Diabeta is an oral tablet made up of a drug called glyburide, which belongs to the drug class called sulfonylureas. This tablet is usually pink or white; color can vary based on dose and if it’s a generic or brand choice. We carry both the generic (glyburide) and the brand choice (Diabeta) in 2.5mg and 5mg! Both the brand name and generic choice offer equal effectiveness, they only vary in price, appearance and name!

Diabeta is prescribed to treat diabetes type 2, commonly used in combination with a proper diet and exercise routine and sometimes other diabetes medication. People who have diabetes type 2 risk kidney damage, blindness, nerve problems, loss of limbs and sexual function, due to an excess amount of sugar in their blood. Additionally, diabetes can cause heart attacks and strokes if not treated.

Glyburide helps to lessen these risks in people with diabetes and their symptoms (which can include being cranky, feeling worn out, wounds that do not heal and higher frequency in infections) by lowering blood sugar levels. It does this by releasing insulin from your pancreas. When insulin is released, it helps with the relocating of sugar in your bloodstream to the cells in your body, which provides it with energy. This process reduces sugar levels in the blood.

Your doctor will tell you before prescribing you Diabeta (glyburide) exactly how to take this medication. Follow his or her directions carefully, they can usually be found on the prescription label if you forget.

Take Diabeta with the first main meal of the day (breakfast); swallow the tablet whole with a glass of water.

Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor first.

Your blood sugar levels will need to be checked regularly.

Certain conditions and medications can interact with Diabeta and should not be combined. If you are being treated with Tracleer (bosentan) or if you have diabetes type 1, you should not use Diabeta and should consult your doctor about alternative medications.

In other cases, you may still be able to use Diabeta even if you have a certain condition or take a certain medication, however you may need a dose adjustment or may need to take extra precaution when taking Diabeta. Speak to your doctor about the following if they apply to you:

diabetic ketoacidosis; hemolytic anemia (a lack of red blood cells); an enzyme deficiency called glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency (G6PD); a nerve disorder affecting bodily functions; pregnancy; taken other diabetes medicines or used insulin in the last 14 days; liver or kidney disease; or an allergy to sulfa drugs or glyburide.

Other important cautions

You should not breast feed if you are taking Diabeta.

Diabeta can increase risk of serious heart problems however so can untreated diabetes;; consult your doctor.

Your doctor may prescribe you a glucagon emergency injection kit; use this incase of severe hypoglycemia and cannot eat or drink.

Common side effects of Diabeta (glyburide) may include:

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

The above side effects should not alarm you.

Serious side effects of Diabeta (glyburide) may include:

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

If you have any of the above side effects, contact your doctor right away.

Signs to watch for; contact your doctor if you notice these signs

Low sodium – headache, confusion, slurred speech, severe weakness, vomiting, loss of coordination, feeling unsteady.

Severe skin reaction – fever, sore throat, burning in your eyes, skin pain, red or purple skin rash that spreads and causes blistering and peeling.

Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) – extreme weakness, nausea, tremors, sweating, confusion, trouble speaking, fast heartbeats, or seizure.

What is glyburide?

Glyburide is the active ingredient found in the brand name medication Diabeta; it is also the name give the generic alternative for Diabeta. Glyburide is an antidiabetic drug belonging to the drug class called sulfonylureas. We carry both the brand name and the generic medication at My Drug Center in both strengths; 2.5mg and 5mg, accessible with a valid prescription.

What is glyburide used for?

Glyburide is used for the treatment of diabetes type 2; a condition which causes blood sugar levels to be abnormally high which poses multiple health complications and can shorten the life expectancy of the patient, especially if left untreated.

What does glyburide do?

Glyburide effectively lowers blood sugar levels; this helps reduce the risk of kidney damage, blindness, and nerve problems or damage which can ultimately result in heart attack or stroke.

How does glyburide work?

Insulin is a natural hormone produced in our bodies that allows us to use sugar from the food we eat in a beneficial way while also preventing sugar levels from becoming too high or too low. In a healthy person, when blood sugar levels rise, the pancreas will release and instruct insulin to turn the sugar into energy. Diabetes type 2 causes the body to produce insufficient amounts of insulin or doesn’t know how to properly use it. Glyburide influences the pancreas; it works by encouraging the release of insulin while also assisting the body with converting the blood sugar into energy, thus reducing the total amount of blood sugar in the body.

When to take glyburide?

It is commonly recommended to take your dose in the morning with breakfast; however, if your doctor has directed you to take it at a different time, it is important you follow the directions given to you by your doctor.

How long does glyburide stay in your system?

Diabeta, or glyburide, has a half life of about 10 hours. Based off the half life, it will take just under 50 hours (4.08 days) for glyburide to clear out of your system following your last dose.

What are the side effects of glyburide?

Common side effects of glyburide include low blood sugar, nausea, heartburn, feeling full, and muscle or joint pain, however, this is not a complete list of possible side effects.