What should seniors know before using glyburide and metformin?

Before using glyburide and metformin (brand name: Glucovance), seniors should know whether their kidneys are working well enough to handle this combination medication for type 2 diabetes. That's because the kidneys are responsible for clearing this drug from the body -- and if it isn't cleared promptly, there's a greater risk for a rare but potentially life-threatening problem called lactic acidosis. In particular, people 80 years old and older should have their creatinine levels checked to measure their kidney function. They should also have their liver and heart function checked.

Seniors should also talk with their doctor to make sure they aren't taking any other medications that could interact negatively with glyburide and metformin.