Glycomet GP (500+2)mg

 Glycomet GP

What is Metformin and Glimepiride?

Metformin and Glimepiride is a combination oral medication for type 2 diabetes containing two active ingredients Metformin and Glimepiride. It is sold under several trade names throughout the world, some of which are Glycomet GP manufactured by US Vitamin.
Metformin and Glimepiride medication controls blood sugar levels by helping the body to absorb glucose in the blood efficiently by properly responding to insulin, a hormone secreted by pancreas which is crucial to glucose absorption in the body.
Metformin and Glimepiride medication is not prescribed for type 1 diabetes and may also be given for treatment of conditions not listed above.

Important Information about Metformin and Glimepiride

You must not take Metformin and Glimepiride medication (Glycomet GP) if you are allergic to its active ingredient Metformin, Glimepiride, or to any sulfa drugs, if you have heart, liver, or kidney disease; suppressed enzymes (G6PD); abnormally functioning pituitary or adrenal glands and related problems; or if you are under-nourished.
Metformin and Glimepiride medication must also not be taken if you are suffering from diabetic ketoacidosis (a condition in which body lacks insulin and uses fats instead of glucose for energy purposes resulting in ketones in the body).
You may be required to temporarily suspend Metformin Glimepiride medication if you are scheduled for an X-Ray or CT Scan test and require a dye to be injected intravenously. Also let your doctor know if you have any liver disease or a history of heart disease for safe prescription of Metformin and Glimepiride.
Lactic acidosis has been observed in some people who take Metformin. Get emergency medical help if you experience symptoms of lactic acidosis such as muscle pain or weakness, numb or cold feeling in your limbs, breathing trouble, pain, nausea with vomiting, slow or irregular heartbeat, dizziness, overall weakness, or lethargy. Early symptoms may deteriorate and can turn fatal. So be careful and ask your doctor for more details on it.
It is not known if Metformin and Glimepiride can be harmful to your unborn baby if you are pregnant. It is also not know if this medication can pass into breast milk and harm your baby. Talk to your doctor about it if you are pregnant or breast feeding.

Before taking Metformin and Glimepiride medication

Take care of all precautions which are mentioned above before you take Metformin and Glimepiride medication (Glycomet GP). Remember to discuss those points which are mentioned above with your doctor so that he or she can safely prescribe this medication for you.

How should I take Metformin and Glimepiride?

Take Metformin and Glimepiride medication (Glycomet GP) strictly as advised by your doctor. Don’t alter the course of the medication in any way, either by amount or by duration. Your doctor may advise you to change Metformin and Glimepiride dose sometimes to ensure the best diabetes management. You may also be required to suspend your medication temporarily if you are scheduled for a surgery or if you have an illness or an infection.
Metformin medication will not control your diabetic problems single handedly. You have to maintain strict diet, exercise and weight control measures and may also require other medications. Going slack in any of these can result in your condition going out of control and can be dangerous.
You will have to constantly keep a watch on your blood sugar levels while taking Metformin and Glimepiride and you may also be required to undergo blood tests quite often to monitor your progress closely.

What if I miss a dose of Metformin and Glimepiride?

If you miss a dose of Metformin and Glimepiride, then take it as soon as you remember but if the time to take the next dose is near, skip the missed dose. Never take extra doses at the same time or near to each other to compensate for the missed dose. Extra amount of drug in your body can be harmful.

What if I overdose?

An overdose of Metformin and Glimepiride can lead to lactic acidosis. Get emergency medical attention or call the Poison center at 1-800-222-1222 if you have these symptoms of lactic acidosis: chills, muscle pain, breathing shortness, light headed feeling, feeling like you may pass out, stomach ache, increased sleepiness, or reduced heart rate. Other effects of overdose may include excessive weakness, blurred vision, trouble in speaking, tremors, stomach pain, confusion, or seizure.

Things to avoid while taking Metformin and Glimepiride medication

Alcohol consumption while taking Metformin and Glimepiride (Glycomet GP) is strictly not recommended as alcohol can drastically reduce your blood sugar which can be dangerous and hinder your diabetes control measures.

Metformin and Glimepiride Side Effects

Get emergency medical attention if you witness some allergic reactions to Metformin and Glimepiride (Glycomet GP) like hives, breathing difficulty, swelling in face, lips, tongue, or throat. This medication may lead to lactic acidosis (excessive level of lactic acid in your body which can be dangerous). Lactic acidosis may be mild initially but it can get dangerous gradually if not controlled. Seek emergency medical help if you have the following symptoms of Metformin and Glimepiride: chills, muscle pain, breathing shortness, light headed feeling, feeling like you may pass out, stomach ache, increased sleepiness, reduced heart rate, bloody, dark or painful urination; increased urination; dark brown clay colored stools; bloating; unexplained weight gain; pain in chest; nausea; itching on upper stomach; unexpected appetite changes; pale skin; easy bruising or bleeding; or increased thirst or hunger
Some less serious side effects of Metformin and Glimepiride are headache, mild nausea, weakness, vomiting, diarrhea, gas, or stomach pain. The side effects mentioned in this guide are not a complete set of side effects which you may experience due to this medication. There may be other side effects. Call the FDA if you want to report your side effects. Their number is 1-800-FDA-1088.

Metformin and Glimepiride Dosing Information

Metformin and Glimepiride dosage will be decided by your doctor after properly examining your conditions. Dosage may change from patient to patient. Always follow your doctor’s directions and stick to what is prescribed to you.

Interaction with other drugs

Before taking Metformin and Glimepiride (Glycomet GP), let your doctor know if you are already taking these medications: nifedipine, cimetidine, ranitidine, albuterol; clonidine; resperine; beta blockers like carvedilol, labetalol, atenolol, or others; furosemide, digoxin, vancomycin, quinidine, vancomycin, trimethoprim, quinine, morphine, or amiloride They can interfere with Metformin and Glimepiride and may obstruct your treatment
You may get hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) if you take Metformin and Glimepiride with these medications: exenatide; some nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs; aspirin or other salicylates; exenatide; sulfa drugs; a monoamine oxidase inhibitor; other oral diabetes medications like acarbose, metformin, miglitol, rosiglitazone or others.
There are also chances of hyperglycemia or very high blood sugar if you take Merformin and Glimepiride along with these medications: diuretics; isoniazid; steroids; birth control pills and other hormones; diet pills or medicines to treat asthma, colds or allergies; thyroid medicine; niacin; or phenothiazines.
These lists of drugs which can interact with Metformin and Glimepiride medication are non exhaustive and there may be other drugs which can interfere with its functioning thereby increasing or reducing its effects of lowering your blood sugar level. Let your doctor know about all medications you use, prescribed or OTC or herbal products beforehand for proper prescription. Don’t start a new medication without a doctor’s advice.