GP 0.5 Tablet (Glimepiride 0.5mg)

INTRODUCTION

GP 0.5MG contains glimepiride which belongs to a blood sugar lowering group of medicines called sulfonylureas. It is used for treatment of diabetes (a disease where the body does not produce enough insulin to control the level of blood sugar). Oral hypoglycemics help control blood sugar level.

It is used in the treatment of non-insulin dependent (Type II) diabetes mellitus. Type 2 diabetes mellitus is a condition where your body does not produce enough insulin, and or the insulin that produced by your body does not work. When your body make too much sugar it gets build up in the blood may also leads to high blood sugar. This can lead to serious medical problems. If type 2 diabetes mellitus cannot be adequately controlled with diet and exercise alone, GP 0.5MG may be used to treat this condition.

It is not recommended for use in children. Alcohol intake may increase or decrease the blood sugar lowering action of this medicine in an unpredictable way. Stay on exercise and diet as prescribed by your doctor while taking this medicine. It must be taken after food and try to take at the same time each day. It should be swallowed whole with water. Do not crush or chew the medicine. Before taking this medicine, tell your doctor if you have ever had kidney disease, heart disease, or pancreas problems. Pregnant or breastfeeding women should consult their doctor before taking this medicine.

USES OF GP 0.5MG

Treat type 2 diabetes mellitus in adults

HOW GP 0.5MG WORKS

GP 0.5MG in lowering the blood glucose appears to be dependent on stimulating the release of insulin from functioning pancreatic beta cells. It lowers blood sugar by stimulating the pancreas to produce insulin which is essential to break down sugar in the body and helping the body to use insulin effectively.

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DIRECTIONS FOR USE

Always take GP 0.5MG exactly as prescribed by your doctor. This medicine must be taken after food and try to take at the same time each day. Swallow the medicine whole with plenty of water. Do not crush or chew the medicine.

SIDE EFFECTS OF GP 0.5MG
SERIOUS
Allergic reactions (including inflammation of blood vessels, skin rash) which may develop into serious reactions with difficulty in breathing, fall in blood pressure and sometimes progressing to shock
Abnormal liver function or liver failure
Allergy of skin such as itching, rash, hives and increased sensitivity to sun
Hypoglycemia including the loss of consciousness, seizures or coma
RARE
Decrease in the number of blood cells such as blood platelets, white blood cells, red blood cells
Feeling and being sick
Diarrhea
Feeling bloated
Abdominal discomfort or pain

HOW TO MANAGE SIDE EFFECTS

Skin redness and rash:

Avoid bathing with hot water because hot water can irritate the skin. Moisturizers can be used regular basis to soothe and hydrate the affected area.

Diarrhea:

Drink lot of fluid, such as water or squash, to avoid dehydration. Do not take any other medicine without consulting your doctor.

WARNING & PRECAUTIONS

PREGNANCY
GP 0.5MG is not recommended for use in pregnant women unless necessary. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.

BREASTFEEDING
GP 0.5MG is not recommended for use in breastfeeding women unless necessary. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.

DRIVING AND USING MACHINES
Do not drive or operate any machinery while taking this medicine, it may make you feel dizziness, vision problems.

ALCOHOL
Avoid consumption of alcohol while taking this medicine.

KIDNEY
GP 0.5MG should be taken with caution in patients with severe kidney disease. Consult your doctor for advice.

LIVER
GP 0.5MG should be taken with caution in patients with severe liver disease. Consult your doctor for advice.

ALLERGY
Do not take if you are allergic to the medicine.

HEART DISEASE
GP 0.5MG should be used with caution in patients suffering from active heart diseases. Before taking, this medicine consult your doctor.

INTERACTIONS

Talk to your doctor if you are taking:

Medicines used to treat pain and inflammation (phenylbutazone, azapropazone, oxyphenbutazone, aspirin like medicines)
Other medicines used to treat diabetes mellitus (such as insulin or metformin)
Medicines supporting muscle build up (anabolics)
Medicines used to inhibit blood clotting (coumarin derivatives such as warfarin)
Medicines used to reduce weight (fenfluramine)
Medicines called anti-arrhythmic agents used to control abnormal heartbeat (disopyramide)
Medicines lowering high cholesterol level or blood pressure
Medicines to treat depression (fluoxetine, MAO inhibitors)
Medicines to treat gout (allopurinol, probenecid, sulfinpyrazone)
Medicines to treat cancer (cyclophosphamide, ifosfamide, trofosfamide)
Medicines used to treat the bacterial and fungal infections (tetracyclines, chloramphenicol, fluconazole, miconazole, quinolones, clarithromycin)
Medicines used to treat the nasal allergies such as hay fever