Glimepiride and Metformin are combined in this medicine.
Glimepiride + Metformin is used to treat type 2 diabetes (long-term condition in which the body gradually becomes resistant to the effects of insulin or the pancreas does not produce enough insulin). It helps treat your diabetes by keeping your blood sugar under control.
This medicine is meant to be taken as part of a complete diabetes care programme that should include exercise, a healthy diet and regular monitoring of blood sugar levels.
Take Glimepiride + Metformin exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not take more or less than instructed by your doctor.
Take this medicine together with food or immediately after a meal. Try to take it at the same time each day.
To take the sustained-release type of tablet, swallow it whole. Do not divide, chew, or crush the tablet.
Glimepiride + Metformin must be taken regularly for it to be effective. Continue taking this medicine even when you feel better. Do not stop taking it unless instructed by the doctor.
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your normal dosing schedule.
DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.
If you often forget to take your medicine, let your doctor and pharmacist know.
Do not take Glimepiride + Metformin if you ever had an allergic reaction (e.g. rashes, breathlessness, swollen eyes) to this medicine or similar medicines such as glibenclamide or sulfamethoxazole.
Alert your doctor if you ever had the following conditions:
- metabolic acidosis (a condition when there is too much acid in the blood)
- type 1 diabetes (long-term condition in which the pancreas produces little or no insulin)
- heart problems e.g. heart failure (weakness and inability of the heart to pump blood), recent heart attack
- serious lung disease
- conditions that may alter kidney function e.g. dehydration (excessive water loss from the body)
- excessive alcohol intake or alcohol addiction
- liver problems
- severe kidney disease
as Glimepiride + Metformin may not be suitable for you.
Do not take this medicine if you are pregnant or planning to have a baby soon. If you become pregnant while being treated with Glimepiride + Metformin, alert your doctor immediately. This medicine may cause harm to your unborn child. You must use proven birth control methods while taking Glimepiride + Metformin.
If you are going to have procedures that involve the administration of iodinated contrast agent (a dye that helps improve the image of internal organs), inform your doctor that you are taking this medicine.
Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- G6PD deficiency (an inherited blood disorder where the body lacks a certain enzyme necessary for the proper functioning of red blood cells)
- problems with adrenal or pituitary gland
- suffering from malnutrition (lack of proper nutrition)
- stress-related state e.g. infection, fever, injury
- mild to moderate kidney disease
Let your doctor know if you are breastfeeding.
Be sure to check with your doctor or pharmacist before giving Glimepiride + Metformin to the elderly. Elderly people may be more sensitive to the side effects.
If you are going to have an operation, including minor surgery and dental work, inform your doctor or dentist that you are taking this medicine.
For as long as you are taking this medicine, you may need to have regular blood tests (e.g. blood sugar levels, kidney function) to check your body's response to the medicine. Your doctor will advise you about how often you need to have blood tests.
To help control your diabetes, it is important to continue following the diet and exercise recommended by your doctor while you are taking Glimepiride + Metformin.
If you are taking this medicine, you may have been warned about hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar).
How do I know if I am experiencing hypoglycaemia?
Hypoglycaemia is the medical term for low blood sugar. Symptoms of hypoglycaemia include dizziness, tremor, shaky hands, feeling hungry, weak or confused, and sweating. These signs are your body's way of warning you that your blood sugar level is low.
It is important to recognise these symptoms and get relief for hypoglycaemia quickly, as the hypoglycaemia may worsen.
What should I do if I am experiencing hypoglycaemia?
Always carry some glucose tablets (also known as dextrose tablets) with you. Take 15 grams of glucose tablet at the first sign of hypoglycaemia, wait for 15 minutes and re-check your blood sugar level. If you are not feeling better or if your blood sugar level is still low (less than 4 mmol/L or 70 mg/dL), take another 15 grams of glucose tablet.
If you don't have glucose tablets, you may take any of the following:
- 1/2 cup (120 mL) of juice or regular soda (not diet)
- 1 tablespoon of sugar, honey, or corn syrup
- hard candies, jellybeans, or gumdrops (not sugar-free)
Get medical help should symptoms not improve after the second serving.
Glimepiride + Metformin may cause hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar) which may affect your ability to concentrate and react. If affected, do not drive or take part in any activity in which you need to be alert.
Other side effects include any of the following: nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhoea, rash and itching.
Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:
- stomach pain, muscle cramps, weakness, unusual sleepiness, difficulty breathing, slow heartbeat, feeling cold in the hands or feet
- headache, dizziness, shaking, rapid heartbeat, hunger, confusion, tiredness, sweating
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any of these medicines:
- other medicines for diabetes e.g insulin
- water pills or medicines for water retention e.g. acetazolamide, furosemide
- medicines for epilepsy (fits or seizures) e.g. phenytoin, topiramate, phenobarbital
- medicines for gout (high uric acid level in the blood) e.g. allopurinol, probenecid
- medicines for high blood pressure e.g. clonidine, captopril, metoprolol
- medicines for depression e.g. fluoxetine
- NSAIDs (medicines for pain or inflammation) e.g. ibuprofen, naproxen
- cimetidine (medicine that reduces stomach acid production)
- rifampicin (medicine to treat TB [lung infection known as tuberculosis])
- birth control pills
This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Glimepiride + Metformin.
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements, and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Avoid alcohol.
It is important for you to maintain a healthy diet and weight in order to help keep your diabetes under control.
It may be helpful to discuss your diet plan with your doctor or dietitian to manage your weight and blood sugar levels.
Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.
Protect from light and moisture.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
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