Glimepiride (Amaryl) Tips from Pharmacists

• Take glimepiride with breakfast or your first main meal of the day. If you skip this meal, then skip taking glimepiride too. Taking this medicine on an empty stomach can lead to low blood sugar.

• Glimepiride can cause dizziness. Avoid driving or doing other hazardous activities until you know how it affects you.

• Wear protective clothing and use sunscreen while on this medicine, as it can increase the sensitivity of your skin to sunlight.

• Avoid drinking alcohol while on this diabetes treatment, as it can increase your risk of adverse effects.

• Learn to recognize the signs and symptoms of severe hypoglycemia (very low blood sugar), such as shakiness, fast heartbeat, rapid breathing, chills, sweating, confusion, sleepiness, anxiety, low energy, or excessive hunger. Ask your doctor what to do if you develop low blood sugar levels.

• This medicine will help control blood glucose levels but will not cure your diabetes. Do not stop taking glimepiride without talking to your doctor, even if you feel well and have well-controlled blood sugar levels. 

• Remember, glimepiride only works if you eat a healthy diet and exercise regularly.