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AMARYL
IMPORTANT NOTE:
THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION IS INTENDED TO SUPPLEMENT, NOT SUBSTITUTE
FOR, THE EXPERTISE AND JUDGMENT OF YOUR PHYSICIAN, PHARMACIST OR
OTHER HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONAL. IT SHOULD NOT BE CONSTRUED TO
INDICATE THAT USE OF THE DRUG IS SAFE, APPROPRIATE, OR EFFECTIVE FOR
YOU. CONSULT YOUR HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONAL BEFORE USING AMARYL.
GLIMEPIRIDE ORAL (glim-EP-er-ide)
COMMON BRAND NAME(S):
Amaryl
USES:
Glimepiride is used along with diet to treat diabetes. It can be
used with insulin or metformin in certain cases.
HOW TO TAKE AMARYL:
Take this by mouth exactly as prescribed, usually once a day with
breakfast or the first main meal of the day. Your dose may be
adjusted initially every 1-2 weeks to determine the most effective
dose for you. Follow dosing instructions closely and keep all
doctors appointments. It is important that you regularly test your
urine or blood for sugar as discussed with your doctor.
SIDE EFFECTS:
Stomach pain, gas, bloating or diarrhea are most common but should
subside as your body adjusts to the medication. Also, skin
rash/itching, dizziness and nausea may occur. Sun sensitivity/rash
occurs rarely. If any of these effects continue or become severe,
inform your doctor. Notify your doctor if you develop:
symptoms of high blood sugar (e.g., thirst, frequent urination),
symptoms of low blood sugar (e.g., increased heart rate,
nervousness, sweating, hunger, numbness/tingling of the hands or
feet). Promptly report any of these serious side effects:
persistent sore throat or fever, unusual bruises/bleeding, headache,
shortness of breath, yellowing skin or eyes (jaundice). If you
notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or
pharmacist.
PRECAUTIONS:
Before taking AMARYL, tell your doctor if you have been hospitalized
for diabetes or have any of the following medical problems:
kidney disease, liver disease, heart disease, any allergies. During
times of stress such as fever, infection, injury or surgery, it may
be more difficult to control your blood sugar. Consult your doctor
or pharmacist as additional medication may be required. AMARYL
should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss
the risks and benefits with your doctor. It is unknown if AMARYL is
excreted into breast milk. Other similar drugs are excreted into
breast milk. Consult with your doctor before breast-feeding.
DRUG INTERACTIONS:
Tell your doctor of any nonprescription or prescription
medication you may take particularly:
"water pills" (diuretics), thyroid hormone, steroids,
estrogen hormone, sulfa drugs, azole-type antifungals (e.g.,
itraconazole, ketoconazole); quinolone antibiotics (e.g., ciprofloxacin,
levofloxacin); birth control pills, phenytoin, isoniazid, aspirin or aspirin-like drugs (e.g.,
NSAIDs); "blood
thinners" (e.g., warfarin), asparaginase, MAO inhibitors (e.g.,
furazolidone, linezolid, moclobemide, phenelzine, procarbazine, selegiline,
tranylcypromine); phenothiazines (e.g., chlorpromazine, thioridazine), H2-blockers (e.g.,
famotidine, ranitidine), pentamidine, octreotide, cyclosporine, beta-blockers (e.g.,
metoprolol, propranolol). Do not start or stop any medicine without
doctor or pharmacist approval.
OVERDOSE:
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center
or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include
lightheadedness, sweating, rapid pulse, tremor, confusion, seizures,
and loss of consciousness.
NOTES:
AMARYL is not a substitute for proper diet and exercise. It is
recommended to attend a diabetes education program to understand
diabetes and all aspects of its treatment including diet, exercise,
personal hygiene, medications and getting regular eye exams. Lab
tests will be done periodically while taking this to monitor its
effects and prevent side effects. Controlling high blood sugar helps
prevent heart disease, strokes, kidney disease and circulation
problems.
MISSED DOSE:
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as remembered; do not take it if
it is near the time for the next dose. Instead, skip the missed dose
and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not "double-up"
the dose to catch up.
STORAGE:
Store this at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and
30 degrees C) away from heat and light. Do not store in the
bathroom. Keep this and all medications out of the reach of
children.
Your condition can cause complications in a medical emergency. For
information on enrollment call Medic Alert(TM) at 1-800-854-1166. In
Canada call 1-800-668-1507.
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