Consumer Guide to Diabetes Products

Sulphonylureas

This medication stimulates the pancreas to produce more insulin.

These drugs can produce hypoglycaemia (abnormally low blood sugar levels).

Other side effects that may occur are development of skin allergies, tummy upsets, and increased sensitivity to light.

Rare but serious side effects include liver problems, fever or chills, and increased ease of bruising.

Pharmaceutical Name Manufacturer's Name Manufacturer/ Distributor Presentation Availability Subsidy Level
Glibenclamide Gliben1Picture of Gliben tablets Pacific Pharmaceuticals
  • 2.5 mg tabs (White, flat round tablet marked "GE/2.5" on one side and "G" on the other)
  • 5 mg tabs (White capsule shaped tablet marked with "GE/5" on one side and "G/G" on the other
 Three month supply can be dispensed all-at-once Fully subsidised
Gliclazide Apo-GliclazidePicture of Apo-Gliclazide tablets Apotex NZ Ltd
  • 80 mg tabs Blister packs of 30 and 90 tablets
 Three month supply can be dispensed all-at-once Fully subsidised
Glipizide Minidiab2 Pfizer
  • 5 mg tablets Blister strips of white round convex scored tablets.
 Three month supply can be dispensed all-at-once Fully subsidised
Glibenclamide Daonil Sanofi Aventis
  • 5mg tablets.
 Three month supply can be dispensed all at once Fully subsidised.


View information about other oral medications:

Or return to Introduction & Contents page »

  1. For detailed information follow the link to Medsafe Consumer Medicines Information, and enter "Gliben" in the search field.↩

  2. For detailed information follow the link to Medsafe Consumer Medicines Information, and enter "Minidiab" in the search field.↩

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