DiaBeta

DiaBeta is used along with diet and exercise to help control blood sugar in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus. This medicine is not for treating type 1 diabetes.

DiaBeta may also be used for other reasons that are not mentioned in this medication guide.

DiaBeta is usually taken with breakfast or the first main meal of the day.

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.

Your blood sugar will need to be checked often, and you may need other blood tests at your doctor's office.

You may have low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) and feel very hungry, dizzy, irritable, confused, anxious, or shaky. To quickly treat hypoglycemia, eat or drink a fast-acting source of sugar (fruit juice, hard candy, crackers, raisins, or non-diet soda).

Your doctor may prescribe a glucagon injection kit in case you have severe hypoglycemia. Be sure your family or close friends know how to give you this injection in an emergency.

Also watch for signs of high blood sugar (hyperglycemia) such as increased thirst or urination.

Blood sugar levels can be affected by stress, illness, surgery, exercise, alcohol use, or skipping meals. Ask your doctor before changing your dose or medication schedule.

If your doctor changes your brand, strength, or type of glyburide, your dosage needs may change. Ask your pharmacist if you have any questions about the new kind of glyburide you receive at the pharmacy.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use.

You should not use DiaBeta if you are being treated with bosentan (Tracleer), or if you have diabetic ketoacidosis (call your doctor for treatment). DiaBeta is not for treating type 1 diabetes.

You should not use DiaBeta if you are allergic to it, or if:

• you are being treated with bosentan (Tracleer);
• you have type 1 diabetes; or
• you have diabetic ketoacidosis (call your doctor for treatment).

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• hemolytic anemia (a lack of red blood cells);
• an enzyme deficiency called glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency (G6PD);
• a nerve disorder affecting bodily functions;
• liver or kidney disease; or
• an allergy to sulfa drugs.

Before taking DiaBeta, tell your doctor if you have taken another oral diabetes medicine or used insulin during the past 2 weeks.

DiaBeta may increase your risk of serious heart problems, but not treating your diabetes can also damage your heart and other organs. Talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of this medicine.

Follow your doctor's instructions about using this medicine if you are pregnant or you become pregnant. Controlling diabetes is very important during pregnancy, and having high blood sugar may cause complications in both the mother and the baby. However, you may need to stop taking DiaBeta for a short time just before your due date.

You should not breastfeed while using this medicine.

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction (hives, difficulty breathing, swelling in your face or throat) or a severe skin reaction (fever, sore throat, burning in your eyes, skin pain, red or purple skin rash that spreads and causes blistering and peeling).

DiaBeta may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor right away if you have:

• dark urine, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes);
• severe skin rash, redness, or itching;
• pale skin, easy bruising or bleeding;
• fever, chills, sore throat, mouth sores; or
• low levels of sodium in the body--headache, confusion, slurred speech, severe weakness, vomiting, loss of coordination, feeling unsteady.

Older adults may be more likely to have low blood sugar while taking DiaBeta.

Common side effects of DiaBeta may include:

• low blood sugar;
• nausea, heartburn, feeling full;
• muscle or joint pain;
• blurred vision; or
• mild rash or skin redness.

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.

Take the medicine as soon as possible, but skip the missed dose if it's nearly time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at once.

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222. A DiaBeta overdose can cause life-threatening hypoglycemia.

Symptoms of severe hypoglycemia include extreme weakness, nausea, tremors, sweating, confusion, trouble speaking, fast heartbeats, or seizure.

Avoid drinking alcohol. It lowers blood sugar and may interfere with your diabetes treatment.

DiaBeta could make you sunburn more easily. Avoid sunlight or tanning beds. Wear protective clothing and use sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) when you are outdoors.

If you also take colesevelam, take your DiaBeta dose 4 hours before you take colesevelam.

DiaBeta may not work as well when you use other medicines at the same time. Many other drugs can also affect blood sugar control. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible interactions are listed here. Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any medicine you start or stop using.