Type 2 Diabetes Drug GLIMEPIRIDE

I spoke to someone recently who is taking the diabetes drug called Glimepiride. I thought I would post information about this drug and side effects for this medicine.

This person had been on Glipizide which is what i take along with Metformin. He was not getting good control and they switched his meds to Glimepiride. Here is information concerning this drug.

LINK to Glimepiride background and side effects

EXCERPT:

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Glimepiride(glye' me pye ride)

Last Revision: February 1, 2011.

Notice

[UPDATED 02/04/2011] FDA notified healthcare professionals and patients that information on the cardiovascular risks (including heart attack) of rosiglitazone has been added to the physician labeling and patient Medication Guide. This information was first announced by FDA on September 23, 2010 as part of new restrictions for prescribing and use of this drug.

Rosiglitazone is sold as a single-ingredient product under the brand name Avandia. Rosiglitazone is also sold as a combination product under the brand name Avandamet (contains rosiglitazone and metformin) and under the brand name Avandaryl (contains rosiglitazone and glimepiride).

In addition to describing the cardiovascular risks, the drug labels have been revised to state that rosiglitazone and rosiglitazone-containing medicines should only be used:

• In patients already being treated with these medicines
• In patients whose blood sugar cannot be controlled with other anti-diabetic medicines and who, after consulting with their healthcare professional, do not wish to use pioglitazone-containing medicines (Actos, Actoplus Met, Actoplus Met XR, or Duetact).

For more information visit the FDA website at: http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch/SafetyInformation and http://www.fda.gov/Drugs/DrugSafety.
[Posted 09/23/2010] ISSUE: FDA notified healthcare professionals and patients that it will significantly restrict the use of the diabetes drug rosiglitazone (Avandia) to patients with Type 2 diabetes who cannot control their diabetes on other medications. These new restrictions are in response to data that suggest an elevated risk of cardiovascular events, such as heart attack and stroke, in patients treated with rosiglitazone
BACKGROUND: Rosiglitazone is in a class of drugs known as thiazolidinediones, or TZDs. It is intended to be used in conjunction with diet and exercise to improve glucose (blood sugar) control in patients with Type 2 diabetes mellitus. Rosiglitazone also is available in combination with other diabetes medications, metformin under the brand name Avandamet or glimepiride under the brand name Avandaryl.
RECOMMENDATION: FDA will require that GSK develop a restricted access program for rosiglitazone under a risk evaluation and mitigation strategy, or REMS. Under the REMS, rosiglitazone will be available to new patients only if they are unable to achieve glucose control on other medications and are unable to take pioglitazone (Actos), the only other drug in this class. Current users of rosiglitazone who are benefiting from the drug will be able to continue using the medication if they choose to do so.
Doctors will have to attest to and document their patients' eligibility; patients will have to review statements describing the cardiovascular safety concerns associated with this drug and acknowledge they understand the risks. The agency anticipates that the REMS will limit use of rosiglitazone significantly. For more information visit the FDA website at: http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch/SafetyInformation and http://www.fda.gov/Drugs/DrugSafety.

Why is this medication prescribed?

Glimepiride is used with diet and exercise to treat type 2 diabetes (condition in which the body does not use insulin normally and therefore cannot control the amount of sugar in the blood). Glimepiride stimulates your pancreas to make more insulin and also makes your body more sensitive to insulin. Glimepiride may be used with or without insulin.
This medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

How should this medicine be used?

Glimepiride comes as a tablet to take by mouth. It is usually taken once a day. The tablet should be taken with breakfast or the first big meal of the day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take glimepiride exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.
Continue to take glimepiride even if you feel well. Do not stop taking glimepiride without talking to your doctor.

What special precautions should I follow?

Before taking glimepiride,

• tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to glimepiride or any other drugs.
• tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription 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 special dietary instructions should I follow?

Be sure to follow all exercise and dietary recommendations made by your doctor or dietitian. It is important to eat a healthful diet.
Alcohol may cause a decrease in blood sugar. Ask your doctor about the safe use of alcoholic beverages while 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 this medication cause?

This medication may cause changes in your blood sugar. You should know the symptoms of low and high blood sugar and what to do if you have these symptoms.
You may experience hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) while you are taking this medication. Your doctor will tell you what you should do if you develop hypoglycemia. He or she may tell you to check your blood sugar, eat or drink a food or beverage that contains sugar, such as hard candy or fruit juice, or get medical care. Follow these directions carefully if you have any of the following symptoms of hypoglycemia:

• shakiness
• dizziness or lightheadedness
• sweating
• nervousness or irritability
• sudden changes in behavior or mood
• headache
• numbness or tingling around the mouth
• weakness
• pale skin
• hunger
• clumsy or jerky movements

If hypoglycemia is not treated, severe symptoms may develop. Be sure that your family, friends, and other people who spend time with you know that if you have any of the following symptoms, they should get medical treatment for you immediately.

• confusion
• seizures
• loss of consciousness

Call your doctor immediately if you have any of the following symptoms of hyperglycemia (high blood sugar):

• extreme thirst
• frequent urination
• extreme hunger
• weakness
• blurred vision

If high blood sugar is not treated, a serious, life-threatening condition called diabetic ketoacidosis could develop. Call your doctor immediately if you have any of the these symptoms:

• dry mouth
• nausea and vomiting
• shortness of breath
• breath that smells fruity
• decreased consciousness

Glimepiride may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication.
If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online [at http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch] or by phone [1-800-332-1088].
In one study, people who took a medication similar to glimepiride to treat their diabetes were more likely to die of heart problems than people who were treated with insulin and diet changes. Talk to your doctor about the risks of taking glimepiride.

What storage conditions are needed for this medicine?

Keep this medication 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.

In case of emergency/overdose

In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.

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 glimepiride. Your doctor will also tell you how to check your response to this medication by measuring your blood or urine sugar levels at home. Follow these instructions carefully.
You should always wear a diabetic identification bracelet to be sure you get proper treatment in an emergency.
Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.


IF you are on this medicine, you NEED to be taking your blood glucose readings frequently.

Dan