Amaryl

Amaryl (Glimepiride) is a sulfonylurea used to treat diabetes mellitus (sugar diabetes).

Synonyms: Glinda, Glymuran, Endial, Glimepirida

What is the most important information I should know about Amaryl?

* Take care not to let your blood sugar get too low, causing hypoglycemia. You may have hypoglycemia if you skip a meal, exercise too long, drink alcohol, or are under stress.
* Know the signs of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) and how to recognize them. Always keep a source of sugar available in case you have symptoms of low blood sugar. Sugar sources include orange juice, glucose gel, candy, or milk. Severe hypoglycemia may cause loss of consciousness, seizures, or death. If you have severe hypoglycemia and cannot eat or drink, use an injection of glucagon. Your doctor can give you a prescription for a glucagon emergency injection kit and tell you how to give the injection.
* If your blood sugar gets too high (hyperglycemia), you may feel very thirsty or hungry. You may also urinate more than usual. Call your doctor right away if you have any symptoms of hyperglycemia.
* Amaryl is only part of a complete program of treatment that also includes diet, exercise, and weight control. Follow your diet, medication, and exercise routines very closely. Changing any of these factors can affect your blood sugar levels.
* It is important to take Amaryl regularly to get the most benefit. Get your prescription refilled before you run out of medicine completely.

What is Amaryl?

* Amaryl is an oral diabetes medicine that helps control blood sugar levels. This medication helps your body respond better to insulin produced by your pancreas.
* Amaryl is used together with diet and exercise to treat type 2 (non-insulin dependent) diabetes. Other diabetes medicines are sometimes used in combination with Amaryl if needed.
* Amaryl may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my doctor before taking Amaryl?

* Before taking Amaryl, tell your doctor if you have:
o heart disease;
o adrenal or pituitary gland problems;
o or if you are under-nourished; or
o have liver disease.
* If you have any of these conditions, you may not be able to use Amaryl, or you may need a dosage adjustment or special tests during treatment.
* FDA pregnancy category C. This medication may be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.
* It is not known whether Amaryl passes into breast milk or if it could be harmful to a nursing baby. Do not take Amaryl without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I take Amaryl?

* Take Amaryl exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take the medication in larger or smaller amounts, or take it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Your dose needs may change if you are ill, if you have a fever or infection, or if you have surgery or a medical emergency.
* Do not change your dose of Amaryl without first talking to your doctor.
* Take each dose with a full glass of water.
* Amaryl is usually taken once a day, with breakfast or the first main meal of the day. Follow your doctor's instructions.
* Take care not to let your blood sugar get too low, causing hypoglycemia. You may have hypoglycemia if you skip a meal, exercise too long, drink alcohol, or are under stress.
* Know the signs of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) and how to recognize them. Always keep a source of sugar available in case you have symptoms of low blood sugar. Sugar sources include orange juice, glucose gel, candy, or milk. Severe hypoglycemia may cause loss of consciousness, seizures, or death. If you have severe hypoglycemia and cannot eat or drink, use an injection of glucagon. Your doctor can give you a prescription for a glucagon emergency injection kit and tell you how to give the injection.
* To be sure this medication is helping your condition, you will need to check your blood sugar at home. Your blood will also need to be tested by your doctor on a regular basis. It is important that you not miss any scheduled visits to your doctor.
* Amaryl is only part of a complete program of treatment that also includes diet, exercise, and weight control. Follow your diet, medication, and exercise routines very closely. Changing any of these factors can affect your blood sugar levels.
* It is important to take Amaryl regularly to get the most benefit. Get your prescription refilled before you run out of medicine completely.
* Store Amaryl at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What happens if I miss a dose?

* Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and take only the next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose of this medication.

What happens if I overdose?

* Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine.
* Symptoms of a Amaryl overdose include hunger, nausea, anxiety, cold sweats, weakness, drowsiness, loss of consciousness, and coma.

What should I avoid while taking Amaryl?

* Avoid drinking alcohol. It lowers blood sugar and may interfere with your diabetes treatment.
* Do not use Amaryl if you are in a state of diabetic ketoacidosis. Call your doctor for treatment.

What are the possible side effects of Amaryl?

* Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
* Call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:
o signs of congestive heart failure (swelling or rapid weight gain, shortness of breath, chest pain);
o restlessness, irritability, muscle cramps, nausea, headache, confusion, or seizure (convulsions);
o skin rash, itching, redness, or irritation;
o easy bruising or bleeding, unusual weakness; or
o nausea, stomach pain, low fever, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).
* Other less serious side effects are more likely to occur, such as:
o dizziness or weakness;
o headache, blurred vision;
o mild nausea, vomiting, or stomach pain;
o increased skin sensitivity to sunlight; or
o dark urine.
* Know the signs of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) and how to recognize them. Always keep a source of sugar available in case you have symptoms of low blood sugar. Sugar sources include orange juice, glucose gel, candy, or milk. Severe hypoglycemia may cause loss of consciousness, seizures, or death. If you have severe hypoglycemia and cannot eat or drink, give an injection of glucagon. Your doctor can give you a prescription for a glucagon emergency injection kit and tell you how to give the injection.
* If your blood sugar gets too high (hyperglycemia), you may feel very thirsty or hungry. You may also urinate more than usual. Call your doctor right away if you have any symptoms of hyperglycemia.
* Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

What other drugs will affect Amaryl?

* You may be more likely to have hyperglycemia (high blood sugar) if you are taking Amaryl with other drugs that raise blood sugar. Drugs that can raise blood sugar include:
o isoniazid;
o diuretics (water pills);
o steroids (prednisone and others);
o phenothiazines (Compazine and others);
o thyroid medicine (Synthroid and others);
o birth control pills and other hormones;
o seizure medicines (Dilantin and others);
o diet pills; and
o medicines to treat asthma, colds or allergies.
* You may be more likely to have hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) if you are taking Amaryl other drugs that lower blood sugar. Drugs that can lower blood sugar include:
o nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs);
o aspirin or other salicylates (including Pepto-Bismol);
o sulfa drugs (Bactrim and others);
o a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI);
o beta-blockers (Tenormin and others);
o probenecid (Benemid); or
o a blood thinner (warfarin, Coumadin and others).
* If you are using any of these drugs, you may not be able to take Amaryl, or you may need dosage adjustments or special tests during treatment.
* There may be other drugs not listed that can affect Amaryl. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor.