New Australian studies has discovered that Amaryl (glimepiride), a sulfonylurea drug can make blood glucose control much better and moreover without the weight gain which is a common side effect for sulfonylurea drugs. Amaryl was approved by the FDA in December of 1995.
Amaryl is used for treatment of type II diabetes, the most common type of diabetes. About 90% of patients with diabetes have exactly this type of diabetes. In type II diabetes, insulin usually is not necessary to control the blood sugar. In this case the most sufficient ways of treatment are diet and oral medications. Intolerance to sugar that is entailed by the elevated blood sugar is caused by reduction of insulin secretion by the pancreas and body’s cells resistance to insulin’s effects. Amaryl lowers the level of sugar in the blood. It is done by stimulating insulin to be secreted from the pancreas into the blood. Insulin causes decrease of sugar in the blood. Thus your organism can use glucose more effectively.
Amaryl is usually taken once per day. You can easily split the tablet in case you adjustment of your dosage. Amaryl is not too inexpensive. You must remember never take Amaryl on an empty stomach. You should take Amaryl with your first main meal of the day. Amaryl works fast - usually within 24 hours.
Before taking Amaryl, you should report your doctor if you have:
- heart disease;
- adrenal or pituitary gland problems;
- or if you are under-nourished;
- have liver disease.
If you have any of these conditions, probably you may not be able to use Amaryl, or may be you will need to adjust your dosage.
Amaryl corresponds to FDA pregnancy category C. This medication may be harmful to an unborn baby. You should tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.
No one knows if Amaryl gets into breast milk or if it could be harmful to a nursing baby. Consult your doctor first before taking Amaryl if you are breast-feeding a baby.