Patient Medication Information: uses, side effects, how to take - Co Glimepiride
ABOUT THIS MEDICATION
What the medication is used for:
CO GLIMEPIRIDE is a medication that is used to treat type 2
diabetes. The chemical name for CO GLIMEPIRIDE is
"glimepiride"; it belongs to a class of drugs called sulfonylureas.
To properly control your diabetes, it is essential that you follow the diet, exercise and weight loss program recommended by your doctor. It is also important that you test your blood for sugar according to your doctor's recommendations.
What it does:
CO GLIMEPIRIDE is indicated as an addition to proper dietary management, exercise and weight reduction to lower the blood glucose in patients with type 2 diabetes whose high blood sugar levels cannot be controlled by diet and exercise alone.
CO GLIMEPIRIDE may be used in combination with metformin when diet and exercise, and CO GLIMEPIRIDE or metformin alone do not result in adequate control of blood sugar levels.
CO GLIMEPIRIDE is also indicated for use in combination with insulin to lower blood glucose in patients with type 2 diabetes whose high blood sugar levels cannot be controlled by diet and exercise in conjunction with an oral hypoglycemic (a drug used to lower blood sugar levels) agent alone.
When it should not be used:
CO GLIMEPIRIDE should not be used
- If you have Type 1 diabetes
If you have known hypersensitivity or allergy to any
sulfonylurea or sulfonamides or any other component
of the formulation. See "What the important
nonmedicinal ingredients are".
If you have diabetic ketoacidosis (an emergency
condition with high blood glucose levels, a lack of
insulin and an accumulation of ketones (chemicals) in
the blood and urine), with or without coma. This
condition should be treated with insulin.
If you are pregnant or breast-feeding.
What the medicinal ingredient is:
The medicinal ingredient for CO GLIMEPIRIDE is “glimepiride”.
What the important nonmedicinal ingredients are: CO GLIMEPIRIDE tablets contain following non medicinal ingredients: lactose monohydrate, sodium starch glycolate, povidone, microcrystalline cellulose, and magnesium stearate. In addition: CO GLIMEPIRIDE 1 mg tablets contain Iron Oxide Red, CO GLIMEPIRIDE 2 mg tablets contain Iron Oxide Yellow and Indigo Carmine (FD&C Blue No.2 Lake), CO GLIMEPIRIDE 3 mg tablets contain Iron Oxide Yellow and CO GLIMEPIRIDE 4 mg tablets contain Indigo Carmine (FD&C Blue No.2 Lake).
What dosage forms it comes in:
CO GLIMEPIRIDE is formulated into tablets of 1 mg, 2 mg,
3 mg and 4 mg strengths for oral administration.
WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS
BEFORE you use CO GLIMEPIRIDE talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have kidney, liver, or heart disease.
- Do not take this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to
CO GLIMEPIRIDE or other sulfonylurea drugs or sulfonamides.
- This medicine has been prescribed for you alone because of your medical condition. This or any other prescription medicine should be used only by the person for whom it was prescribed. It should not be shared.
- Wear a medical identification (I.D.) bracelet or neck chain at all times. Also, carry and I.D. card in your wallet or purse that says that you have diabetes and a list of your medicines.
| Low blood sugar (hypogiveemia): | |
| |
| weak, drowsy, confused, or very hungry. You may sweat or | |
| have blurred vision, a fast heartbeat, trouble concentrating, or a | |
| headache that doesn't go away. Signs of severe | |
| hypoglycemia can include disorientation, loss of | |
| consciousness, and seizures. | |
| |
| GLIMEPIRIDE especially if you miss a meal, exercise for a | |
| long time, drink alcohol or use another antidiabetic | |
| medication with CO GLIMEPIRIDE. Make sure you know | |
| what to do if your blood sugar gets too low (ask your doctor, | |
| pharmacist or diabetes educator). Teach your friends, co- | |
| workers, or family members what they can do to help you if | |
| you have low blood sugar. | |
Pregnancy and breastfeeding:
CO GLIMEPIRIDE should not be used during pregnancy or if you are breastfeeding. Make sure your doctor knows if you are breastfeeding, pregnant, or think you might be pregnant. Your doctor may want you to use insulin during this time.
Driving and Operating Machinery:
Alertness and reactions may be impaired due to low or high blood sugar (hypo- or hyperglycemia), especially when beginning or after changing treatment or when CO GLIMEPIRIDE is not taken regularly. This may affect your ability to drive or to operate machinery.
IMPORTANT: PLEASE READ
INTERACTIONS WITH THIS MEDICATION
| Drugs and foods to avoid: | ||
| Ask your doctor or pharmacist before taking any other medicine, | ||
| including over-the-counter products. | ||
| ||
| ||
| GLIMEPIRIDE and change the way the medicine works. | ||
| Some of these drugs are acetylsalicylic acid such as Aspirin, | ||
| "sulfa" drugs, warfarin, and beta-blockers. | ||
| ||
| diabetes. These include diuretics (water pills), corticosteroids | ||
| (such as prednisone), ACE inhibitors (a drug used to treat | ||
| high blood pressure (hypertension)), birth control pills, and | ||
| some kinds of cold and allergy drugs. | ||
| ||
| taking these or any other medicines. | ||
PROPER USE OF THIS MEDICATION
Usual dose:
CO GLIMEPIRIDE is usually taken once daily, with breakfast or the first main meal of the day. CO GLIMEPIRIDE tablets must be swallowed without chewing. Your doctor will prescribe for you how much to take and how often. It is important that you follow your doctor's instructions carefully.
Missed Dose:
Take the missed dose as soon as possible, unless it is almost time for your next dose.
Do not take two doses at the same time.
SIDE EFFECTS AND WHAT TO DO ABOUT THEM
Side effects:
As with any type of medication, CO GLIMEPIRIDE is associated with some side effects. It may, however, affect different people in different ways. Just because side effects have occurred in other people does not mean you will get them.
| If you have problems with these side effects, talk with your doctor | |
| or pharmacist: | |
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could cause a rash or sunburn. Use a sunscreen when outdoors. Avoid using sunlamps or tanning beds.
| Call your doctor right away if you have any of these side effects: | |
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| colored bowel movements | |
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This is not a complete list of side effects. For any unexpected effects while taking CO GLIMEPIRIDE, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
HOW TO STORE IT
How to store these medicine tablets:
- Store the tablets at room temperature (15-30°C), away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
- As with all medicines, keep this product out of the reach of children.
- Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.
REPORTING SUSPECTED SIDE EFFECTS
To monitor drug safety, Health Canada collects information on serious and unexpected effects of drugs . If you suspect you have had a serious or unexpected reaction to this drug you may notify Health Canada by:
toll-free telephone: 866-234-2345 toll-free fax: 866-678-6789 By email: cadrmp(£)hc-sc.gc.ca
By regular mail:
National AR Centre
Marketed Health Products Safety and Effectiveness
Information Division
Marketed Health Products Directorate
Tunney's Pasture, AL 0701C
Ottawa ON K1A 0K9
NOTE: Before contacting Health Canada, you should contact your physician or pharmacist.
MORE INFORMATION
This document plus the full product monograph, prepared for health professionals can be found by contacting the sponsor, Cobalt Pharmaceuticals Inc., at: 1-866-254-6111.