PRODUCT DETAILS

About Bigan GP 5 mg/500 mg Tablet

GLIPIZIDE+METFORMIN is composed of two medicines, namely Glipizide and Metformin. Glipizide belongs to the class of sulfonylureas. It is used in the treatment of diabetes mellitus as an adjunct to diet and exercise. Metformin belongs to the class of biguanides and is used to manage blood sugar levels, particularly in obese patients.

Uses of Bigan GP 5 mg/500 mg Tablet

Type 2 Diabetes mellitus 

Medicinal Benefits of Bigan GP 5 mg/500 mg Tablet

GLIPIZIDE+METFORMIN is used to treat type 2 diabetes mellitus. Glipizide is effective in treating the low blood sugar levels when used as an adjunct to diet and exercise. It promotes the insulin secretion from the beta cells of the pancreas and reduces the glucose output from the liver. It also exhibits an extra pancreatic effect by improving insulin sensitivity at peripheral sites like muscle, fat, or liver cells. Metformin shows non pancreatic effect to reduce serum glucose levels without increasing the insulin secretion. It is also known as insulin sensitizer as it increases the effects of insulin. It is considered to be a unique anti-diabetic drug since it does not lower the blood sugar levels. Metformin does not cause weight gain in most cases.

Directions for Use

GLIPIZIDE+METFORMIN is available as an oral tablet formulation. Your doctor prescribes the dosage based on your disease conditions and tolerance. Do not chew, crush or break the tablet and swallow it as a whole with a glass of water. Take GLIPIZIDE+METFORMIN preferably with a meal, since it lowers the blood sugar levels and causes gastrointestinal side effects. Your doctor may start the course with a low dose and gradually maintain an effective dose to achieve the required blood glucose control.

Side Effects of Bigan GP 5 mg/500 mg Tablet

Most of the side effects of GLIPIZIDE+METFORMIN do not require medical attention and gradually resolve over time. GLIPIZIDE+METFORMIN can cause common side effects like hypoglycemia (low blood sugar levels), nausea, diarrhea, indigestion, headache, blurred vision, dizziness, weakness, cold sweats, stomach pain, weight gain, and oedema (swelling). Seek medical advice if these side effects persist longer.

Some less common side effects of GLIPIZIDE+METFORMIN include anxiety, depression, chills, fast heartbeat, seizures, decreased vitamin b12 absorption, weight loss, skin rashes, slurred speech, cough, sore throat, bladder pain, frequent urge to urinate, decreased hunger, and lactic acidosis (a rare, but serious metabolic complication of excess lactic acid in the blood that is caused by metformin accumulation). The risk of lactic acidosis is high in people with kidney, liver, and heart diseases. It is essential to speak to your doctor about your medical history before you take GLIPIZIDE+METFORMIN. If any of these side effects occur and persist longer, call your doctor for emergency treatment.

Similar Drugs

For informational purposes only. Consult a doctor before taking any medicines.

In-Depth Precautions and Warning

Drug Warnings

GLIPIZIDE+METFORMIN can cause weight gain hence possible measures like eating healthy food and exercising are advised. It may also increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases and hypoglycemic conditions in renal and liver disease patients. GLIPIZIDE+METFORMIN sometimes cause impairment of vitamin b12 absorption and results in anaemia (low hemoglobin levels).

GLIPIZIDE+METFORMIN has an increased risk of lactic acidosis (a rare, but serious metabolic complication of excess lactic acid in the blood that is caused by metformin accumulation). The risk of lactic acidosis is high in older people with kidney, liver and heart diseases. Hence, brief your medical history and take advice from your doctor before starting GLIPIZIDE+METFORMIN. Avoid consuming excessive alcohol as it can potentiate lactic acidosis.

Drug Interactions

Drug-Drug Interaction:

GLIPIZIDE+METFORMIN may interact with pain killers (aspirin), anti-diabetics (glipizide, sitagliptin, insulin glargine), drugs that treat fluid retention (furosemide), medicines used to treat high blood pressure (metoprolol), and thyroid hormones (levothyroxine). Please check the instruction leaflet that comes with the medication before you take GLIPIZIDE+METFORMIN.

Drug-Disease Interaction:

Tell your doctor before taking GLIPIZIDE+METFORMIN if you have a medical history of allergic reactions to medicines, renal dysfunction, liver disease, congestive heart failure, diabetic ketoacidosis, and gastrointestinal obstruction (GI narrowing).

Safety Advice

ALCOHOL

It is unsafe to consume alcohol.

PREGNANCY

GLIPIZIDE+METFORMIN can cause risk in pregnancy and affect the fetus. Please consult your doctor before starting GLIPIZIDE+METFORMIN.

BREAST FEEDING

There is no sufficient data on how GLIPIZIDE+METFORMIN affects breastfeeding. It is safe to seek medical advice before you start GLIPIZIDE+METFORMIN if you are lactating.

DRIVING

Your driving may be affected if your blood sugar levels are too high or too low. Do not drive or operate machinery if may experience dizziness or drowsiness.

LIVER

Let your doctor know if you have any history of liver diseases or hepatic impairment when you are prescribed GLIPIZIDE+METFORMIN

KIDNEY

Let your doctor know if you have any history of kidney diseases when you are prescribed GLIPIZIDE+METFORMIN.