How
should Amaryl be used?
Amaryl comes as a tablet to take by mouth. It usually is
taken once a day. The tablet should be taken with breakfast or the
first big meal of the day. Follow the directions on your
label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any
part you do not understand. Take Amaryl exactly as directed. Do
not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed
by your doctor. Continue
to take Amaryl even if you feel well. Do not stop taking Amaryl
without talking to your doctor.
Amaryl
: Full Prescribing Information
What
special precautions should I follow?
Before taking Amaryl, -
tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to Amaryl
or any other drugs.
- tell your doctor and pharmacist what
medications you are taking, especially antibiotics, anticoagulants
('blood thinners') such as warfarin (Coumadin), dexamethasone
(Decadron), diuretics ('water pills'), estrogens, isoniazid (INH),
MAO inhibitors [phenelzine (Nardil) and tranylcypromine (Parnate)],
medications for high blood pressure or heart disease, niacin,
oral contraceptives, phenytoin (Dilantin), prednisone, probenecid
(Benemid), and vitamins.
- tell your doctor if you have or have ever had kidney disease
or ketoacidosis.
- tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant,
or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking Glimepiride,
call your doctor immediately.
- if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the
doctor or dentist that you are taking Glimepiride.
What should I do if I forget a dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. If you will be
having a snack soon, take a dose with the snack. If it is almost
time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your
regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up
for a missed one.
What
side effects can Amaryl cause?
Although side effects from Amaryl are not common, they can occur.
If you have any of these symptoms, eat or drink a food or beverage
with sugar in it, such as hard candy or fruit juice, and call
your doctor immediately; symptoms of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia)
include:
-
shakiness
- dizziness
- rapid heartbeat
- sweating or confusion
- blurred vision
- headache
- numbness or tingling of the mouth
- weakness
- fatigue
- pale color
- sudden hunger
If
you have any of these symptoms, call your doctor immediately;
symptoms of high blood sugar (hyperglycemia) include:
-
thirst
- dry mouth
- tiredness
- flushing
- dry skin
- frequent urination
- loss of appetite
- trouble breathing
If
you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor
immediately:
-
seizures
- loss of consciousness
What storage conditions are needed for
Amaryl ?
Keep Glimepiride in the container it came in, tightly closed,
and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and
away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw
away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk
to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.
What
other information should I know?
Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your
doctor will order certain lab tests to check your response to
amaryl.
To
monitor the effectiveness of Amaryl, measure the amount of sugar
(glucose) in your blood or urine (when blood sugar is above a
certain high level, you will have sugar in your urine). For these
measurements, you will need special paper tapes, tablets, or plastic
strips that change color depending on how much sugar is present.
You also can use a blood glucose meter to measure the amount of
sugar in your blood. Your doctor also may ask you to test your
urine for ketones (substances present when diabetes is not under
control). Follow your doctor's directions for testing your urine
and blood and for recording the results. If your blood sugar is
high or if sugar or ketones are present in your urine, call your
doctor.
Do
not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist
any questions you have.
Amaryl : Full
Prescribing Information |