Glucovance 500mg/2.5mg Tablet is a combination oral antidiabetic medicine containing Metformin Hydrochloride 500mg and Glibenclamide 2.5mg. It is used to improve blood sugar control in adults with Type 2 diabetes mellitus when diet, exercise or single-medicine treatment does not provide adequate control.

Metformin helps reduce glucose production by the liver and improves the body's sensitivity to insulin. Glibenclamide (also called glyburide) stimulates the pancreas to release insulin. Together, these medicines help lower elevated blood glucose.

In Pakistan, Glucovance 500mg/2.5mg is manufactured by Martin Dow Pharmaceuticals, with a commonly listed 30-tablet pack (2 × 15).

Uses

• Management of Type 2 diabetes mellitus
• Helps control high blood sugar
• Improves the body's response to insulin
• Reduces excessive glucose production by the liver
• May be prescribed when metformin or another single diabetes medicine does not adequately control blood glucose

Benefits

• Combines two blood-sugar-lowering medicines
• Helps improve glycemic control
• Metformin improves insulin sensitivity
• Glibenclamide increases insulin release from the pancreas
• Convenient combination tablet for diabetes management

Composition

Each tablet contains:

• Metformin Hydrochloride — 500mg
• Glibenclamide — 2.5mg

Dosage

• Take Glucovance exactly as prescribed by your doctor.
• It is generally taken with meals.
• Take the tablet with water and follow your prescribed schedule.
• Do not skip meals after taking Glibenclamide because this can increase the risk of low blood sugar.
• Do not change the dose without consulting your doctor.

Possible Side Effects

Common side effects may include:

• Nausea
• Diarrhea
• Stomach discomfort
• Abdominal pain
• Bloating
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia)

Long-term metformin treatment may also be associated with Vitamin B12 deficiency. Rarely, metformin can cause a serious condition called lactic acidosis.

Precautions

• Use Glucovance only under medical supervision.
• Tell your doctor if you have kidney or liver disease.
• Monitor your blood glucose regularly.
• Avoid excessive alcohol consumption.
• Inform your doctor about all medicines and supplements you take.
• Take the medicine with food as directed.
• Seek urgent medical attention for severe sweating, shaking, confusion, fainting or other symptoms of severe hypoglycemia.
• Before an imaging test involving iodinated contrast, tell your doctor that you are taking metformin.
• Do not use it for Type 1 diabetes or diabetic ketoacidosis unless specifically directed as part of a specialist treatment plan.

Price in Pakistan

Current Pakistani online listings show different prices depending on the pharmacy. For example, D. Watson currently lists Glucovance 500mg/2.5mg, 30 tablets at Rs. 295, while other Pakistani pharmacies list different prices.

For Mr Medicine Mart, it is better to display your current selling price rather than a fixed market price because medicine prices can change.

FAQs

Q1: What is Glucovance 500mg/2.5mg used for?

Glucovance is used to help control blood sugar in adults with Type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Q2: What are the ingredients in Glucovance 500mg/2.5mg?

Each tablet contains Metformin Hydrochloride 500mg and Glibenclamide 2.5mg.

Q3: Is Glucovance used for Type 1 diabetes?

No. Glucovance is intended for Type 2 diabetes and is not a substitute for insulin in Type 1 diabetes.

Q4: Can Glucovance cause low blood sugar?

Yes. Glibenclamide can cause hypoglycemia, especially if meals are skipped or the dose is too high.

Q5: Should Glucovance be taken with food?

Yes. It is generally taken with meals as directed by the doctor. This also helps reduce gastrointestinal discomfort and the risk of hypoglycemia.