Gliclazide

Type 2 diabetes, usually as add-on to metformin when blood sugar targets aren’t being met.

Gliclazide stimulates the beta cells in your pancreas to release more insulin. More insulin means your body can move glucose out of the blood and into cells more effectively. It works regardless of meal timing, though the effect is greater after eating.

Adults with type 2 diabetes whose pancreas still produces some insulin. Not suitable for type 1 diabetes. Carries a risk of hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar) - you’ll need to know how to recognise and treat hypos.

Order online and we review your request. A prescriber checks your consultation form for clinical appropriateness and contacts you if anything else is needed. Once approved, your medication is dispensed and delivered to your door. This medication requires blood test monitoring. We may request recent blood results or arrange testing before dispensing.

Tracked: Tracked delivery, arrives in two working days - Free

When it arrives: Every order is sent tracked. Where this page says in post today, it goes out today. Where it says in post tomorrow, it goes out the next working day. On the rare occasions a medicine is unavailable, we will contact you to talk about timing and alternatives.

We dispense clinically equivalent generic medications where available. Prices shown are for the generic version. If you prefer the branded version, let us know in your order form and we will confirm any price difference.

Gliclazide from £20.99 per pack.

Gliclazide: hypoglycaemia (especially if missed meals), weight gain, GI disturbances. Sitagliptin: upper respiratory tract infection, headache, nasopharyngitis. Pioglitazone: weight gain, oedema, increased fracture risk.

Gliclazide: severe hepatic/renal impairment, diabetic ketoacidosis. Pioglitazone: heart failure, hepatic impairment, bladder cancer history.

Gliclazide: many drugs increase hypoglycaemia risk (fluconazole, NSAIDs, fibrates). Pioglitazone: CYP2C8 inhibitors increase levels.

Oral antidiabetics are generally not recommended in pregnancy - insulin is preferred for blood glucose control. Metformin is sometimes used in pregnancy under specialist supervision (especially for gestational diabetes and PCOS). Stop other oral agents before conception.

Take with breakfast (or first main meal). CAN cause hypoglycaemia - always carry glucose tablets or a sugary drink. Risk increases if you skip meals, drink alcohol, or exercise heavily. Can cause weight gain. Modified-release (MR) version is taken once daily. Regular blood sugar monitoring is important.