Medicine pack check sheet

Source-linked reading points

• 2.5, 5 and 10 mg are labelled amounts per tablet, not tablets per dose. Even though the label records bioequivalence for certain multiple-tablet combinations in studies, that does not permit self-assembling tablets, changing amounts, switching to immediate-release glipizide or copying another person's regimen.
• Swallow whole; do not break, cut, crush, dissolve or chew. Damaging the osmotic system can release too much medicine at once. If swallowing is difficult, take the exact pack to a pharmacist or prescriber rather than changing the dosage form yourself.
• Something resembling a whole tablet in stool may be the non-dissolvable shell after drug release. Do not take an extra tablet or repeat a dose because you see it. Contact a professional for abnormal glucose, persistent concern, continuing diarrhoea or a history of intestinal narrowing.
• Hypoglycaemia can be severe. Risk may be higher in older adults, kidney or liver impairment, malnutrition, reduced food intake, severe or prolonged exercise, alcohol use and with other glucose-lowering medicines. Confusion, seizure or inability to swallow safely is an emergency: use local emergency services and do not force food or drink.