[11/3/2023] Consumers should not purchase or use Dr. Ergin’s SugarMD Advanced Glucose Support, a product promoted and sold for blood glucose management. It may have been purchased at www.sugarmds.com and possibly in some retail stores due to hidden drug ingredients.

FDA laboratory analysis confirmed that Dr. Ergin’s SugarMD Advanced Glucose Support contains glyburide and metformin, the active ingredients in several FDA-approved prescription drugs used to treat type 2 diabetes. Glyburide and metformin are only available with a prescription.

Glyburide may pose serious and potentially life-threatening risks to consumers because this ingredient may result in unsafe drops in blood sugar levels (hypoglycemia). Common symptoms of hypoglycemia include fast heartbeat, shaking, sweating, nervousness or anxiety, irritability or confusion, dizziness, drowsiness, headache and hunger. Hypoglycemia may quickly become severe, resulting in seizures, coma or death.

Metformin may pose a serious risk to consumers because this ingredient can cause a rare but serious side effect called lactic acidosis (a build-up of lactic acid in the blood) that can cause death if untreated. Symptoms of lactic acidosis include nausea, vomiting, fatigue, body aches, respiratory distress, abdominal pain and fast, deep breathing. Metformin may also cause hypoglycemia when taken together with other medications to lower blood sugar.

Patients should tell their health care providers about all medications they are taking, including nonprescription medications. If consumers and their health care providers are unaware that glyburide or metformin are present in a product, they may end up taking a larger combined dose of the diabetic drugs than they intended, which can cause hypoglycemia or lactic acidosis. The risks associated with both glyburide and metformin are greatest in people with chronic kidney disease.

FDA is not aware of any adverse events related to use of this product but recommends consumers properly discard these products.

Health care professionals and consumers should report adverse events or side effects related to the use of this product to FDA's MedWatch Safety Information and Adverse Event Reporting Program:

• Complete and submit the report online at MedWatch Online Voluntary Reporting Form, or;
• Download and complete the form, then submit it via fax at 1-800-FDA-0178.

More information

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