Glimepiride

About glimepiride

Insulin is made naturally in the pancreas and regulates the amount of sugar in the blood. If the body does not make enough insulin to meet its needs, or does not properly use the insulin it makes, this results in a condition called diabetes mellitus (sugar diabetes). Glimepiride works by increasing the amount of insulin that the pancreas releases. It also encourages the use of sugar in the blood by the cells in the body which need it.

Before taking glimepiride

Before taking glimepiride make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

• If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding
• If you suffer from kidney or liver problems
• If you suffer from porphyria (a blood disorder) or other blood disorders
• If you have ever suffered from thyroid problems
• If you are an insulin dependent diabetic
• If you are due to have an operation
• If you have an infection
• If you have been told by your doctor that you have 'ketoacidosis'
• If you are taking any other medicines
• If you have ever had an allergic reaction to glimepiride, any ingredients in the tablets, another sulphonylurea (oral antidiabetic) or a sulphonamide (antibiotic)

How to take glimepiride

• Take glimepiride exactly as directed by your doctor
• Try to take glimepiride at the same times each day to avoid missing any doses
• Take glimepiride with or immediately before your first main meal, or as directed by your doctor or diabetic nurse
• If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember (with food) and continue taking it at the usual time. If it is nearly time for your next dose, leave out the missed dose; never take two doses at the same time to make up. If in doubt speak to your pharmacist or doctor.

Getting the most from your treatment

• It is important that you follow any dietary instructions that you have been given by your doctor or diabetic nurse
• If you miss a meal you have an increased risk of hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar levels), see below
• Your doctor may recommend that you test for sugar in the blood or urine regularly to check your diabetes is being well controlled
• Avoid drinking large amounts of alcohol or drinking alcohol on an empty stomach as alcohol may cause low blood sugar and affects the control of your condition
• Check with your doctor before taking up any physical exercise, as this can have a long lasting effect on your blood sugar levels
• Before having any kind of medical treatment, including dental or emergency treatment, tell the doctor, surgeon, dentist or other medical professional that you are taking glimepiride
• You must keep your regular appointments with your doctor or diabetic nurse because your doctor may want to adjust the dose of glimepiride you are taking
• Do not stop taking this medicine without speaking to your doctor or diabetic nurse first

• Hypoglycaemia is likely to occur if you miss a meal, if you exercise more than usual, if you cannot eat because of sickness or if you drink a lot of alcohol
• Symptoms include feeling anxious, cold sweats, confusion, headache, feeling sick, being sick, nervousness, palpitations (being aware of your heartbeat), shaking, unusual tiredness or weakness and visual problems
• You should eat something containing sugar such as glucose tablets, biscuits or a sugary drink (not diet) and follow this up with a starchy snack, such as a sandwich to raise your blood sugar
• Check with your doctor or diabetic nurse straight away, because you may get further attacks over the next few days
• The dose of your tablets may need to be altered
• Severe symptoms of hypoglycaemia such as convulsions and unconsciousness require immediate medical attention
• Drivers should take special care on long journeys. If hypoglycaemia occurs, you should wait at least fifteen minutes before continuing on your journey. Driving is not permitted when you are unable to recognise the warning signs of a hypoglycaemic attack.

• Symptoms usually appear more slowly then those of low blood sugar and may occur if you over eat, if you miss a dose of your medicine, if you do not follow a proper diet or if you have a fever or infection
• Symptoms include drowsiness, flushed face, fruity smell on breath, increased urination (passing water), loss of appetite or unusual thirst. Severe symptoms may include rapid pulse and heavy breathing.
• If you experience any of the symptoms mentioned check with your doctor or diabetic nurse immediately

Can glimepiride cause problems?

Along with their useful effects all medicines can cause unwanted side effects, which usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side effects continue or become troublesome or if you experience any other worrying symptoms, which you think may be due to this medicine.

How to store glimepiride

• Keep all medicines out of the reach of children
• Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light

Important information about all medicines