GLICOST 1 Tablet 10's

INTRODUCTION

GLICOST 1 TABLET contains Glimepiride which belongs to the group of medicines called Anti-diabetic agents. It is used to treat Type II diabetes mellitus when diet and exercise alone does not result in adequate blood sugar control.

Type II diabetes mellitus is a chronic disease characterized by abnormally high levels of glucose in the blood. It is caused due to inadequate production of a hormone called insulin (produced by pancreas to metabolize glucose) in the body or due to inadequate sensitivity of body cells to the actions of insulin.

Along with the therapy, your doctor might ask you to make certain lifestyle changes such as following a healthy diet, regular physical exercise and quitting alcohol consumption.

Before taking GLICOST 1 TABLET, inform your doctor if you have any liver or kidney problems. You must also inform your doctor if you have any hormonal problems, genetic disorders (such as G6PD deficiency) or if you are malnourished, starved, on an irregular diet.

GLICOST 1 TABLET is not suitable for use in patients with type I diabetes mellitus. Consult your doctor before taking GLICOST 1 TABLET if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant or breastfeeding.

The most common side effects of taking GLICOST 1 TABLET is hypoglycemia (low blood sugar levels) which can be identified through symptoms such as increased hunger, sweating, shakiness, weakness or an irregular heartbeat. To avoid this, your doctor will periodically monitor your blood sugar levels and adjust the dose of GLICOST 1 TABLET accordingly.

You can also carry a sugary snack (such as biscuits, glucose drinks or sweet candies) along with you as a precaution and have them immediately if you experience any signs of hypoglycemia. However, consult your doctor if there is no improvement in your condition.

USES OF GLICOST 1 TABLET

• Treats Type II diabetes mellitus

HOW GLICOST 1 TABLET WORKS

GLICOST 1 TABLET is an antidiabetic medicine. It stimulates the pancreas to secrete more insulin (a hormone involved in glucose metabolism). It also makes our body more sensitive to insulin which helps in digesting the circulating sugars (glucose) in the blood, thereby reducing blood sugar levels.

DIRECTIONS FOR USE

Take GLICOST 1 TABLET preferably after meals or as advised by your physician. Swallow the medicine with a glass of water. Do not crush or chew the medicine.

Your doctor will decide the correct dose and duration of therapy for you depending upon your age, body weight and disease condition. Do not stop taking GLICOST 1 TABLET unless your doctor advice you to stop.

SIDE EFFECTS OF GLICOST 1 TABLET

HOW TO MANAGE SIDE EFFECTS

Hypoglycemia:

Have foods rich in sugars such as fruit juices, glucose drinks, candies, honey or biscuits. Check your blood sugar after 10 minutes. If not gained optimum level, take another sugary snack, or a drink and check the blood sugar again. Consult your doctor if there is no improvement in your condition.

WARNING & PRECAUTIONS

PREGNANCY

GLICOST 1 TABLET is not recommended for use in pregnant women. Therefore, consult your doctor before taking it.

BREASTFEEDING

GLICOST 1 TABLET is not recommended for use in breastfeeding women. Therefore, consult your doctor before taking it.

DRIVING AND USING MACHINES

Do not drive or operate any heavy tools or machines if your ability is affected by GLICOST 1 TABLET.

ALCOHOL

Avoid consumption of alcohol while taking GLICOST 1 TABLET as it may increase the risk of unwanted side effects.

KIDNEY

GLICOST 1 TABLET is not recommended for use in patients with severe kidney problems. It should be used with caution in patients with other kidney problems. Therefore, consult your doctor before taking it.

LIVER

GLICOST 1 TABLET is not recommended for use in patients with severe liver problems. It should be used with caution in patients with other liver problems. Therefore, consult your doctor before taking it.

ALLERGY

Do not take GLICOST 1 TABLET if you are allergic to Glimepiride or to any other sulfonylureas (Ex. Glyburide, gliclazide) or sulphonamides (Ex. sulfasalazine).

INTERACTIONS

A. Drug-Drug interactions:

Before taking GLICOST 1 TABLET, inform your doctor if you are taking any of the following medicines:

• other medicines used to treat diabetes mellitus (such as insulin or metformin)
• medicines used for treating pain and inflammation (Ex. aspirin, ibuprofen, phenylbutazone, azopropazone, oxyphenbutazone)
• medicines used to treat urinary infections (amikacin, nitrofurantoin, sulfamethoxazole)
• medicines used to treat bacterial infections (such as tetracyclines, chloramphenicol, ciprofloxacin, clarithromycin)
• medicines used to treat fungal infection (Ex. fluconazole, miconazole)
• medicines used to prevent blood clotting (Ex. warfarin)
• medicines used for muscle build-up (Ex. nandrolone, oxymethalone)
• medicines used for male sex hormone replacement therapy (Ex. testosterone)
• medicines used to treat depression (such as moclobemide, isocarboxazid, phenelzine, tranylcypromine, fluoxetine)
• medicines used to treat high blood cholesterol levels (Ex. fenofibrate, nicotinic acid, colesevelam)
• medicines used to treat high blood pressure (Ex. enalapril, lisinopril, ramipril, atenolol, propranolol, telmisartan, olmesartan, clonidine, guanethidine and reserpine)
• disopyramide (a medicine used to treat abnormal heartbeat)
• medicines used to treat gout (Ex. allopurinol, probenecid, sulfinpyrazone)
• medicines used to treat cancer (Ex. cyclophosphamide, ifosfamide, trofosfamide)
• fenfluramine (a medicine used to treat obesity)
• pentoxifylline (a medicine which can improve blood flow in the body)
• medicines used to treat allergic rhinitis (Ex. tritoqualine)
• alpha blockers (medicines used to treat high blood pressure or prostate problems) Ex. prazosin, doxazosin
• hormonal replacement therapy (used to treat menstrual disorders in women) Ex. estradiol
• thiazide diuretics (used to treat edema and high blood pressure) Ex. hydrochlorothiazide
• levothyroxine (a medicine used to treat thyroid problems)
• medicines to treat mental illness (such as chlorpromazine, prochlorperazine, lithium)
• corticosteroids (used to treat pain and inflammation) Ex. prednisolone, betamethasone
• medicines used to treat asthma (Ex. salbutamol, terbutaline)
• adrenaline (a medicine used to treat emergency conditions)
• medicines used to treat constipation (Ex. lactulose, liquid paraffin)
• medicines used to treat epilespy (Ex. phenytoin)
• barbiturates (used to induce sleep) Ex. phenobarbital
• medicines used to reduce increased pressure in the eye (Ex. azetazolamide)
• glucagon, diazoxide (medicines used to manage signs of low blood sugar levels)
• cimetidine (a medicine used to treat stomach ulcers)

Overdosage:

If you or anyone else accidentally took more GLICOST 1 TABLET, you may experience the signs of hypoglycemia (such as increased hunger, sweating, headache, feeling clammy, restless or aggressive, shakiness, fast heartbeat and confusion). To manage this, consume any sugary food immediately. If the symptom did not improve or worsens contact your doctor immediately.

SYNOPSIS

MORE INFORMATION

• Keep GLICOST 1 TABLET out of reach of children
• Store GLICOST 1 TABLET at room temperature

FAQs ABOUT GLICOST 1 TABLET

What is GLICOST 1 TABLET used for?

GLICOST 1 TABLET is an antidiabetic medicine used to treat Type II diabetes mellitus when diet, exercise and lifestyle changes alone does not result in adequate response.

How and when to take GLICOST 1 TABLET?

Take GLICOST 1 TABLET preferably after meals or as advised by your physician. Swallow the medicine with a glass of water. Do not cursh or chew the medicine. Your doctor will decide the correct dose and duration of therapy for you depending upon your age, body weight and disease condition.

How long should I take GLICOST 1 TABLET?

You need to take GLICOST 1 TABLET as long as your doctor or physician prescribes you the medicine. Your doctor will decide the correct dose and duration of therapy for you depending upon your age, body weight and disease condition.

What is the best time to take GLICOST 1 TABLET?

GLICOST 1 TABLET must be taken with meals to avoid gastrointestinal side effects.

What to do if I forgot to take a dose of GLICOST 1 TABLET?

If you forgot to take a dose of GLICOST 1 TABLET, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is time for the next dose of GLICOST 1 TABLET, skip the missed dose and take the next one regularly. Do not take a double dose of GLICOST 1 TABLET to compensate the missed ones.

What are the most common side effects of taking GLICOST 1 TABLET?

The most common side effects of taking GLICOST 1 TABLET is hypoglycemia. To avoid this, your doctor will periodically monitor your blood sugar levels and adjust the dose of GLICOST 1 TABLET accordingly. You can also carry a sugary snack (such as biscuits, glucose drinks or sweet candies) along with you as a precaution and have them immediately if you experience any signs of hypoglycemia. However, consult your doctor if there is no improvement in your condition.

Can I stop taking GLICOST 1 TABLET without consulting your doctor?

No. You should not stop taking GLICOST 1 TABLET without consulting your doctor because it may lead to reversal of symptoms. If you feel better after using GLICOST 1 TABLET, consult your doctor for advice.

Will taking a higher dose of GLICOST 1 TABLET be more effective?

No, taking a higher dose of GLICOST 1 TABLET will not be effective rather it can lead to toxicity. Always take the dose prescribed by your doctor. If the prescribed dose is not effective for you, consult your doctor for advice. Your doctor might increase the dose or suggest an alternative therapy.

What precautions do I need to follow while taking GLICOST 1 TABLET?

Before taking GLICOST 1 TABLET, inform your doctor if you have any liver or kidney problems. You must also inform your doctor if you have hormonal problems, genetic problems (surgery in the gut) or if you are malnourished. GLICOST 1 TABLET is not suitable for use in patients with type I diabetes mellitus. Consult your doctor before taking GLICOST 1 TABLET if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. During therapy with GLICOST 1 TABLET, follow the diet and lifestyle changes instructed by your doctor. Always carry a sugary snack (such as biscuits, glucose drinks or sweet candies) along with you as a precaution and have them immediately if you experience any signs of hypoglycemia.

Can I take medication for high blood pressure along with GLICOST 1 TABLET?

It is not advisable to take medicines to control blood pressure while taking GLICOST 1 TABLET without consulting your doctor. Therefore, consult your doctor before taking any antihypertensive such as beta blockers (Ex. atenolol, propranolol) along with GLICOST 1 TABLET as they have known interactions with GLICOST 1 TABLET.

What should I do if I experience low blood sugar after taking GLICOST 1 TABLET?

Low blood sugar is a common side effect of taking GLICOST 1 TABLET. Try to have sugar rich food items such as fruit juice, glucose tablets or gel, soft drinks, honey or sugary candy. Check your blood sugar after 10 minutes. If not gained optimum level, take another sugary snack, or drink, and check the blood sugar levels once again. In case of persistent low blood sugar levels, consult your doctor immediately.

Can GLICOST 1 TABLET be taken with insulin?

Co-administration of GLICOST 1 TABLET with insulin is considered risky as they are increased chances of hypoglycemia (decreased blood sugar levels). Consult your doctor before taking it.

Can GLICOST 1 TABLET be used in pregnant women?

GLICOST 1 TABLET is not recommended for use in pregnant women. Therefore, consult your doctor for advice before taking it.

How to take GLICOST 1 TABLET?

You must take GLICOST 1 TABLET as advised by your physician. Try to take this medicine preferably after meals and swallow it with a glass of water. Do not crush or chew the medicine.

How much GLICOST 1 TABLET should I take?

GLICOST 1 TABLET should be used only under medical supervision. Your doctor will decide the correct dose and duration of therapy for you depending upon your age, body condition and severity of the disease condition.

REFERENCES

1. KD. Tripathi. Insulin, Oral Hypoglycaemic Drugs and Glucagon. Essentials of medical pharmacology. Seventh edition. 2013. Page – 270.

2. Abdul Basit, Musarrat Riaz and Asher Fawwad. Glimepiride: evidence-based facts, trends, and observations. NIH. National Library of Medicine. National Center for Biotechnology Information. PMC. PubMed Central. August 2012. [Accessed on 14th October 2022] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3448454/

3. Brown & Burk UK Limited. Electronic Medicines Compendium (EMC). [Revised in December 2020] [Accessed on 14th October 2022] https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.10742.pdf

4. Sanofi India Limited. Amaryl® / Semi-Amaryl® Glimepiride Tablets IP. [Revised in April 2021] [Accessed on 14th October 2022] https://www.sanofi.in/dam/jcr:08a3cd36-a9e7-49eb-887b-9914600a6335/Amaryl%20and%20Semi-Amaryl%20%2005mg%20PI%20-%20rev%20April%202021.pdf

USEFUL DIAGNOSTIC TESTS

• Glucose - Fasting Blood
• Glucose - Postprandial Blood
• Glycosylated Hemoglobin

AUTHOR DETAILS

Written By Srilekha. R, B.Pharm
Last updated on 15 Oct 2022 | 11:27 AM(IST)