Glucotrol XL (Glipizide XL)

Do’s

• Before starting Glucotrol XL, read the Patient Information Leaflet provided by your pharmacist. If you have any questions, ask your healthcare provider for clarification.
• Glucotrol XL is usually taken by mouth with breakfast, as directed by your healthcare provider. This is typically done once daily. The specific dosage will be based on your medical condition and your response to treatment.
• Swallow the tablets whole. 
• To minimize the risk of side effects, your healthcare provider may advise you to start with a low dose of Glucotrol XL and gradually increase the dose.
• If you are already taking another diabetes drug, such as chlorpropamide, follow your healthcare provider's directions for stopping the old drug and starting Glucotrol XL.
• If you are taking colesevelam, it can decrease the absorption of glipizide. In this case, take Glucotrol XL at least 4 hours before taking colesevelam.
• Take this medication regularly to obtain the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same time each day.
• Communicate with your healthcare provider about your condition. If your condition does not improve or if it worsens (your blood sugar is too high or too low), inform your healthcare provider promptly

Don’ts

• Do not crush or chew the tablets, as doing so can release all of the drug at once, increasing the risk of side effects.

Common Side Effects:

• Dizziness
• Diarrhea
• Nervousness
• Tremor
• Gas
• Gastrointestinal (GI) problems such as nausea, vomiting, constipation, and dyspepsia 
• Low Blood Sugar

This is not an exhaustive list of side effects. If you have any concerns about the side effects of Glucotrol XL, discuss them with your healthcare provider.

Inform your healthcare provider if you are allergic to Glucotrol XL, glipizide, or any other drugs, foods, or substances. Any signs of an allergic reaction should be reported to your healthcare provider.

Inform your healthcare provider about all of your drugs, including prescription, over-the-counter, natural products, and vitamins, as well as your health problems to ensure the safety of taking Glucotrol XL.

Glucotrol XL may interact with other drugs you are taking. Consult a healthcare provider before taking any drug, changing any diet, or commencing or discontinuing any course of treatment.

Certain adverse reactions have been identified during the post-approval use of Glucotrol XL. These include leukopenia, agranulocytosis, thrombocytopenia, hemolytic anemia, aplastic anemia, and pancytopenia. Be vigilant for any signs of these adverse reactions and report them to your healthcare provider.

For females of reproductive potential, inform your healthcare provider of a known or suspected pregnancy. 

Breastfeeding women taking Glucotrol XL should monitor breastfed infants for signs of hypoglycemia.

Dose selection for elderly patients should be cautious, usually starting at the low end of the dosing range, reflecting the greater frequency of decreased hepatic, renal, or cardiac function, and of concomitant disease or other drug therapy.

Discuss these warnings and precautions with your healthcare provider and seek personalized advice regarding the use of Glucotrol XL.