have a history or risk for diabetic ketoacidosis (high levels of certain acids, known as ketones, in the blood or urine). GLUMETZA should not be used for the treatment of diabetic ketoacidosis.
have kidney problems
have liver problems
have heart problems, including congestive heart failure
drink alcohol very often, or drink a lot of alcohol in short-term (binge) drinking
are taking insulin
have any other medical conditions
are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. It is not known if GLUMETZA can harm your unborn baby. If you are pregnant, talk with your doctor about the best way to control your blood sugar while you are pregnant.
are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. It is not known if GLUMETZA passes into your breast milk. Talk with your doctor about the best way to feed your baby while you take GLUMETZA.
Tell your doctor about all the medicines you take, including prescription and nonprescription medicines, vitamins and herbal supplements. Know the medicines you take. Keep a list of them to show your doctor and pharmacist. Talk to your doctor before you start any new medicine.
GLUMETZA may affect the way other medicines work, and other medicines may affect how GLUMETZA works.
How should I take GLUMETZA?
Take GLUMETZA exactly as your doctor tells you.
GLUMETZA should be taken 1time per day with your evening meal.
Swallow GLUMETZA tablets whole. Do not crush, cut, dissolve, or chew GLUMETZA.
Tell your doctor if you cannot swallow tablets whole. Your doctor may prescribe a different medicine for you.
You may sometimes pass a soft mass in your stools (bowel movement) that looks like GLUMETZA tablets. It is normal to see this in your stool.
When your body is under some type of stress, such as fever, trauma (such as a car accident), infection, or surgery, the amount of diabetes medicine that you need may change. Tell your doctor right away if you have any of these problems.
Your doctor should do blood tests to check how well your kidneys and liver are working before and during your treatment with GLUMETZA.
Your healthcare provider will check your diabetes with regular blood tests, including your blood sugar levels and your hemoglobin A1C.
Follow your doctor's instructions for treating blood sugar that is too low (hypoglycemia). Talk to your doctor if low blood sugar is a problem for you. See "What are the possible side effects of GLUMETZA?"
Check your blood sugar regularly and as your doctor tells you to.
Stay on your prescribed diet and exercise program and test your blood sugar regularly while taking GLUMETZA.
If you miss a dose of GLUMETZA, resume dosing according to schedule.
If you take too much GLUMETZA, call your doctor, or go to the nearest hospital emergency room right away.
What are the side effects of GLUMETZA?
GLUMETZA can cause serious side effects, including:
See "What is the most important information I should know about GLUMETZA?"
Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia). If you take GLUMETZA with another medicine that can cause low blood sugar, such as sulfonylureas or insulin, you have a higher risk of having low blood sugar. Tell your doctor if you take other diabetes medicines. If you have symptoms of low blood sugar, you should check your blood sugar and treat if low, then call your doctor. Symptoms of low blood sugar include:
shaking
sweating
rapid heartbeat
change in vision
hunger
headache
change in mood
Common side effects of GLUMETZA include:
