What is Amaryl?
Amaryl (glimepiride) is an oral diabetes medication that helps control blood sugar levels. It is used in combination with diet and exercise to treat type 2 diabetes. Amaryl may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Important Information
Do not use Amaryl if you are in a state of diabetic ketoacidosis (contact your doctor for insulin treatment).
Before using Amaryl, tell your doctor if you are allergic to sulfa drugs, or if you have heart disease, liver disease, kidney disease, an enzyme deficiency (G6PD), adrenal or pituitary problems, or if you are malnourished.
Make sure not to let your blood sugar get too low.
Before Using This Medication
- You should not use Amaryl if you are allergic to glimepiride, or if you are in a state of diabetic ketoacidosis (contact your doctor for insulin treatment).
- To ensure Amaryl is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:
- It is not known if Amaryl will harm an unborn baby.
- It is not known if glimepiride passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby.
How to Take Amaryl
- Take Amaryl exactly as prescribed by your doctor.
- Amaryl is usually taken once a day with breakfast or the first main meal of the day.
- Your blood sugar will need to be checked frequently, and you may need other blood tests at your doctor’s office.
- Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) can happen to anyone with diabetes.
- If you have severe hypoglycemia and cannot eat or drink, use a glucagon injection.
- Monitor your blood sugar carefully during times of stress, travel, illness, surgery or medical emergencies, intense exercise, or if you drink alcohol or skip meals.
- Amaryl is just one part of a treatment program that may also include diet, exercise, weight control, blood sugar testing, and special medical care.
- Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
What If I Miss a Dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it.
What If I Overdose?
Symptoms of severe hypoglycemia include:
- Extreme weakness
- Confusion
- Tremors
- Sweating
- Rapid heartbeat
- Difficulty speaking
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Rapid breathing
- Fainting
- Seizures
What to Avoid While Taking Amaryl
- If you also take colesevelam, avoid taking it within 4 hours after taking Amaryl.
- Avoid drinking alcohol.
- Avoid exposure to sunlight or tanning beds.
