Metformin is a substrate of both transporters OCT1 and OCT2.
Co-administration of metformin with:
substrates/inhibitors of OCT1 (such as verapamil) may reduce efficacy of metformin;
inducers of OCT1 (such as rifampicin) may increase gastrointestinal absorption and efficacy;
substrates/inhibitors of OCT2 (such as cimetidine, dolutegravir, crizotinib, olaparib, daclatasvir, vandetanib) may decrease the renal elimination of metformin and thus lead to an increased metformin plasma concentration.

Carbonic anhydrase inhibitors.

Topiramate or other carbonic anhydrase inhibitors (e.g. zonisamide, acetazolamide or dichlorphenamide) frequently cause a decrease in serum bicarbonate and induce non-anion gap, hyperchloremic metabolic acidosis. Concomitant use of these drugs with metformin hydrochloride tablet may increase the risk for lactic acidosis. Consider more frequent monitoring of these patients.

NSAID.

May increase the risk of lactic acidosis and adversely affect renal function.
Therefore, caution is advised when these drugs are co-administered with metformin and a dose adjustment may be considered, particularly in patients with renal impairment.
Related to glibenclamide.

Fluconazole.

Increase in the half-life of sulfonylurea with possible onset of hypoglycaemic manifestations. Warn the patient and step up blood glucose self-monitoring, and possibly adjust the dosage of the antidiabetic during treatment with fluconazole and after its withdrawal.

Pharmacodynamic interactions. Inadvisable combinations.

Related to metformin.

Alcohol.

Increased risk of lactic acidosis during acute alcoholic intoxication, particularly in cases of fasting or malnutrition and hepatic insufficiency. Avoid drinking alcoholic beverages and taking drugs that contain alcohol.
Related to sulfonylureas.

Alcohol.

In very rare cases, intolerance to alcohol may occur. Disulfiram-like reactions have occurred very rarely following the concomitant use of alcohol and glibenclamide. This disulfiram effect has been reported with other sulfonylureas, notably for chlorpropamide, glibenclamide, glipizide, tolbutamide. Excessive alcohol ingestion may dangerously increase the hypoglycaemic action (via inhibition of compensation reactions or delaying its metabolic inactivation), which may facilitate the onset of a hypoglycaemic coma. Avoid consumption of alcohol and alcohol-containing medications.
Related to all antidiabetic agents.

Danazol.

If the combination cannot be avoided, warn the patient and step up self-monitoring of blood glucose. Possibly adjust the dosage of the antidiabetic during treatment with danazol and after its withdrawal.

Combinations requiring precautions.

Related to metformin.

Diuretics.

Lactic acidosis due to metformin triggered by any functional renal insufficiency, related to diuretics and more particularly to loop diuretics. Thiazide diuretic therapy may impair glucose tolerance. Dosage adjustment of metformin may be required.

Other calcium channel blockers.

May affect glucose control in diabetic patients.

Beta-blockers.

Co-administration of metformin and beta-blockers may result in a potentiation of the anti-hyperglycaemic action. Monitoring of blood glucose should be undertaken during dosage adjustment of either agent.
Related to glibenclamide. Other drugs given at the same time as sulfonylureas may cause undesirable depression or elevation of the blood sugar level.

Beta-blockers, clonidine, reserpine, guanethidine and sympathomimetics.

All beta-blockers, clonidine, reserpine, guanethidine and sympathomimetics mask some of the symptoms of hypoglycaemia: palpitations and tachycardia. Most non-cardioselective beta-blockers increase the incidence and severity of hypoglycaemia. Warn the patient and step up blood glucose self-monitoring, especially at the start of treatment.

Other drugs that may potentiate the hypoglycaemic action of glibenclamide.

Anabolic steroids, bezafibrate, chloramphenicol, clofibrate, co-trimoxazole, coumarin derivatives, disopyramide, fenfluramine, fluoxetine, gemfibrozil, guanethidine, heparin, MAO-inhibitors, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents, pentoxifylline (oxpentifylline) (parenteral, in high doses), phenylbutazone, phosphamides, probenecid, quinolone antibiotics, salicylates, sulphinpyrazone, tetracycline compounds and certain long-acting sulfonamides.

Other drugs that may cause an attenuation of the hypoglycaemic action of glibenclamide.

Acetazolamide, calcium channel blockers, cimetidine, diazoxide, glucagon, isoniazid, nicotinic acid (high dosage), oestrogens, progestogens, phenothiazine derivatives, phenytoin, ranitidine, rifampicin, saluretics, sympathomimetic agents, thyroid hormones and large doses of laxatives.
Related to all antidiabetic agents.

Chlorpromazine.

At high dosages (100 mg per day of chlorpromazine), elevation in blood glucose (reduction in release of insulin). Precaution for use: warn the patient and step up self-monitoring of blood glucose. Possibly adjust the dosage of the antidiabetic during treatment with the neuroleptic and after its withdrawal.

Corticosteroids (glucocorticoids) and tetracosactide (tetracosactrin) (systemic and local routes).

Elevation in blood glucose, sometimes accompanied by ketosis (decreased carbohydrate tolerance with corticosteroids). Precaution for use: warn the patient and step up self-monitoring of blood glucose. Possibly adjust the dosage of the antidiabetic during treatment with corticosteroids and after their withdrawal.

β2-agonists.

Elevation in blood glucose due to the β2-agonist. Precaution for use: warn the patient, step up blood glucose monitoring and possibly transfer to insulin therapy.

Angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors (e.g. captopril, enalapril).

ACE inhibitors may decrease the blood glucose levels. If necessary, adjust the dosage of Glucovance during therapy with an ACE inhibitor and upon its discontinuation.

Other interaction - combination to be taken into account.

Related to glibenclamide.

Desmopressin.

Reduction in antidiuretic activity.

4.6 Fertility, Pregnancy and Lactation

Effects on fertility.

The potential effects of the combination of metformin and glibenclamide or glibenclamide alone on fertility have not been investigated in animal studies.
Fertility of male or female rats was unaffected by metformin alone at oral doses up to 600 mg/kg/day, approximately 3 times the maximum recommended daily dose on a body surface area basis.
(Category C)
The patient should be transferred from Glucovance to insulin during pregnancy. When uncontrolled, diabetes gives rise to an increase in congenital abnormalities and perinatal mortality. It is important to achieve strict normoglycaemia during pregnancy.
There are no adequate and well-controlled studies with metformin and glibenclamide in pregnant women. No studies in pregnant animals have been conducted with the combination of metformin and glibenclamide. Metformin alone was not teratogenic in rats and rabbits at oral doses up to 600 mg/kg/day and 140 mg/kg/day, respectively, approximately 3 and 1 times the maximum recommended daily dose on a body surface area basis. Sulfonylureas such as glibenclamide, may enter the foetal circulation and cause neonatal hypoglycaemia. Embryotoxicity and/or birth defects have been demonstrated in animals dosed with glibenclamide alone.
Studies on lactating rats show that metformin is excreted into milk and reaches levels comparable to those in plasma. Although it is not known whether glibenclamide is excreted in milk, some sulfonylurea drugs are known to be excreted in human milk. In view of the potential risk of neonatal hypoglycaemia, Glucovance should not be used in nursing mothers.

4.7 Effects on Ability to Drive and Use Machines

Until optimal control is achieved, or when changing from one product to another, or when tablets are not taken regularly, the patient's alertness and capacity to react may be impaired to such an extent that they may not be fit to drive or to operate machinery.

4.8 Adverse Effects (Undesirable Effects)

Metformin.

Gastrointestinal disorders.

Gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain and loss of appetite, are very common (> 10%); these occur most frequently during initiation of therapy and resolve spontaneously in most cases. To prevent these gastrointestinal symptoms, it is recommended that this medicinal product be taken in 2 or 3 daily doses. A slow increase of the dose may also improve gastrointestinal tolerability.

Metabolism and nutrition disorders.

Lactic acidosis (see Section 4.4 Special Warnings and Precautions for Use) is a very rare (< 0.01%) but serious metabolic complication that can occur due to metformin accumulation during treatment with metformin.
The onset of lactic acidosis is often subtle and accompanied only by non-specific symptoms such as malaise, myalgia, respiratory distress, increasing somnolence and non-specific abdominal distress. There may be associated hypothermia, hypotension and resistant bradyarrhythmias with more marked acidosis. The patient and the patient's physician must be aware of the possible importance of such symptoms and the patient should be instructed to notify the physician immediately if they occur. Lactic acidosis should be suspected in any diabetic patient with metabolic acidosis lacking evidence of ketoacidosis (ketonuria and ketonemia).
Lactic acidosis is a medical emergency that must be treated in hospital. In a patient with lactic acidosis who is taking metformin, the drug should be discontinued immediately and general supportive measures promptly instituted.
Vitamin B12 deficiency is commonly reported with metformin. Consideration of such aetiology is recommended if a patient presents with megaloblastic anaemia (see Section 4.4 Special Warnings and Precautions for Use, Other precautions). Therefore, serum B12 levels should be monitored annually or periodic parenteral B12 supplementation considered.

Hepatobiliary disorders.

Very rare: liver function test abnormalities or hepatitis requiring treatment discontinuation.

Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders.

Skin reactions such as erythema, pruritus and urticaria have been reported but the incidence is very rare (< 0.01%).

Nervous system disorders.

Taste disturbance (3%) is common.

Glibenclamide.

Clinical experience in the use of glibenclamide has shown that side effects serious enough to compel discontinuation of therapy are uncommon, even during long-term therapy. However, if adverse effects persist, the drug should be discontinued.

Gastrointestinal disorders.

Gastrointestinal disorders such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, epigastric fullness or sensation of pressure, anorexia, heartburn, dyspepsia and diarrhoea are the most common adverse reactions for glibenclamide alone, occurring in about 1 to 2% of patients. Glibenclamide induced adverse gastrointestinal effects appear to be dose related and may subside following a reduction in dosage.

Metabolism and nutrition disorders.

Hypoglycaemia which may be not only severe, but also prolonged and fatal (see Section 4.4 Special Warnings and Precautions for Use). Disulfiram effect with alcohol intake.

Hepatobiliary disorders.

Hepatic porphyria, increased liver enzymes (AST, ALT), abnormal liver function, cholestasis, cholestatic hepatitis, granulomatous hepatitis and bilirubinemia have been reported with sulfonylureas.

Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders.

Reactions of skin and mucous membranes: pruritus, erythema, urticaria, erythematous, maculopapular rash and bullous skin eruptions or psoriasiform drug eruption occur in 1.5% of glibenclamide treated patients; if skin reactions persist, the drug should be discontinued.
Porphyria cutanea tarda, pellagra-like changes have been reported with sulfonylureas. A few cases of photosensitization have been reported. In very rare cases, cutaneous or visceral allergic angiitis, exfoliative dermatitis and urticaria evolving to shock have been reported.
A cross reactivity to sulphonamide(s) and their derivatives may occur.

Eye disorders.

Transient visual disturbances may occur at the start of treatment due to a decrease in glycaemia levels.

Blood and lymphatic system disorders.

Haematological disorders, reversible when treatment is stopped: leukopenia, thrombocytopenia, thrombocytopenic purpura; more rarely: agranulocytosis, eosinophilia, haemolytic anaemia, aplastic anaemia, bone marrow aplasia, pancytopenia and coagulation disorders.

Investigations.

Occasional average to moderate elevations in serum urea and creatinine concentrations.
Isolated cases of hyponatraemia.

Miscellaneous.

Although a causal relationship has not been established, the following adverse effects have been reported in patients receiving:

Glibenclamide.

Paraesthesia, blindness, deafness, diplopia, visual disturbances, tremor, convulsions (other than withdrawal), encephalopathy, confusion, acute psychosis, abnormal renal function, acute renal failure, ocular disturbances (accommodation changes, crystalline lens changes), lactic acidosis, alopecia/hypotrichosis, syndrome of inappropriate secretion of antidiuretic hormone (SIADH), arthralgia, arthritis, cerebrovascular disorders, headache, facial oedema, angioedema and increased sweating.

Glucovance.

Dystonia, muscle contractions involuntary, disorientation, grand mal seizure, unconsciousness, unresponsiveness, myocardial infarction, tachycardia, chest pain, pulmonary hypertension, pancreatitis, cholelithiasis, acute gallstone pancreatitis, gastrointestinal haemorrhage, disseminated intravascular coagulation, haemorrhage, acute renal failure, dermatitis, overdose, dehydration, metabolic acidosis, hypoglycaemic coma and elevated blood glucose level.

Clinical trials of Glucovance.

In double-blind U.S. clinical trials involving Glucovance as initial therapy or as second-line therapy, a total of 642 patients received Glucovance, 312 received metformin therapy, 324 received glibenclamide therapy, and 161 received placebo. The percent of patients reporting events and types of adverse events reported in clinical trials of Glucovance (all strengths) as initial therapy and second-line therapy are listed in Table 1.

Hypoglycaemia.

In controlled clinical trials of Glucovance there were no hypoglycaemic episodes classified as Serious Adverse Event. The incidence of reported symptoms of hypoglycaemia (such as dizziness, shakiness, sweating and hunger) in the initial therapy trial of Glucovance are summarised in Table 2. The frequency of hypoglycaemic symptoms in patients treated with Glucovance 250 mg/1.25 mg was highest in patients with a baseline HbA1c < 7%, lower in those with a baseline HbA1c of between 7 and 8%, and was comparable to placebo and metformin in those with a baseline HbA1c > 8%. For patients with a baseline HbA1c of between 8% and 11% treated with Glucovance 500 mg/2.5 mg as initial therapy, the frequency of hypoglycaemic symptoms was 30-35%. As second-line therapy in patients inadequately controlled on sulfonylurea or metformin alone, approximately 6.8% and 12.3%, respectively, of all patients treated with Glucovance experienced hypoglycaemic symptoms.

Gastrointestinal reactions.

The incidence of gastrointestinal side effects (diarrhoea, nausea/vomiting and abdominal pain) in the initial therapy trial are summarised in Table 2. Across all Glucovance trials, gastrointestinal symptoms were the most common adverse events with Glucovance and were more frequent at higher dose levels. In controlled trials, < 2% of patients discontinued Glucovance therapy due to gastrointestinal adverse events.

Reporting suspected adverse effects.

Reporting suspected adverse reactions after registration of the medicinal product is important. It allows continued monitoring of the benefit-risk balance of the medicinal product. Healthcare professionals are asked to report any suspected adverse reactions at www.tga.gov.au/reporting-problems.

4.9 Overdose

High overdose or the existence of concomitant risk factors may lead to lactic acidosis due to the presence of metformin (see Section 4.4 Special Warnings and Precautions for Use). Overdose may also precipitate hypoglycaemia due to the presence of the sulfonylurea (see Section 4.4 Special Warnings and Precautions for Use).
Since hypoglycaemia and its clinical symptoms may recur after apparent clinical recovery (even after several days), close and continued medical supervision and, possibly, referral to a hospital are indicated. In particular, significant overdosage and severe reactions, e.g. with unconsciousness or other neurological dysfunction, are emergency cases and require immediate care and hospitalisation.
If hypoglycaemic coma is diagnosed or suspected, administer glucagon (adults: 0.5 to 1 mg) intravenously, subcutaneously or intramuscularly; or an intravenous infusion of a 20% glucose solution (adults: 40 to 100 mL) until the patient recovers consciousness. In infants, glucose must be dosed very carefully, accompanied by close monitoring of blood glucose, taking into account the risk of potentially severe hyperglycaemia. Other symptomatic therapies (e.g. anticonvulsants) should be administered as necessary.
Lactic acidosis is a medical emergency and must be treated in hospital. The most effective treatment is to remove lactate and metformin by haemodialysis. The plasma clearance of glibenclamide may be prolonged in patients suffering from liver disease. Since glibenclamide is extensively bound to proteins, it is not eliminated by dialysis.
For information on the management of overdose, contact the Poisons Information Centre on 13 11 26 (Australia).

5 Pharmacological Properties

5.1 Pharmacodynamic Properties

Mechanism of action.

Metformin.

Metformin is a biguanide with antihyperglycaemic effects, lowering both basal and postprandial plasma glucose. It increases insulin sensitivity but does not stimulate insulin secretion. Metformin reduces blood glucose levels probably via:
1. reducing hepatic glucose production by inhibiting gluconeogenesis;
2. increasing the transport capacity of membrane glucose transporters (GLUT) and thus improving peripheral glucose uptake and utilisation in skeletal muscles; and
3. delaying intestinal glucose absorption.
Metformin also increases glycogen synthase activity and stimulates intracellular glycogen synthesis.
In humans, independently of its action on glycaemia, metformin has favourable effects on lipid metabolism. This has been shown at therapeutic doses in controlled, medium-term and long-term clinical studies: metformin reduces total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol and triglyceride levels.

Glibenclamide.

Glibenclamide is a second generation sulfonylurea with a medium half-life: it causes acute lowering of blood glucose by stimulating the release of insulin by the pancreas, this effect being dependent on the presence of functioning beta cells in the islets of Langerhans. The administration of glibenclamide to diabetics induces an increase in the postprandial insulin-stimulating response. The increased postprandial responses in insulin and C-peptide secretion persist after at least 6 months of treatment.

Metformin and glibenclamide.

Metformin and glibenclamide have different mechanisms and sites of action, but their action is complementary. Glibenclamide stimulates the pancreas to secrete insulin, while metformin reduces cell resistance to insulin by acting on peripheral (skeletal muscle) and hepatic sensitivity to insulin.
Results from controlled, double blind clinical trials versus reference products in the treatment of type II diabetes inadequately controlled by monotherapy with metformin or glibenclamide combined with diet and exercise, have demonstrated that the combination had an additive effect on glucose regulation.

Clinical trials.

Second line therapy. In a 16-week, double-blind, active-controlled U.S. clinical trial, a total of 639 patients with type II diabetes not adequately controlled (mean baseline HbA1c 9.5%, mean baseline FPG 11.8 mmol/L) while being treated with at least one-half the maximum dose of a sulfonylurea (e.g. glibenclamide 10 mg, glipizide 20 mg) were randomized to receive glibenclamide (fixed dose, 20 mg), metformin (500 mg), Glucovance 500 mg/2.5 mg, or Glucovance 500 mg/5 mg. The doses of metformin and Glucovance were titrated to a maximum of four tablets daily as needed to achieve FPG < 7.8 mmol/L. Trial data at 16 weeks are summarised in Table 3.
After 16 weeks, there was no significant change in the mean HbA1c in the patients randomized to glibenclamide or to metformin therapy. Treatment with Glucovance at doses up to 20 mg/2,000 mg per day resulted in significant lowering of HbA1c, FPG, and PPG from baseline compared to glibenclamide or metformin alone.
In a 16-week double-blind, active-controlled European clinical trial, a total of 411 patients with type II diabetes not adequately controlled (mean baseline HbA1c 7.9%, mean baseline FPG 10.8 mmol/L) while being treated with metformin (at least 850 mg b.i.d. or 500 mg t.i.d.) in addition to diet and exercise were randomized to receive glibenclamide 5 mg, metformin 500 mg, Glucovance 500 mg/2.5 mg, or Glucovance 500 mg/5 mg. The doses of metformin and Glucovance were titrated to a maximum of four tablets daily as needed to achieve FPG < 7 mmol/L. Trial data at 16 weeks are summarised in Table 4.
No clinical trial has been performed in type II diabetes patients already on combination therapy whose glycaemia is well controlled.

Paediatric patients.

In a 26-week, active controlled, double-blind, clinical study performed in 167 paediatric patients aged 9 to 16 years with type II diabetes not adequately controlled with diet and exercise, with or without an oral antidiabetic treatment, a fixed combination of metformin hydrochloride 250 mg and glibenclamide 1.25 mg was not shown more effective than either metformin hydrochloride or glibenclamide in reducing HbA1c from baseline.

5.2 Pharmacokinetic Properties

Metformin.

Absorption.

After an oral dose of metformin, Tmax is reached in 2.5 hours. Absolute bioavailability of a 500 mg or 850 mg metformin tablet is approximately 50 to 60% in healthy subjects. After an oral dose, the non-absorbed fraction recovered in faeces is 20 to 30%.
After oral administration, metformin absorption is saturable and incomplete. It is assumed that the pharmacokinetics of metformin absorption is non-linear. At the usual metformin doses and dosing schedules, steady state plasma concentrations are reached within 24 to 48 hours and are generally less than 1 microgram/mL. In controlled clinical trials, maximum metformin plasma levels (Cmax) did not exceed 5 microgram/mL, even at maximum doses.
Following administration of a single combination of a Glucovance 500 mg/5 mg tablet with food, there is no effect of food on the bioavailability of metformin.

Distribution.

Plasma protein binding is negligible. Metformin partitions into erythrocytes. The blood peak is lower than the plasma peak and appears at approximately the same time. The red blood cells most likely represent a secondary compartment of distribution. The mean volume of distribution Vd ranged from 63 to 276 L.

Metabolism.

Metformin is excreted unchanged in the urine. No metabolites have been identified in humans.

Excretion.

Renal clearance of metformin is > 400 mL/minute, indicating that metformin is eliminated by glomerular filtration and tubular secretion. Following an oral dose, the apparent terminal elimination half-life is approximately 6.5 hours. When renal function is impaired, renal clearance is decreased in proportion to that of creatinine and thus the elimination half-life is prolonged, leading to increased levels of metformin in plasma.

Glibenclamide.

Absorption.

Glibenclamide is very readily absorbed (> 95%) following oral administration. The peak plasma concentration is reached in about 4 hours.

Distribution.

Glibenclamide is extensively bound to plasma albumin (99%), which may account for certain drug interactions.

Metabolism.

Glibenclamide is completely metabolised in the liver to 2 metabolites. Hepatocellular failure decreases glibenclamide metabolism and appreciably slows down its excretion.

Excretion.

Glibenclamide is excreted in the form of metabolites via biliary route (60%) and urine (40%), elimination being complete within 45 to 72 hours. Its terminal elimination half-life is 4 to 11 hours. Biliary excretion of the metabolites increases in cases of renal insufficiency, according to the severity of renal impairment until a creatinine clearance of 30 mL/minute. Thus, glibenclamide elimination is unaffected by renal insufficiency as long as the creatinine clearance remains above 30 mL/minute.

Metformin and glibenclamide.

The metformin component of Glucovance is strictly bioequivalent to metformin co-administered with glibenclamide. In bioavailability studies, the glibenclamide component of Glucovance showed a higher peak plasma concentration as well as an earlier time to peak. No difference in total area under the curve was noted between Glucovance and the co-administered glibenclamide and metformin.
The bioavailability of metformin is unaffected by the ingestion of food whereas the effect of food on the glibenclamide component of Glucovance is indeterminate. Thus, Glucovance can be safely administered at the beginning of the meals.
In this setting, the magnitude of the differences in the pharmacokinetic properties between Glucovance and the reference preparations is not outside the range of differences between individuals and day-to-day variations. These slight pharmacokinetic differences are easily overcome by titration and are not expected to result in clinically relevant modifications on the long-term outcome of diabetes management.

Paediatric patients.

There were no differences in pharmacokinetics of glibenclamide and metformin between adolescents and weight and gender-matched healthy adults. There are no reliable data in children (12 years or younger).

5.3 Preclinical Safety Data

No animal studies have been conducted with the combination of metformin and glibenclamide.

Genotoxicity.

Metformin.

Metformin was not genotoxic in assays for gene mutations (S. typhimurium, mouse lymphoma cells) or chromosomal damage (chromosomal aberrations test in human lymphocytes or in vivo micronuclei formation test).

Glibenclamide.

Glibenclamide was not genotoxic in a limited set of in vitro assays for gene mutations (S. typhimurium) and other genotoxic effects (DNA damage/alkaline elution assay). The clastogenic potential of glibenclamide has not been investigated.

Carcinogenicity.

Metformin.

Long-term carcinogenicity studies with metformin alone have been performed in rats (dosing duration of 104 weeks) and mice (dosing duration of 91 weeks) at oral doses up to 900 mg/kg/day and 1,500 mg/kg/day, respectively. These doses are approximately 3 to 4 times the maximum recommended daily dose on a body surface area basis. No evidence of carcinogenicity with metformin was found in either male or female mice. Similarly, there was no tumourigenic potential observed with metformin in male rats. However, an increased incidence of benign stromal uterine polyps was seen in female rats at 900 mg/kg/day.

Glibenclamide.

A study with glibenclamide alone in a small number of rats (15/sex/group) at doses up to 300 mg/kg/day (approximately 136 times the maximum recommended daily dose on a body surface area basis) for 18 months showed no carcinogenic effects.

6 Pharmaceutical Particulars

6.1 List of Excipients

Glucovance 250/1.25, Glucovance 500/2.5 and Glucovance 500/5 tablets contain croscarmellose sodium, povidone, magnesium stearate, cellulose - microcrystalline.
Glucovance 250/1.25 tablet also contains Opadry II complete film coating system OY-L-22903 Yellow (ARTG PI No: 4389).
Glucovance 500/2.5 tablet also contains Opadry II complete film coating system OY-L-24808 Pink (ARTG PI No: 4390).
Glucovance 500/5 tablet also contains Opadry II complete film coating system 31F22700 Yellow (ARTG PI No: 4391).

6.2 Incompatibilities

Incompatibilities were either not assessed or not identified as part of the registration of this medicine.

6.3 Shelf Life

In Australia, information on the shelf life can be found on the public summary of the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG). The expiry date can be found on the packaging.

6.4 Special Precautions for Storage

Store below 25°C.

6.5 Nature and Contents of Container

Glucovance 250/1.25.

PVC/Al Blister pack 10s, 30s, 60s, 90s, 120s.

Glucovance 500/2.5.

PVC/Al Blister pack 10s, 30s, 60s, 90s, 120s.

Glucovance 500/5.

PVC/Al Blister pack 10s, 30s, 60s, 90s, 120s.
Some strengths, pack sizes and/or pack types may not be marketed.

Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG).

AUST R 96725 - Glucovance 250/1.25 metformin hydrochloride 250 mg and glibenclamide 1.25 mg tablet blister pack.
AUST R 96728 - Glucovance 500/2.5 metformin hydrochloride 500 mg and glibenclamide 2.5 mg tablet blister pack.
AUST R 96729 - Glucovance 500/5 metformin hydrochloride 500 mg and glibenclamide 5 mg tablet blister pack.

6.6 Special Precautions for Disposal

In Australia, any unused medicine or waste material should be disposed of by taking to your local pharmacy.

6.7 Physicochemical Properties

Chemical structure.

Metformin hydrochloride.


Chemical name: 1,1-dimethylbiguanide hydrochloride.
Molecular formula: C4H11N5, HCl.
Molecular weight: 165.6.
Metformin hydrochloride is a white, crystalline powder, which is odourless or almost odourless and hygroscopic. It is freely soluble in water, slightly soluble in ethanol (96%), and practically insoluble in chloroform and in ether.

Glibenclamide.


Chemical name: 1-{4-[2-(5-chloro- 2-methoxybenzamido) ethyl]benzene-sulphonyl}- 3-cyclohexylurea.
Molecular formula: C23H28ClN3O5S.
Molecular weight: 494.
Glibenclamide is a white or almost white crystalline powder; odourless or almost odourless. It is practically insoluble in water and in ether, slightly soluble in ethanol and methanol and sparingly soluble in chloroform.

CAS number.

Metformin hydrochloride.

1115-70-4.

Glibenclamide.

10238-21-8.

7 Medicine Schedule (Poisons Standard)

S4 (Prescription Only Medicine).

Summary Table of Changes