This combination medicine is used to control blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes mellitus, especially when diet, exercise, and metformin alone are not enough.

Composition:

• Glimepiride (3 mg): A sulfonylurea that helps your body produce more insulin.
• Metformin (850 mg): A biguanide that lowers sugar production in the liver and improves your body’s response to insulin.

Together, they offer a dual action for better blood sugar control.

How It Works:

• Glimepiride stimulates the pancreas to release more insulin.
• Metformin:
  • Reduces glucose production by the liver.
  • Improves insulin sensitivity.
  • Slows down sugar absorption from the gut.

This combination helps lower both fasting and post-meal blood sugar levels.

Who Should Take It:

• Adults with type 2 diabetes who are not controlled by metformin or glimepiride alone.
• People looking for better glycemic control without switching to insulin.

How to Take:

• Take once or twice daily, with meals, as prescribed.
• Do not skip meals or delay eating after taking this medicine to prevent hypoglycemia.

Benefits:

• Helps control long-term blood sugar (A1C)
• Reduces the risk of diabetes complications (like nerve damage, kidney issues, vision problems)
• May delay the need for insulin in some patients

Common Side Effects:

• Low blood sugar (dizziness, hunger, sweating, shaking)
• Nausea or upset stomach
• Diarrhea
• Mild weight gain (due to glimepiride)
• Headache

These are usually mild and improve over time or with dosage adjustment.

Who Should NOT Take It:

• Patients with type 1 diabetes
• People with severe kidney or liver disease
• Those with a history of lactic acidosis
• Pregnant or breastfeeding women (unless advised by a doctor)

Alcohol Warning:

Avoid or limit alcohol — it can increase the risk of lactic acidosis (a rare but serious side effect of metformin) and worsen low blood sugar.

Q1. What is Glimepiride 3 mg + Metformin 850 mg used for?

A: This medicine is used to help control high blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes. It’s prescribed when diet, exercise, and metformin alone are not enough.

Q2. How does this medicine work?

A: It works in two ways:

• Glimepiride helps your body release more insulin.
• Metformin reduces the sugar made by your liver and improves how your body uses insulin.

Q3. How should I take this medicine?

A: Take it once or twice daily with food, exactly as your doctor prescribes. Taking it with meals helps reduce stomach upset and prevents low blood sugar.

Q4. What are the side effects?

A: Common side effects may include:

• Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia)
• Nausea or diarrhea
• Stomach discomfort
• Mild weight gain
• Dizziness or headache

Side effects are usually mild and improve with time.

Q5. Can this medicine cause low blood sugar?

A: Yes, especially if you skip meals or exercise too much. Always carry a small sugar source like glucose tablets or candy in case of symptoms like shakiness, sweating, or dizziness.