Glipizide and Metformin HCl Tablets rarely causes serious side effects. The most serious side effect that Glipizide and Metformin HCl Tablets can cause is called lactic acidosis.

Q10. What is lactic acidosis and can it happen to me?

Lactic acidosis is caused by a buildup of lactic acid in the blood. Lactic acidosis associated with metformin is rare and has occurred mostly in people whose kidneys were not working normally. Lactic acidosis has been reported in about one in 33,000 patients taking metformin over the course of a year. Although rare, if lactic acidosis does occur, it can be fatal in up to half the cases.

It’s also important for your liver to be working normally when you take Glipizide and Metformin HCl Tablets.

Your liver helps remove lactic acid from your bloodstream. Your doctor will monitor your diabetes and may perform blood tests on you from time to time to make sure your kidneys and your liver are functioning normally.

There is no evidence that Glipizide and Metformin HCl Tablets causes harm to the kidneys or liver.

Q11. Are there other risk factors for lactic acidosis?

Your risk of developing lactic acidosis from taking Glipizide and Metformin HCl Tablets is very low as long as your kidneys and liver are healthy. However, some factors can increase your risk because they can affect kidney and liver function. You should discuss your risk with your physician.

You should not take Glipizide and Metformin HCl Tablets if:

You have chronic kidney or liver problems
You have congestive heart failure which is treated with medications, eg, digoxin (Lanoxin®) or furosemide (Lasix®)
You drink alcohol excessively (all the time or short-term “binge” drinking)
You are seriously dehydrated (have lost a large amount of body fluids)
You are going to have certain x-ray procedures with injectable contrast agents
You are going to have surgery
You develop a serious condition such as a heart attack, severe infection, or a stroke
You are ≥80 years of age and have NOT had your kidney function tested
Q12. What are the symptoms of lactic acidosis?

Some of the symptoms include: feeling very weak, tired or uncomfortable, unusual muscle pain, trouble breathing, unusual or unexpected stomach discomfort, feeling cold, feeling dizzy or lightheaded, or suddenly developing a slow or irregular heartbeat. If you notice these symptoms, or if your medical condition has suddenly changed, stop taking Glipizide and Metformin HCl Tablets and call your doctor right away. Lactic acidosis is a medical emergency that must be treated in a hospital.

Q13. What does my doctor need to know to decrease my risk of lactic acidosis?

Tell your doctor if you have an illness that results in severe vomiting, diarrhea, and/or fever, or if your intake of fluids is significantly reduced. These situations can lead to severe dehydration, and it may be necessary to stop taking Glipizide and Metformin HCl Tablets temporarily.

You should let your doctor know if you are going to have any surgery or specialized x-ray procedures that require injection of contrast agents. Glipizide and Metformin HCl Tablets therapy will need to be stopped temporarily in such instances.

Q14. Can I take Glipizide and Metformin HCl Tablets with other medications?

Remind your doctor that you are taking Glipizide and Metformin HCl Tablets when any new drug is prescribed or a change is made in how you take a drug already