Brand-name Amaryl is made by sanofi-aventis.
Generic Amaryl is made by several manufacturers.
Amaryl is part of a class of
diabetes medications known as sulfonylureas. A sulfonylurea helps the
pancreas to produce more insulin. It also helps the body's cells respond better to insulin. As a result, blood sugar levels decrease.
In studies looking at the effects of Amaryl, people who took the drug decreased their hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) by 2 percent, compared to people who did not take it.
HbA1c is a test used to measure long-term blood sugar control in people with diabetes. Normal HbA1c levels are usually less than 6 percent in people without diabetes; people with diabetes usually have higher HbA1c results.
Studies have shown that the higher the HbA1c, the greater the chance for developing long-term problems related to diabetes. This includes such problems as:
By getting blood sugar levels under control with Amaryl, it may be possible to decrease the chances for developing these
diabetes complications.
Some general considerations for when and how to take Amaryl include the following:
- The medication comes in tablet form. It should be taken by mouth once daily.
- You dosage should be taken with breakfast. If you do not regularly eat breakfast, you should take Amaryl with the first main meal of your day.
- The medication should be taken at the same time each day to maintain an even level in your blood.
- For Amaryl to work properly, it must be taken as prescribed. The medication will not work if you stop taking it.
The dose of Amaryl your healthcare provider recommends will vary, depending on a number of factors, including:
- Your age
- Other medical conditions you may have
- Other medications you may be taking.
As is always the case, do not adjust your dose unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.
As with any medicine, side effects can occur with Amaryl. However, not everyone who takes it will experience side effects. In fact, most people tolerate the drug well. If side effects do occur, in most cases, they are minor and either require no treatment or can be easily treated by you or your healthcare provider. Serious side effects are less common.
The most common side effects include:
(Click Amaryl Side Effects to learn more, including serious side effects you should report to your healthcare provider.)
You can also read about other possible side effects in the following eMedTV articles:
What Should I Tell My Healthcare Provider?
You should talk with your healthcare provider prior to taking Amaryl if you have:
- Kidney problems, including kidney failure (renal failure)
- Liver problems, including liver failure or cirrhosis
- Adrenal insufficiency or adrenal fatigue
- Pituitary gland problems
- Any allergies, including allergies to sulfa drugs, foods, dyes, or preservatives.
Also, let your healthcare provider know if you:
- Are pregnant or thinking of becoming pregnant (see Amaryl and Pregnancy)
- Are breastfeeding
- Will be having surgery.
Tell your healthcare provider about all of the medicines you take, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
In general, type 2
diabetes treatment begins with lifestyle changes (for example, weight loss, exercise, and diet). If lifestyle changes alone are not effective at
managing diabetes, medication may be necessary.
The main goal of
diabetes medicine is to lower blood sugar levels enough to reduce your risk of developing problems related to diabetes, such as heart, nerve, eye, or kidney problems. Because Amaryl can lower blood sugar levels, people may be able to lower their risk for developing problems related to high blood sugar by taking it.
For most people, the drug is quite effective at controlling blood sugar. It is also generally well tolerated. However, the medicine may not work as well as needed or bothersome side effects may occur. In these cases, you may need to combine Amaryl with another diabetes medicine, such as
metformin (
Glucophage®) or insulin. You may also wish to consider a substitute. These substitutes could include other sulfonylureas or other diabetes medicines, either by themselves or in combination.
(Click Amaryl Alternatives to learn more. To learn about controlling diabetes through lifestyle choices, click any of the following links:
What If I Take an Overdose?
People who take too much Amaryl may have overdose symptoms that could include:
- Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia)
- Fainting
- Shakiness
- Fast heartbeat (tachycardia)
- Confusion
- Sweating.
If you happen to take an overdose, seek immediate medical attention.
How Should Amaryl Be Stored?
Amaryl should be stored at room temperature, away from moisture or heat. The tablets should be kept in an airtight container.
Keep this and all medications out of the reach of children.
What Should I Do If I Miss a Dose?
If you do not take your Amaryl as scheduled, take your next dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not take a double dose.
Amaryl tablets are available in three strengths:
- Amaryl 1 mg
- Amaryl 2 mg
- Amaryl 4 mg.
Generic Amaryl is available in more strengths, including 3 mg, 6 mg, and 8 mg.
Currently both brand-name and generic versions of Amaryl are licensed for sale
(see Generic Amaryl for more information).
Add this article to your Favorites
Email this article
Print