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 are over 65 years of age.
• If you have liver or kidney problems.
• If you have diabetes that needs to be treated by insulin (type 1 or insulin dependent diabetes).
• If you have been told by your doctor that you have ketoacidosis.
• If you are about to undergo surgery.
• If you have a rare blood condition called porphyria.
• If you are taking other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal or complementary medicines.
• If you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or to any other medicine.

How to take glimepiride

• Before taking glimepiride, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet.
• Take glimepiride exactly as your doctor has told you to.
• Try to take your tablet at the same time each day to avoid missing any doses.
• Take glimepiride with a drink of water shortly before or during your first main meal.
• If you forget to take a dose, take it with your next meal and then continue at the usual time on the next day. Do not take two doses together to make up for a missed dose.

Getting the most from your treatment

• Your doctor/nurse will want to see you regularly to review your condition - it is important that you attend these appointments.
• You will need to have regular blood tests to check the amount of glucose in your blood. Your blood pressure and cholesterol levels may also be checked.
• Your ability to concentrate may be affected if your diabetes is not well-controlled. This may be the case especially at the start of your treatment. Make sure your reactions and concentration are normal before driving or operating machinery.
• It is important for you to eat regular meals.
• It is also important that you follow the dietary advice that you will have been given, such as eating a well-balanced, healthy diet. Avoid sugary foods and reduce the amount of fat and salt in your food. Eat more fruit and vegetables, fibre-rich starchy foods, and oily fish.
• You should exercise regularly. Ask your doctor or nurse to advise you on what exercise will be suitable for you.
• Drinking alcohol is not recommended with glimepiride as it can affect the control of your diabetes.
• Do not stop taking glimepiride without speaking to your doctor first. Treatment for diabetes is usually lifelong.
• If you are having any treatment like an operation or dental treatment, tell the person carrying out the treatment that you are taking glimepiride.

Can glimepiride cause problems?

Along with their useful effects, all medicines can cause unwanted side-effects although not everyone experiences them. These usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine, but speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side-effects become troublesome.

How to store glimepiride

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

Important information about all medicines

References

• Manufacturer's PIL, Amaryl®, sanofi-aventis, electronic Medicines Compendium. Dated February 2011.
• British National Formulary; 59th Edition (March 2010) British Medical Association and Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain, London.