Patient/caregiver was educated on contraindications for taking Glimepiride as follows:
- Glimepiride is avoided in individuals with history of serious allergic reactions to glimepiride use. Also, it is used with caution in individuals with history of allergic reactions to other drugs belonging to sulfonylurea group, such as, chlorpropamide, glipizide, and tolbutamide.
- Glimepiride is mainly metabolized in the liver. If liver function is deficient, the metabolism of these medications can suffer. This can lead to increased blood levels of the medication for longer periods of time, resulting in toxicity and severe side effects. In individuals with poor liver function, glimepiride could be avoided for a safer alternative or be used cautiously with close watch for labs on liver function.
- 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. Individuals with history of photosensitivity and taking glimepiride must observe compliance with safety measures, such as, wearing hats, sunglasses, and long-sleeved shirts. Regular application of sunscreen on all the exposed body parts before getting out of the house can also help prevent any photosensitive response.
