Information about Amaryl
Glimepiride is a sulfonylurea that is used for treating patients with type 2 diabetes who cannot control blood sugar levels by diet and exercise alone. Glimepiride decreases blood glucose (sugar) by stimulating the release of insulin from the pancreas gland and lowers blood glucose by other actions on fat and muscle cells. It also may help Glimepiride does not work in type 1 (insulin-dependent) diabetes mellitus because in this condition, the pancreas gland is not capable of making or releasing insulin. Glimepiride may be used along with insulin.
You should not use Glimepiride in case you have conditions mentioned below: you are allergic to any ingredient in Glimepiride; you have type 1 diabetes, severe second or third degree burns, increased ketone levels, severely increased acid levels in your bodily fluids (acidosis), or a history of a diabetic coma; you are pregnant and near delivery; you are using bosentan or drink alcohol.
In such cases it is obligatory to consult with your doctor or health care provider before taking this medicine.
Before using Glimepiride you should tell your doctor if you have any medical conditions listed below: you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding a baby; you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement; you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances; you have increased levels of acid in your bodily fluids (acidosis), a weak stomach, liver problems, intestinal problems, a high fever, kidney problems, severe diarrhea, an infection, or thyroid problems; you have recently suffered from major surgery or trauma, or you are debilitated or malnourished.
Be aware that Glimepiride may interact with some medicines. Consult with your health care provider in case you are taking any other drugs, especially any of the next: Bosentanbecause may lead to liver problems and the effectiveness may be decreased; Angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors (eg, enalapril), beta-blockers (eg, propranolol), certain medicines that act on the liver (eg, cimetidine, fluoxetine, miconazole, and others), chloramphenicol, clofibrate, fenfluramine, gemfibrozil, monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors (eg, phenelzine), nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) (eg, ibuprofen, celecoxib), oral anticoagulants (eg, warfarin), probenecid, salicylates (eg, aspirin), or sulfonamides (eg, sulfamethoxazole) because the risk of abnormally low blood sugar levels (eg, hunger, shakiness or weakness, dizziness, headache, sweating) may be increased; Birth control pills, certain medicines that act on the liver (eg, phenytoin, rifampin, and others), diazoxide, diuretics (eg, hydrochlorothiazide), corticosteroids (eg, prednisone), estrogens (eg, estradiol), gemfibrozil, isoniazid, nicotinic acid, phenothiazines (eg, chlorpromazine), or certain stimulants (eg, albuterol, amphetamine, pseudoephedrine) because the effectiveness of Glimepiride may be decreased.
It may not be a complete list of all interactions with other drugs. To prevent any complications you should check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.
How to use Glimepiride
You should use Glimepiride as recommended by your doctor. The usual dose is given once daily with breakfast or the first main meal of the day.
In case you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next intake, skip the missed dose and take it according to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take double doses at once.
Important safety information
Try not to drink alcohol while you are taking Glimepiride, because the risk of developing abnormally low blood sugar may be increased. Glimepiride in combination with alcohol may lead to serious reaction with symptoms such as facial flushing, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, or stomach pain.
Sulfonylurea antidiabetic medicines are associated with increased risk of death from heart disease. Consult with your doctor and discuss the possible risks and benefits of Glimepiride usage and alternative treatments for your case.
You should carry an ID card at all times that says you have diabetes.
For the best results, follow the diet and exercise program given to you by your doctor. It is obligatory to check your blood sugar levels as recommended by your doctor. If they are higher than they should be and you use Glimepiride exactly as prescribed, consult with your doctor.
Glimepiride may lower your blood sugar levels. It makes you feel anxious, sweaty, weak, dizzy, drowsy, or faint. It may also make your heart beat faster; make your vision change; give you a headache, chills, or tremors; or make you hungrier. It is necessary to carry a reliable source of glucose (e.g., tablets or gel) to treat low blood sugar. In cases this is unavailable; you should eat or drink a quick source of sugar like table sugar, honey, candy, orange juice, or non-diet soda. It elevates your blood sugar level rather quickly. Consult with your doctor if this happens immediately. Do not skip meals and eat meals at the same time each day.
Elderly are more likely to be more sensitive to its effects, especially abnormally low blood sugar levels.
Glimepiride is not administered for use in children. Safety and effectiveness have not been proved.
PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING
If you become pregnant, consult with your doctor and discuss the benefits and risks of using Glimepiride while pregnancy. It is not clear whether Glimepiride passes into breast milk. Do not breast-feed a baby while using Glimepiride.
Possible side effects of Glimepiride
You should consult with your doctor in case you have any of side effects especially bothersome listed below: dizziness; headache; nausea; weakness.
Seek emergency in case you have any of these severe side effects: severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue).
What is the expiration date of the pills?
This information is mentioned on each blister. The expiration date is 2 years from the date of manufacture. |