Glipizide

In Aotearoa New Zealand, glipizide is available as tablets (5 mg).

• The dose of glipizide will be different for different people.
• Your doctor will usually start you on a low dose and increase your dose gradually, depending on your blood glucose level. This allows your body to get used to the medicine and reduces the chance of side effects.
• The usual dose is from one half tablet (2.5 mg) to six tablets (30 mg) each day. Some people may need higher doses (up to 8 tablets daily).
• Each day's tablets are usually taken once a day (before breakfast) or divided into two doses (before breakfast and before dinner). Some people may need to take glipizide three times a day (before breakfast, before lunch and before dinner).
• Always take your glipizide exactly as your healthcare provider has told you. The pharmacy label on your medicine will tell you how much glipizide to take, how often to take it, and any special instructions.

• Timing: Glipizide is best taken 15 to 20 minutes before meals.
  If prescribed once each day, take your dose in the morning 15 to 20 minutes before breakfast.
  If given twice each day, take your doses 15 to 20 minutes before breakfast and dinner.
  If prescribed three times each day, take your doses 15 to 20 minutes before breakfast, lunch and dinner.
  Take glipizide at about the same times each day so that this becomes part of your daily routine, which will help you to remember to take it. Do not skip meals while taking glipizide.
• Limit or avoid alcohol while you are taking glipizide: It may increase your risk of side effects and mask warning symptoms of hypoglycaemia.
• Missed dose: If you forget to take your dose, take it as soon as you remember (15 to 20 minutes before food). But, if it is nearly time for your next dose, take the next dose at the right time. Do not take double the dose.
• Keep taking glipizide regularly: To control your diabetes you must take glipizide every day. Contact your healthcare provider for advice if you have been unwell and missed meals.
• If you are thinking about stopping: Talk to your healthcare provider.

Don't skip meals

Glipizide increases the chances of your blood glucose level going low (hypos). It’s important to eat regularly. Don't skip or delay your meals. Skipping or delaying meals, eating too little, or having low-carb food increases the risk of low blood glucose (hypoglycaemia). If you are travelling, be aware that delayed meals, unfamiliar foods, different time zones, and changes to activity can affect your blood glucose. Always wait until your meal is in front of you before taking your glipizide dose.

Have a sick day plan for when you're unwell

If you have diarrhoea (runny poo), are vomiting (being sick) from a stomach bug, or are dehydrated, it’s important to let your healthcare provider know, as they may advise you to stop taking glipizide for a few days and start again when you are eating and drinking normally. Read more about having a diabetes sick day plan.

Taking other medicines

Glipizide may interact with some medicines and herbal supplements, so check with your healthcare provider before starting glipizide and before starting any new medicines or herbal supplements.

Testing your blood glucose

Blood glucose test meters are funded if you are taking glipizide. Your healthcare provider will advise you how often to test your blood glucose. This may be more often when you first start taking it. When your blood glucose levels are under control you may only need to test 3 to 4 times a week. However, you may need to do additional tests if you feel your blood glucose levels are low or you feel unwell. Read more about blood glucose test meters.

Like all medicines, glipizide can cause side effects, although not everyone gets them. If you're concerned about any symptoms you think might be related to your medicine, talk to your healthcare provider. The following information offers some guidance but doesn't include all possible side effects.

Common side effects

Tell your healthcare provider if these bother you.

• Nausea (feeling sick), vomiting (being sick) or diarrhoea (runny poo): Ask your healthcare provider for advice if you are dehydrated from vomiting or diarrhoea. They may advise you to stop taking your glipizide until you are eating and drinking normally.
• Weight gain: Lifestyle changes can be helpful in preventing weight gain, such as making better eating choices, limiting your portion sizes, and getting more exercise. Read more about medicines and weight gain.
  
  

Low blood glucose

Sometimes glipizide may lower your blood glucose too much. This is called hypoglycaemia or a 'hypo'. Hypos are most likely to occur when glipizide is used together with other diabetes medicines such as metformin or insulin, if you have kidney problems (chronic kidney disease) or are elderly or have taken glipizide but missed a meal.

Hypoglycaemia may cause you to feel weak, faint, dizzy, drowsy or irritable. You may get a headache, tremor (shakes) or blurred vision. If this occurs, drink something sweet such as a small glass of sweetened soft drink, or fruit juice or eat something sweet such as lollies or glucose tablets. Follow this up with a snack such as a sandwich. Tell your healthcare provider if this happens and do not drive if you are feeling dizzy, drowsy or have blurred vision. Read more about low blood glucose.

Tell your healthcare provider immediately or phone Healthline free on 0800 611 116 if these occur

• Signs of problems with your liver such as yellow skin and eyes, dark urine and stomach pain.
• Skin reaction or rash.

Read more about medicines and side effects and reporting a reaction you think might be a side effect.