What is Glimepiride? You’ve heard of so many different types of diabetes medications that you can’t keep them strait. What exactly does Glimepiride do and who can use it? Glimepiride is an oral pill or tablet that helps you manage your blood glucose levels. Glimepiride is suitable for those who have type II diabetes to use. This is not a wonder drug that ends your diabetes frustration. Glimepiride is meant to be taken in addition to diet and exercise in order to help lower blood glucose levels. Glimepiride can also be used in combination with insulin for those with type II diabetes who has hyperglycemia that can’t be managed by diet and exercise in conjunction with an oral diabetes medication. Usually Glimepiride is only prescribed after you have tried to manage your diabetes with exercise and diet alone with unsatisfactory results.
Much like any medication on the market today, there are reactions that can occur when taking Glimepiride. You may experience vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. Skin reactions such as pruritus, erythema, urticaria, and maculopapular eruptions may occur as well. Blurred vision is also a side affect among others not listed that may occur when taking Glimepiride. If any of these symptoms are experienced while taking this medication you need to call your doctor. You also need to monitor your symptoms for hypoglycemia. Symptoms of hypoglycemia might include shakiness dizziness or lightheadedness, sweating, confusion, nervousness or irritability, sudden changes in behavior or mood, headache, numbness or tingling around the mouth, weakness, pale skin, sudden hunger, clumsy or jerky movements, and seizures. If this occurs it is important to eat or drink something with sugar in it.
You need to make sure that your doctor is aware of your medical history before taking this medication. It’s a clear indication that if you are allergic to Glimepiride then you shouldn’t be taking it. Also you are not a good candidate for this medication if you suffer from certain medical conditions such as metabolic conditions, liver disease, kidney disease, thyroid disease, certain hormonal conditions, or mineral imbalances. If you have a history of any of these your doctor might recommend another form of treatment in order to avoid any unnecessary complications that occur if you took Glimepiride. It is really better to be safe and avoid the chances altogether.
You also need to inform you doctor if you are pregnant, planning on getting pregnant, or nursing your child. These too could exclude you from using Glimepiride due to the transfer of medication to the unborn fetus or child. If you don’t communicate your medical needs with your doctor you could be risking not only your health, but also the health of your child. Medications you are taking also need to be discussed with your doctor before taking Glimepiride due to any harmful drug interactions that could occur. This includes any supplements, vitamins, and over the counter medications. You might think they are safe to take while on Glimepiride, but you doctor will know better and be able to inform you of any health risks.
