efore you start taking this medicine. Read the information you get with your medicine each time you refill your prescription. There may be new information. This information does not take the place of your healthcare provider's advice. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist if you do not understand some of this information or if you want to know more about this medicine.
What is GLUCOTROL XL?
GLUCOTROL XL (glue-kuh-troll-ex-el) is a medicine you take by mouth. It is used to treat type 2 diabetes (also called non-insulin-dependant diabetes mellitus). Your healthcare provider has prescribed GLUCOTROL XL because your current treatment, including diet and exercise, has not been able to bring your blood sugar level under good control.
Your body makes insulin to keep the amount of sugar (glucose) in your blood at the right level. With type 2 diabetes:
If your blood sugar level is not under control, it can lead to serious medical problems, such as kidney damage, nerve damage, blindness, problems with circulation (blood movement in your body), loss of feet, legs or other limbs, high blood pressure, heart attack, or stroke.
GLUCOTROL XL works mainly by:
Even after you start taking GLUCOTROL XL, you must continue to follow your program of diet and exercise.
Who Should Not Use GLUCOTROL XL?
Do not use GLUCOTROL XL if you:
Only your healthcare provider can decide if GLUCOTROL XL is right for you. Before you start GLUCOTROL XL, tell the healthcare provider if you:
How Should I Take GLUCOTROL XL?
GLUCOTROL XL tablets come in three different strengths (2.5 mg, 5 mg and 10 mg). Your healthcare provider will prescribe the dose that is right for you.
It is important to take GLUCOTROL XL every day to help keep your blood sugar level under good control. Your healthcare provider may adjust your dose depending on your blood glucose test results. If your blood sugar level is not under control, call your healthcare provider. Do not change your dose without your healthcare provider's approval.
In case of overdose, call the poison control center or your healthcare provider right away, or have someone drive you to the nearest emergency room.
You must continue your diet and exercise program while taking GLUCOTROL XL. You must also have your blood and urine tested regularly to be sure GLUCOTROL XL is working.
GLUCOTROL XL may not work for everyone. If it does work, you may find that GLUCOTROL XL is not working as well for you after you have used it for a while. Tell your healthcare provider if GLUCOTROL XL is not working well.
What Should I Avoid While Taking GLUCOTROL XL?
Some medicines can affect how well GLUCOTROL XL works or may affect your blood sugar level. Check with your healthcare provider or pharmacist before you start or stop taking prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including natural/herbal remedies, while on GLUCOTROL XL.
What are the Possible Side Effects of GLUCOTROL XL?
Low blood sugar. GLUCOTROL XL may lower your blood sugar to low levels that are dangerous (hypoglycemia). This can happen if you do not follow your diet, exercise too much, drink alcohol, are under stress, or get sick. This could also happen if your dose of GLUCOTROL XL is higher than you need. Your healthcare provider may need to adjust it. Do not adjust the dose on your own.
Be sure you know how to recognize your body's signs that your blood sugar is too low. These signs include:
If you notice any of these signs, eat or drink something with
