Micronase

Micronase (glyburide) is an oral diabetes medicine that helps control blood sugar levels. Micronase is used together with diet and exercise to improve blood sugar control in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Micronase may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Important Information

You should not use Micronase if you are allergic to glyburide, or if you have:

• type 1 diabetes; or
• diabetic ketoacidosis (call your doctor for treatment).

To make sure Micronase is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• kidney disease;
• liver disease;
• heart disease, congestive heart failure;
• a blood cell disorder such as anemia or low white blood cell count;
• a thyroid disorder;
• pancreatitis;
• if you drink alcohol often; or
• if you are over 80 years old and have not had your kidney function checked.

If you have type 2 diabetes, you should not use Micronase if you are in a state of diabetic ketoacidosis (call your doctor for treatment).

Do not take Micronase within 2 weeks before or 2 weeks after having heart bypass surgery (coronary artery bypass graft, or CABG).

Micronase is not expected to be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

Glyburide can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. You should not breast-feed while you are using Micronase.

Micronase is not approved for use by anyone younger than 18 years old.

How should I take Micronase?

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose.

Use the medicine exactly as directed.

Micronase is usually taken once daily with breakfast or the first main meal of the day. Follow your doctor's instructions.

Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) can happen to everyone who has diabetes. Symptoms include headache, hunger, sweating, irritability, dizziness, nausea, fast heart rate, and feeling anxious or shaky. To quickly treat low blood sugar, always keep a fast-acting source of sugar with you such as fruit juice, hard candy, crackers, raisins, or non-diet soda.

Your doctor can prescribe a glucagon emergency injection kit to use in case you have severe hypoglycemia and cannot eat or drink. Be sure your family and close friends know how to give you this injection in an emergency.

Some people using Micronase have started having heart attacks or strokes within a few months after starting this medicine, especially people with type 2 diabetes who already have heart disease or risk factors for heart disease such as being overweight or obese, having high blood pressure or low HDL ("good") cholesterol levels, or having a family history of heart disease or stroke.

It is not known whether Micronase is the actual cause of these heart attacks or strokes. If you have a heart attack or stroke, stop taking Micronase and call your doctor right away.

Micronase is only part of a complete diabetes treatment plan that may also include diet, exercise, weight control, regular blood sugar testing, and special medical care. Follow your doctor's instructions very closely.

Micronase side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have:

• pancreatitis - severe pain in your upper stomach spreading to your back, nausea and vomiting, fast heart rate;
• low blood sugar - headache, hunger, sweating, irritability, dizziness, nausea, fast heart rate, and feeling anxious or shaky; or
• signs of heart problems - chest pain, shortness of breath, feeling like you might pass out.

Common Micronase side effects may include:

• headache, dizziness, lightheadedness;
• blurred vision;
• nausea, upset stomach;
• breast swelling or discharge; or
• cold symptoms such as stuffy nose, sneezing, sore throat.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What other drugs will affect Micronase?

Other drugs may affect Micronase, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any medicine you start or stop using.

Where can I get more information?

Your pharmacist can provide more information about Micronase.