What is this medicine?

It is a combination diabetes medicine used to control Type 2 Diabetes.
It contains two drugs:

1. Glimepiride (0.5 mg) – a sulfonylurea that helps the pancreas release more insulin.
2. Metformin (1000 mg) – a biguanide that reduces sugar production in the liver and improves insulin use by the body.

How does it work?

1. Glimepiride

• Helps pancreas produce more insulin.
• Lowers blood sugar after meals.

2. Metformin

• Reduces liver sugar production.
• Slows sugar absorption from food.
• Improves insulin sensitivity so cells use sugar better.

Together, they help control blood sugar better than either medicine alone.

Why is it prescribed?

Doctors prescribe this combination for:

• Type 2 diabetes when metformin alone is not enough.
• Better blood sugar control throughout the day.
• Reducing the risk of long-term diabetes problems (kidney damage, nerve damage, heart issues).

How to take it

• Usually once or twice daily, with meals (especially because Metformin can cause stomach upset).
• Swallow the tablet whole with water.
• Take at the same time every day.

Do NOT skip meals—Glimepiride can cause low blood sugar if you take the tablet but do not eat.

Common side effects

From Glimepiride

• Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia)
  Symptoms: sweating, shakiness, hunger, fast heartbeat, dizziness.
• Weight gain (mild).

From Metformin

• Stomach upset
  (gas, nausea, loose stools, stomach pain)
• Taste changes

These usually improve after a few days or weeks.

Serious but rare side effects

• Very low blood sugar
• Lactic acidosis (rare but serious with Metformin)
  Symptoms: fast breathing, severe weakness, muscle pain
  → Seek medical help immediately.
• Allergic reaction (rash, swelling)

Who should avoid or use with caution

• People with severe kidney problems
• Severe liver disease
• Those who drink alcohol heavily
• Pregnant or breastfeeding women (only use if doctor approves)
• People with heart failure or dehydration

What to monitor

• Fasting blood sugar
• HbA1c (every 3 months)
• Kidney function
• Symptoms of low blood sugar

Important precautions

• Do not skip meals.
• Limit alcohol (increases risk of lactic acidosis).
• Inform the doctor before surgery, CT scan with contrast dye, or if you become sick (vomiting/diarrhea).