Buy Generic Glucovance Online

Generic Glucovance Information

Introduction

Glucovance is a fixed‑dose combination tablet that contains the two antidiabetic agents metformin and glyburide. It is classified within the diabetes therapeutic group and is used primarily to improve glycemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). In Hong Kong, Glucovance is prescribed when monotherapy with either component fails to achieve target blood‑glucose levels, or when clinicians wish to simplify a patient’s regimen by merging two proven oral agents into a single tablet.

The product is marketed by Eli Lilly and other authorized manufacturers and is recognised by the Hong Kong Department of Health as a “combined antihyperglycaemic product.” Although the combination is not a secondary indication, the individual components—metformin (a biguanide) and glyburide (a sulfonylurea)—have been evaluated for other metabolic conditions, such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and impaired glucose tolerance, respectively.

What is Glucovance?

Glucovance is an oral, fixed‑ratio combination tablet that delivers both metformin hydrochloride and glyburide (also known as glybenclamide). Metformin belongs to the biguanide class and reduces hepatic glucose production, while glyburide belongs to the second‑generation sulfonylurea category and stimulates pancreatic β‑cell insulin release. The tablet is produced in accordance with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and is approved for use in adult patients with T2DM whose disease is inadequately controlled by either metformin or glyburide alone.

• Classification: Combination antihyperglycaemic agent (biguanide + sulfonylurea)
• Development: The combination was first introduced in the United States and Europe in the early 200s to provide a convenient, single‑pill option for clinicians managing T2DM.
• Manufacturer: Eli Lilly and its licensed partners, with registration in Hong Kong under the brand name Glucovance.

How Glucovance Works

Metformin acts primarily by inhibiting mitochondrial respiratory complex I, which reduces hepatic gluconeogenesis and increases peripheral glucose uptake via activation of AMP‑activated protein kinase (AMPK). The result is a decrease in circulating glucose without stimulating insulin release, a mechanism that also modestly improves lipid profiles and may reduce cardiovascular risk.

Glyburide binds to sulfonylurea receptors (SUR1) on pancreatic β‑cells, closing ATP‑sensitive potassium channels. This depolarisation triggers calcium influx and promotes rapid insulin exocytosis. Consequently, post‑prandial glucose excursions are attenuated, complementing metformin’s basal glucose‑lowering effect.

When combined, the two agents provide a dual approach: metformin controls fasting and basal glucose production, while glyburide curtails post‑meal spikes. Onset of action for metformin occurs within 2–4 hours after ingestion, with a half‑life of 2.6 hours. Glyburide’s effect begins within 1–2 hours, and its half‑life ranges from 6–10 hours. The complementary pharmacokinetics permit a once‑ or twice‑daily regimen that maintains stable glycaemic control throughout the day.

Conditions Treated with Glucovance

The combination is not approved for type 1 diabetes, gestational diabetes, or for off‑label uses such as pre‑diabetes treatment, but clinicians may prescribe it in specific circumstances under specialist guidance.

Suitable Candidates for Glucovance Treatment

Glucovance is most appropriate for adult patients (≥ 18 years) with confirmed T2DM who satisfy all of the following criteria:

• Inadequate control on metformin alone (e.g., HbA1c ≥ 7. % despite ≥ 150 mg metformin daily) or on glyburide alone (e.g., persistent post‑prandial hyperglycaemia).
• Stable renal function (eGFR ≥ 45 mL/min/1.73 m²). Severe renal impairment (eGFR < 30) contraindicates glyburide because of hypoglycaemia risk.
• No history of severe sulfonylurea‑induced hypoglycaemia or hypersensitivity to either component.
• Ability to tolerate gastrointestinal (GI) side effects commonly associated with metformin (e.g., diarrhoea, abdominal discomfort).

Patients who should not receive Glucovance include:

• Those with liver disease (ALT/AST > 3 × ULN) due to increased risk of hepatotoxicity.
• Individuals with active cardiac failure (NYHA class III/IV), as sulfonylureas may exacerbate hypoglycaemia‑related arrhythmias.
• Pregnant or lactating women, because glyburide crosses the placenta and is not recommended during pregnancy.
• Patients taking maison‑lithium or other drugs that heavily depend on renal excretion and may potentiate glyburide toxicity.

Risks, Side Effects, and Interactions

Common adverse events

• Gastrointestinal disturbances – nausea, abdominal cramping, diarrhoea (predominantly metformin).
• Hypoglycaemia – sweating, shakiness, dizziness, especially when meals are missed or when combined with other insulin‑secretagogues.
• Metallic or bitter taste – reported shortly after tablet ingestion.

Rare adverse events

• Lactic acidosis – severe, life‑ threatening metabolic acidosis, usually precipitated by renal impairment, hypoxia, or dehydratation.
• Cutaneous reactions – rash, pruritus, urticaria (potentially related to sulfonylurea component).

Serious adverse events

• Severe hypoglycaemia – can lead to seizures, loss of consciousness, or injury; requires immediate medical attention.
• Hepatotoxicity – marked elevation of liver enzymes (> 5 × ULN) accompanied by jaundice or right‑upper‑quadrant pain.

Clinically relevant drug–drug interactions

• Other sulfonylureas, insulin, or meglitinides – additive hypoglycaemic risk.
• CYP2C9 inhibitors (e.g., fluconazole, amiodarone) – may increase glyburide plasma levels, raising hypoglycaemia potential.
• Cimetidine, propranolol, and certain ACE inhibitors – can potentiate hypoglycaemia by masking typical adrenergic warning signs.
• Radiocontrast agents – may impair renal function, increasing lactic‑acidosis risk when combined with metformin.

Patients should disclose all current medicines, including over‑the‑counter products and herbal supplements, to their health‑care professional.

Practical Use: Dosing, Missed Dose, Overdose

Standard dosing (adult ≥ 18 y):

• Initial dose: 500 mg metformin + 1.25 mg glyburide (as a single tablet) once daily with the evening main meal.
• Titration: After 1–2 weeks, the dose may be increased to 850 mg metformin + 2.5 mg glyburide, then to 100 mg metformin + 5 mg glyburide (typically two tablets per day) if glycaemic targets are not met and tolerability is acceptable.
• Maximum: 200 mg metformin + 15 mg glyburide per day (usually 2 tablets BID).

Missed dose – If a dose is omitted, the patient should take the missed tablet as soon as possible unless the next scheduled dose is within 2 hours, in which case the missed dose should be skipped to avoid double‑dosing. Do not compensate by taking a higher dose.

Overdose – An acute overdose may present with severe gastrointestinal symptoms, lactic acidosis, or hypoglycaemia. Immediate medical care is essential. Measure plasma glucose promptly; if hypoglycaemic, treat with oral glucose or intravenous dextrose while monitoring for recurrent episodes.

Precautions

• Food: Take with a main meal to minimise GI upset and reduce hypoglycaemia risk.
• Alcohol: Limit intake; excessive alcohol increases lactic‑acidosis risk with metformin and may potentiate hypoglycaemia with glyburide.
• Comorbidities: Use with caution in patients with cardiovascular disease, chronic kidney disease, or hepatic impairment.

Buying Glucovance from Our Online Pharmacy

Glucovance can be purchased directly from our online pharmacy in Hong Kong. Our service offers several advantages for patients who need a reliable and affordable source of this combined antidiabetic medication:

• Affordable pricing – Prices are set close to manufacturer cost, providing a generic alternative that is substantially lower than many retail outlets.
• Verified quality – All Glucovance tablets are sourced from internationally licensed, WHO‑GMP certified manufacturers and undergo strict authenticity verification before dispatch.
• Guaranteed delivery – We provide discreet, reliable shipping: standard airmail (≈ 3 weeks) for routine orders and express courier (≈ 7 days) for urgent needs.
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By choosing our platform, patients gain a safe, cost‑effective avenue to obtain Glucovance when local pharmacies face stock shortages or when insurance coverage is limited.

FAQ

• Is Glucovance available in both brand‑name and generic forms in Hong Kong?
  Yes, Glucovance is marketed under its brand name by Eli Lilly, while several generic manufacturers produce the same metformin + glyburide combination. Generic tablets contain identical active ingredients and are usually priced lower.

• What is the typical appearance of a Glucovance tablet?
  The tablet is round, bicolour‑coated: the upper half is pinkish‑red and the lower half is white, bearing the imprint “GLUCO” on one side and the strength code on the other. Inactive ingredients include lactose, povidone, and magnesium stearate.

• How should Glucovance be stored to maintain potency?
  Store the tablets at controlled room temperature (20–25 °C), protected from moisture, direct heat, and sunlight. Avoid storage in bathrooms or near kitchen appliances that generate humidity.

• Can I travel internationally with Glucovance tablets?
  Yes. Keep the medication in its original packaging, carry a copy of the prescription, and pack it in a carry‑on bag rather than checked luggage to avoid temperature extremes.

• Are there specific warnings for Asian populations taking Glucovance?
  No ethnicity‑specific warnings have been issued by the Hong Kong Department of Health. However, Asian patients often have lower body weight and may experience higher relative exposure to glyburide, so dose titration should start at the lower end of the range.

• Does Glucovance undergo cold‑chain logistics?
  No. The tablet is stable at room temperature and does not require refrigeration during shipping or storage.

• What packaging does Glucovance arrive in when ordered online?
  Orders from our pharmacy are shipped in tamper‑evident, sealed blister packs (typically 30 tablets per pack). Each pack includes a printed safety leaflet in English and Chinese.

• Is personal import of Glucovance into Hong Kong permitted for private use?
  Yes, Hong Kong permits personal import of prescription medicines for a maximum three‑month supply, provided a valid prescription is attached. Our service includes a copy of the authorised prescription for customs clearance.

• How long does it take for blood glucose to stabilise after starting Glucovance?
  Metformin’s glucose‑lowering effect appears within 1–2 weeks, while glyburide’s insulin‑stimulating effect can be observed within 2–3 days. Full stabilisation of fasting and post‑prandial glucose typically occurs after 4–6 weeks of consistent therapy.

• What clinical trials established the efficacy of the metformin + glyburide combination?
  Large, multicentre Phase III studies (e.g., the ADVANCE and UKPDS extensions) demonstrated that combining metformin with sulfonylureas yields greater HbA1c reductions than either agent alone, with a comparable safety profile when properly dosed.

Glossary

Biguanide

A class of antihyperglycaemic drugs, exemplified by metformin, that primarily reduce hepatic glucose output and increase peripheral glucose uptake.

Sulfonylurea

An insulin‑secretagogue class that binds to SUR1 receptors on pancreatic β‑cells, leading to increased insulin release independent of glucose levels.

eGFR (estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate)

A calculated metric of kidney function expressed in mL/min/1.73 m², used to assess suitability of renally cleared drugs.

Therapeutic window

The dosage range in which a medication achieves desired efficacy while maintaining an acceptable safety profile.

⚠️ Disclaimer

The information provided about Glucovance is intended for general education and does not replace professional medical consultation. All therapeutic decisions should be made under the supervision of a qualified health‑care provider. Readers are presumed to be responsible adults capable of judging their own health choices. Our online pharmacy supplies Glucovance to individuals who may experience limited access through conventional pharmacies, insurance formularies, or who seek cost‑effective generic options. Always discuss with your doctor before initiating, modifying, or discontinuing any medication.