Tablet

Aventis Pharmaceuticals, Novopharm

Amaryl (glimepiride) is for patients with type 2 diabetes who cannot control blood sugar levels by diet and exercise alone. Amaryl (glimepiride) may be used in combination with insulin.

Do not take Amaryl (glimepiride) if you are allergic to any ingredient of Amaryl (glimepiride) you have increased ketone levels

Before using Amaryl (glimepiride), tell your health care provider about any of the following: if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine if you have any other medical condition

Use of Amaryl (glimepiride) has been linked to an increased risk of heart problems. Sulfonlyureas lower blood glucose (sugar) by stimulating the release of insulin from the pancreas gland. They may also help lower blood glucose by other by other actions on fat and muscle cells. Sulfonylureas do not work in Type I (insulin-dependent) diabetes mellitus because in this condition the pancreas gland is not capable of making or releasing insulin.

Other: Anemia and other blood disorders, blurred vision, diarrhea, dizziness, headache, itching, liver problems and jaundice, muscle weakness, nausea, sensitivity to light, skin rash and eruptions, stomach and intestinal pain, vomiting

How much medicine you take and how often you take it depends on many factors, including the condition being treated, your age, and weight. If you have any questions about the amount andperor frequency of Amaryl (glimepiride) you are taking, talk with your health care provider. The usual dose is given once daily with breakfast or the first main meal of the day. Know how diet and exercise affect your blood sugar level. Serious illness (eg, physical injury, infection, fever, surgery) may require the temporary taking of insulin. Check blood sugar levels daily. Call your doctor if low blood sugar develops (eg, tiredness, nausea, confusion, agitation, excessive hunger, heavy sweating, numbness or tingling of lips, tongue, legs, hands, or arms) or if excessive thirst or urination, or other symptoms of high blood sugar levels occur. Amaryl (glimepiride) may cause dizziness. Use caution while driving or performing other tasks requiring alertness, coordination, or physical dexterity. Lab tests will be needed to check treatment. Be sure to keep appointments. Do not stop taking Amaryl (glimepiride) without checking with your doctor. Do not take more medicine than prescribed unless advised to do so by your health care provider. Do not take any other over-the-counter or prescription medications without talking with your doctor. If a dose is missed, take it as soon as possible. If several hours have passed or if it is nearing time for the next dose, do not double the dose to catch up, unless advised by your doctor. If more than one dose is missed, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

Store Amaryl (glimepiride) at room temperature (59 to 86 degrees F) in a tightly closed container.