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Home > Drug Category > Diabetic Medications and Products > Amaryl M and Equivalent

Amaryl M Information

Amaryl M (Glimepiride/Metformin) is a prescription medication primarily used to manage type 2 diabetes mellitus. It’s typically prescribed when diet, exercise, and taking just one of these medications on its own haven't been enough to get blood sugar levels under control. Type 2 diabetes mellitus is a condition where the body either doesn't produce enough insulin or has become resistant to its effects, leading to abnormally high blood sugar. Effective control of blood glucose levels reduces the risk of damage to blood vessels, nerves, and vital organs associated with diabetes. Amaryl M controls high blood sugar from two distinct angles because it combines the oral hypoglycemic agents glimepiride and metformin.

Glimepiride is a sulfonylurea and works by stimulating the pancreas to release more insulin. Since insulin facilitates the transport of glucose from the blood into cells for energy, it lowers the concentration of glucose in the bloodstream. Metformin, a biguanide, works a bit differently. It primarily reduces hepatic glucose production. At the same time, it improves your body's sensitivity to insulin, meaning your cells can use the insulin you do have more effectively.

It is worth noting that this medication is not recommended for the treatment of type 1 diabetes. It should also not be used in life-threatening complications of diabetes known as diabetic ketoacidosis.

Amaryl M Side Effects

Like all medications, Amaryl M can cause side effects. Common mild and temporary side effects of this medication include nausea, diarrhea, upset stomach, weight gain, and a metallic taste in their mouth. Contact your physician immediately if these temporary side effects don't resolve or worsen.

Stop taking this medicine and contact your doctor immediately if you experience any serious side effects, including the following:
• Allergic reactions such as breathing difficulties, body itching, body rash, skin blistering, swelling of the face, mouth, tongue, lips, or throat;
• Lactic Acidosis with symptoms like deep muscle pain, difficulty breathing, feeling cold (especially in your arms and legs), and extreme, unexplained weakness;
• Liver problems with symptoms like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, weight loss, yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes, dark urine, pale stools;
• Low blood sugar with symptoms such as tremors, anxiety, headache, sweating, blurred vision, confusion, difficulty concentrating, difficulty speaking, dizziness, loss of consciousness;
• Unexplained bruising, bleeding, or signs of infection;
• Vitamin B12 deficiency with symptoms like fatigue, shortness of breath, tingling or numbness of the fingers/toes

Inform your doctor about any other side effects you notice that are not listed here.

Amaryl M Precautions

Do not use this medicine if you are allergic to active and inactive ingredients in Amaryl M. Before using this medication, ensure you inform your doctor about any medical conditions you previously or currently have, including the following:
• Diabetic ketoacidosis;
• Glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency;
• Heart disease, especially heart failure;
• Kidney disease;
• Lactic acidosis;
• Liver disease;
• Vitamin B12 deficiency

Ensure you monitor your blood sugar levels regularly while taking this medication to prevent hypoglycemia and initiate prompt treatment if it occurs. This medication is not recommended for use in pregnant or breastfeeding women. Inform your doctor about your medication use if you are exposed to stressful conditions, such as fever, trauma, infection, or are scheduled for surgery. Your medication regimen may need to be reviewed to maintain adequate glycemic control. If you are going for an X-ray or CT scan that uses iodinated contrast dye, you usually need to stop taking Amaryl M temporarily (often for 48 hours). The dye can stress your kidneys, thereby increasing the risk of side effects from Metformin.

Avoid driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous tasks until you have determined how this medication affects you, as Amaryl M can cause dizziness or blurry vision due to low blood sugar. Some drugs, such as aspirin or Ibuprofen, can potentiate the effects of Amaryl M, increasing the risk of dangerously low blood sugar. Therefore, it is essential to inform your healthcare provider about all the medications, including herbal medicines and supplements, that you are taking before starting Amaryl M to prevent drug interactions.

Amaryl M is available in tablet form, and the dosage will vary depending on your individual needs. Generally, it's taken once daily with breakfast. Swallow the tablet whole; don't chew or break it. Take this medication at the same time each day to help you remember. Amaryl M typically takes about 5-8 hours to be fully processed by the body. However, its effects can last up to 24 hours. It's important not to stop taking this medication without first talking to your doctor, even if you feel better. Keep this medication out of the reach of children and store it at room temperature, away from moisture and heat.

Do I need a prescription to order Amaryl M?

Yes, a prescription is required from your physician to order Amaryl M.