Amaryl

Amaryl

     * Generic Name: glimepiride
     * Brand Name: Amaryl Tablets


     * What is glimepiride (Amaryl)?
     * What are the possible side effects of glimepiride (Amaryl)?
     * What is the most important information I should know about
       glimepiride (Amaryl)?
     * What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking
       glimepiride (Amaryl)?
     * How should I take glimepiride (Amaryl)?
     * What happens if I miss a dose (Amaryl)?
     * What happens if I overdose (Amaryl)?
     * What should I avoid while taking glimepiride (Amaryl)?
     * What other drugs will affect glimepiride (Amaryl)?
     * Where can I get more information (Amaryl)?

What is glimepiride (Amaryl)?

   Glimepiride is an oral diabetes medicine that helps control
   blood sugar levels.

   Glimepiride is used together with diet and exercise to treat
   type 2 diabetes. Insulin or other diabetes medicines are
   sometimes used in combination with glimepiride if needed.

   Glimepiride may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication
   guide.

What are the possible side effects of glimepiride (Amaryl)?

   Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction:
   hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or
   throat.

   Call your doctor at once if you have:
     * pale or yellowed skin, dark colored urine, fever, confusion or
       weakness; or
     * severe skin reaction--fever, sore throat, swelling in your face
       or tongue, burning in your eyes, skin pain, followed by a red or
       purple skin rash that spreads (especially in the face or upper
       body) and causes blistering and peeling.

   Common side effects may include:
     * headache;
     * dizziness, weakness;
     * nausea; or
     * flu symptoms.

   This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call
   your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side
   effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

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

   Do not use this medicine if you are in a state of diabetic
   ketoacidosis (call your doctor for treatment with insulin).

   Amaryl Patient Information including How Should I Take
   Type 2 Diabetes Diagnosis, Treatment, Medication

   Type 2 Diabetes: Learn the Warning Signs
   Diabetes: Best and Worst Meals for Diabetes-Savvy Dining

   Diabetes Friendly Dining
   RxList

   Type 2 Diabetes Quiz

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking glimepiride
(Amaryl)?

   You should not use glimepiride if you are allergic to it, or if you are
   in a state of diabetic ketoacidosis (call your doctor for treatment
   with insulin).

   To make sure glimepiride is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:
     * heart disease;
     * liver or kidney disease;
     * an allergy to sulfa drugs;
     * an enzyme deficiency called glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase
       deficiency (G6PD);
     * adrenal or pituitary gland problems; or
     * if you are under-nourished.

   It is not known whether glimepiride will harm an unborn baby. Similar
   diabetes medications have caused severe hypoglycemia in newborn
   babies whose mothers had used the medication near the time of delivery.
   Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while
   using this medication.

   It is not known whether glimepiride passes into breast milk or if it
   could harm a nursing baby. Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding a
   baby.

How should I take glimepiride (Amaryl)?

   Follow all directions on your prescription label. Your doctor may
   occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the best results. Do
   not take this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than
   recommended.

   Glimepiride is usually taken once a day with breakfast or the first
   main meal of the day. Follow your doctor's instructions. Take
   glimepiride with a full glass of water.

   Your blood sugar will need to be checked often, and you may need other
   blood tests at your doctor's office.

   Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) can happen to everyone who has diabetes.
   Symptoms include headache, hunger, sweating, pale skin,
   irritability, dizziness, feeling shaky, or trouble concentrating.
   Always keep a source of sugar with you in case you have low blood
   sugar. Sugar sources include fruit juice, hard candy, crackers,
   raisins, and non-diet soda. Be sure your family and close friends know
   how to help you in an emergency.

   If you have severe hypoglycemia and cannot eat or drink, use a
   glucagon injection. Your doctor can prescribe a glucagon emergency
   injection kit and tell you how to use it.

   Check your blood sugar carefully during times of stress, travel,
   illness, surgery or medical emergency, vigorous exercise, or if you
   drink alcohol or skip meals. These things can affect your glucose
   levels and your dose needs may also change. Do not change your
   medication dose or schedule without your doctor's advice.

   Glimepiride is only part of a treatment program that may also include
   diet, exercise, weight control, blood sugar testing, and special
   medical care. Follow your doctor's instructions very closely.

   Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

   Amaryl Patient Information including If I Miss a Dose
   Type 2 Diabetes Diagnosis, Treatment, Medication

   Type 2 Diabetes: Learn the Warning Signs
   Diabetes: Best and Worst Meals for Diabetes-Savvy Dining

   Diabetes Friendly Dining
   RxList

   Type 2 Diabetes Quiz

What happens if I miss a dose (Amaryl)?

   Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if
   it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra
   medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose (Amaryl)?

   Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at
   1-800-222-1222. A glimepiride overdose can cause life-threatening
   hypoglycemia.

   Symptoms of severe hypoglycemia include extreme weakness, confusion,
   tremors, sweating, fast heart rate, trouble speaking, nausea,
   vomiting, rapid breathing, fainting, and seizure
   (convulsions).

What should I avoid while taking glimepiride (Amaryl)?

   If you also take colesevelam, avoid taking it within 4 hours after you
   take glimepiride.

   Avoid drinking alcohol. It lowers blood sugar and may interfere with
   your diabetes treatment.

   Avoid exposure to sunlight or tanning beds. Glimepiride can make you
   sunburn more easily. Wear protective clothing and use sunscreen
   (SPF 30 or higher) when you are outdoors.

What other drugs will affect glimepiride (Amaryl)?

   You may be more likely to have hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) if you
   take glimepiride with other drugs that can lower blood sugar, such as:
     * exenatide (Byetta);
     * probenecid (Benemid);
     * aspirin or other salicylates (including Pepto Bismol);
     * a blood thinner (warfarin, Coumadin, Jantoven);
     * sulfa drugs (Bactrim, SMZ-TMP, and others);
     * a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI); or
     * insulin or other oral diabetes medications.

   This list is not complete, and many other medicines can increase or
   decrease the effects of glimepiride on lowering your blood sugar. This
   includes prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and
   herbal products. Tell your doctor about all medicines you use, and
   those you start or stop using during your treatment with glimepiride.
   Not all possible interactions are listed in this medication guide.

Where can I get more information (Amaryl)?

   Your pharmacist can provide more information about glimepiride.
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