Patient was educated on the side effects of using Glimepiride as follows:
GI disturbance
- Patients taking Glimepiride can frequently present with symptoms of stomach upset and gastrointestinal disturbances, such as, nausea and vomiting.
- Taking the medication with a glass of water and some food or snack can help avoid/reduce these unpleasant gastrointestinal symptoms.
Increased appetite and weight gain
- Hypoglycemia with severely low blood sugar levels due to glimepiride intake can strongly stimulate the appetite.
- Increased appetite stimulation with glimepiride can contribute to increased intake and consequent weight gain.
- Avoid skipping meals while taking glimepiride. Observing compliance with timely nutrition intake and recommended calorie consumption can help prevent development of hypoglycemic episodes. This can help prevent spurts of appetite stimulation and overeating. Consequently, it helps prevent weight gain.
Photosensitivity
- Glimepiride carries the risk of causing photosensitivity.
- Individuals taking glimepiride can present with sunburns and hives with itching and rashes on the sun exposed body parts.
- Report to your physician regarding presentation with any sunburns and rashes while taking glimepiride. If the photosensitive reaction to glimepiride is not self-limited and progressively worsening, your physician could discontinue you on glimepiride and suggest an alternative measure for blood sugar control.
