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Why Should I Stop Glyburide Intake?

Posted on Mon, 2 Jun 2014

Question: i've been on GLYBURIDE and GLIPIZIDE for 5-6 years now... Dr told me to stop GLYBURIDE and just take GLIPIZIDE.... she also said when i do this i will definitely go on the needle because my sugar will go UP as it did, my sugar went from low 100's to low 200's.... i did this for i week, then I stopped the GLIPIZIDE on my own to see what would happen, switched back to just GLYBURIDE for 1 week.. my sugar readings went from low 200's to low 100's......... i don't understand why she wants to take me off the ONE THAT WORKS ( GLYBURIDE), thus assuring me i will have to go on the NEEDLE...... I don't get it OPINION PLEASE

Answered by Dr. Binu Parameswaran Pillai (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
hello

Detailed Answer:
Hello
Good day.
Glyburide is a micronised form of a very potent drug called glibenclamide. Glipizide is another drug similar to Glyburide but not as potent as glyburide. Both belong to same class and it is not advisable to take them together. So probably that was the reason your doctor decided to stop one among them.
Now, world over, there is a downward shift in the use of glyburide especially in elderly patients due to the main side effect of severe hypoglycaemia. it is a long acting drug and at times the effect last more than 24 hours. It is a cheaper drug and is continued to be used in many developing countries as it is cost effective. However developed countries are not encouraging its use due to above side effect especially in elderly population. So I guess that is the rationale behind your doctor's decision in stopping glyburide.
Regards
Binu

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Binu Parameswaran Pillai (1 hour later)

so since i'm 71 and GLYBURIDE is working why go for the needle.. i eat right and check my sugar regularly

Answered by Dr. Binu Parameswaran Pillai (6 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Hello

Detailed Answer:
Hello
Good day
As I mentioned earlier, Glyburide can cause prolonged hypoglycemia. This is a real problem in above 70 year age group and in patients with impaired kidney function. It is dangerous if you live alone. Hoqever you may continue it if you accept the risk of hypoglycaemia.

If you opt to use it, please take a bed time snack like a small cup of oats or two pieces of brown bread as bedtime snack to prevent nocturnal hypoglycaemia. Please discuss this with your dietician.
Regards
Binu

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Binu Parameswaran Pillai (9 hours later)

Ok Thank you , but would it be adviseable to replace my 2 pills Glyburide and Metformin with 1 pill Glucovance..yes under Drs care also .....would this lessen the Hypoglycemia peoblem in people over 70...

Answered by Dr. Binu Parameswaran Pillai (7 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Hello

Detailed Answer:
Hi
The combination of Glibenclamide and metformin is Glucovance. It is a fixed drug combination. You may take it under medical supervision. However it doesn't really reduce the risk of hypoglycaemia.
Regards
Binu

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar