Glimepiride tablets USP 3mg Taj Pharma

1. Name of the medicinal product

Glimepiride tablets USP 1mg Taj Pharma
Glimepiride tablets USP 2mg Taj Pharma
Glimepiride tablets USP 3mg Taj Pharma
Glimepiride tablets USP 4mg Taj Pharma

2. Qualitative and quantitative composition

1) Each uncoated Tablets contains:
Glimepiride tablets USP              1mg
Excipients:                                    q.s.

2) Each uncoated Tablets contains:
Glimepiride tablets USP              2mg
Excipients:                                    q.s.

3) Each uncoated Tablets contains:
Glimepiride tablets USP              3mg
Excipients:                                    q.s.

4) Each uncoated Tablets contains:
Glimepiride tablets USP              4mg
Excipients:                                    q.s.

For a full list of excipients, see section 6.1.

3. Pharmaceutical form

Uncoated Tablet

4. Clinical particulars

4.1 Therapeutic indications

Glimepiride (Taj Pharma) is indicated for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus, when diet, physical exercise and weight reduction alone are not adequate.

4.2 Posology and method of administration

For oral administration

The basis for successful treatment of diabetes is a good diet, regular physical activity, as well as routine checks of blood and urine. Tablets or insulin cannot compensate if the patient does not keep to the recommended diet.

Posology

Dose is determined by the results of blood and urinary glucose determinations.

The starting dose is 1 mg Glimepiride (Taj Pharma) per day. If good control is achieved this dose should be used for maintenance therapy.

For the different dose regimens appropriate strengths are available.

If control is unsatisfactory the dosage should be increased, based on the glycaemic control, in a stepwise manner with an interval of about 1 to 2 weeks between each step, to 2, 3 or 4 mg Glimepiride (Taj Pharma) per day.

A dosage of more than 4 mg Glimepiride (Taj Pharma) per day gives better results only in exceptional cases. The maximum recommended dose is 6 mg Glimepiride (Taj Pharma) per day.

In patients not adequately controlled with the maximum daily dose of metformin, concomitant Glimepiride (Taj Pharma) therapy can be initiated.

While maintaining the metformin dose, the Glimepiride (Taj Pharma) therapy is started at low dose, and is then titrated up depending on the desired level of metabolic control up to the maximum daily dose. The combination therapy should be initiated under close medical supervision.

In patients not adequately controlled with the maximum daily dose of Glimepiride (Taj Pharma), concomitant insulin therapy can be initiated if necessary. While maintaining the Glimepiride (Taj Pharma) dose, insulin treatment is started at low dose and titrated up depending on the desired level of metabolic control. The combination therapy should be initiated under close medical supervision.

Normally a single daily dose of Glimepiride (Taj Pharma) is sufficient. It is recommended that this dose be taken shortly before or during a substantial breakfast or – if none is taken – shortly before or during the first main meal.

If a dose is forgotten, this should not be corrected by increasing the next dose.

If a patient has a hypoglycaemic reaction on 1 mg Glimepiride (Taj Pharma) daily, this indicates that they can be controlled by diet alone.

In the course of treatment, as an improvement in control of diabetes is associated with higher insulin sensitivity, Glimepiride (Taj Pharma) requirements may fall. To avoid hypoglycaemia timely dose reduction or cessation of therapy must therefore be considered. Change in dosage may also be necessary, if there are changes in weight or life style of the patient, or other factors that increase the risk of hypo-or hyperglycaemia.

Switch over from other oral hypoglycaemic agents to Glimepiride (Taj Pharma)

A switch over from other oral hypoglycaemic agents to Glimepiride (Taj Pharma) can generally be done. For the switch over to Glimepiride (Taj Pharma) the strength and the half life of the previous medication has to be taken into account. In some cases, especially in antidiabetic medicines with a long half life (e.g. chlorpropamide), a wash out period of a few days is advisable in order to minimise the risk of hypoglycaemic reactions due to the additive effect.

The recommended starting dose is 1 mg Glimepiride (Taj Pharma) per day. Based on the response the Glimepiride (Taj Pharma) dose may be increased stepwise, as indicated earlier.

Switch over from Insulin to Glimepiride (Taj Pharma)

In exceptional cases, where type 2 diabetic patients are regulated on insulin, a changeover to Glimepiride (Taj Pharma) may be indicated. The changeover should be undertaken under close medical supervision.

Special Populations

Patients with renal or hepatic impairment:

See section 4.3.

Paediatric population

There are no data available on the use of Glimepiride (Taj Pharma) in patients under 8 years of age. For children aged 8 to 17 years, there are limited data on Glimepiride (Taj Pharma) as monotherapy (see sections 5.1 and 5.2).

The available data on safety and efficacy are insufficient in the paediatric population and therefore such use is not recommended.

Method of administration

Tablets should be swallowed without chewing with some liquid.

4.3 Contraindications

Glimepiride (Taj Pharma) is contraindicated in patients with the following conditions:

– hypersensitivity to Glimepiride (Taj Pharma), other sulfonylureas or sulfonamides or to any of the excipients listed in section 6.1,

– insulin dependent diabetes,

– diabetic coma,

– ketoacidosis,

– severe renal or hepatic function disorders. In case of severe renal or hepatic function disorders, a changeover to insulin is required.

4.4 Special warnings and precautions for use

Glimepiride (Taj Pharma) must be taken shortly before or during a meal.

When meals are taken at irregular hours or skipped altogether, treatment with Glimepiride (Taj Pharma) may lead to hypoglycaemia. Possible symptoms of hypoglycaemia include: headache, ravenous hunger, nausea, vomiting, lassitude, sleepiness, disordered sleep, restlessness, aggressiveness, impaired concentration, alertness and reaction time, depression, confusion, speech and visual disorders, aphasia, tremor, paresis, sensory disturbances, dizziness, helplessness, loss of self-control, delirium, cerebral convulsions, somnolence and loss of consciousness up to and including coma, shallow respiration and bradycardia. In addition, signs of adrenergic counter-regulation may be present such as sweating, clammy skin, anxiety, tachycardia, hypertension, palpitations, angina pectoris and cardiac arrhythmias.

The clinical picture of a severe hypoglycaemic attack may resemble that of a stroke.

Symptoms can almost always be promptly controlled by immediate intake carbohydrates (sugar). Artificial sweeteners have no effect.

It is known from other sulphonylureas that, despite initially successful countermeasures, hypoglycaemia may recur.

Severe hypoglycaemia or prolonged hypoglycaemia, only temporarily controlled by the usual amounts of sugar, require immediate medical treatment and occasionally hospitalisation.

Factors favoring hypoglycaemia include:

– unwillingness or (more commonly in older patients) incapacity of the patient to cooperate,

– undernutrition, irregular mealtimes or missed meals or periods of fasting,

– alterations in diet,

– imbalance between physical exertion and carbohydrate intake,

– consumption of alcohol, especially in combination with skipped meals,

– impaired renal function,

– serious liver dysfunction,

– overdosage with Glimepiride (Taj Pharma),

– certain uncompensated disorders of the endocrine system affecting carbohydrate metabolism or counter-regulation of hypoglycaemia (as for example in certain disorders of thyroid function and in anterior pituitary or adrenocortical insufficiency),

– concurrent administration of certain other medicinal products (see Interactions 4.5).

Treatment with Glimepiride (Taj Pharma) requires regular monitoring of glucose levels in blood and urine. In addition determination of the proportion of glycosylated haemoglobin is recommended.

Regular hepatic and haematological monitoring (especially leucocytes and thrombocytes) are required during treatment with Glimepiride (Taj Pharma).

In stress-situations (e.g. accidents, acute operations, infections with fever, etc.) a temporary switch to insulin may be indicated.

No experience has been gained concerning the use of Glimepiride (Taj Pharma) in patients with severe impairment of liver function or dialysis patients. In patients with severe impairment of renal or liver function change over to insulin is indicated.

Treatment of patients with G6PD-deficiency with sulfonylurea agents can lead to haemolytic anaemia. Since Glimepiride (Taj Pharma) belongs to the class of sulfonylurea agents, caution should be used in patients with G6PD-deficiency and a non-sulfonylurea alternative should be considered.

Glimepiride (Taj Pharma) contains lactose monohydrate. Patients with rare hereditary problems of galactose intolerance, the Lapp lactase deficiency or glucose-galactose malabsorption should not take this medicine.

4.5 Interaction with other medicinal products and other forms of interaction

If Glimepiride (Taj Pharma) is taken simultaneously with certain other medicinal products, both undesired increases and decreases in the hypoglycaemic action of Glimepiride (Taj Pharma) can occur. For this reason, other medicinal products should only be taken with the knowledge (or at the prescription) of the doctor.

Glimepiride (Taj Pharma) is metabolized by cytochrome P450 2C9 (CYP2C9). Its metabolism is known to be influenced by concomitant administration of CYP2C9 inducers (e .g. rifampicin) or inhibitors (e.g. fluconazole).

Results from an in vivo interaction study reported in literature show that Glimepiride (Taj Pharma) AUC is increased approximately 2-fold by fluconazole, one of the most potent CYP2C9 inhibitors.

Based on the experience with Glimepiride (Taj Pharma) and with other sulphonylureas the following interactions have to be mentioned.

Potentiation of the blood-glucose-lowering effect and, thus, in some instances hypoglycaemia may occur when one of the following medicinal products is taken, for example:

– phenylbutazone, azapropazone and oxyfenbutazone,

– insulin and oral antidiabetic products, such as metformin,

– salicylates and p-amino-salicylic acid,

– anabolic steroids and male sex hormones,

– chloramphenicol, certain long acting sulfonamides, tetracyclines, quinolone antibiotics and clarithromycin,

– coumarin anticoagulants,

– fenfluramine,

– disopyramide,

– fibrates,

– ACE inhibitors,

– fluoxetine, MAO-inhibitors,

– allopurinol, probenecid, sulfinpyrazone,

– sympatholytics,

– cyclophosphamide, trophosphamide and iphosphamides,

– miconazol, fluconazole,

– pentoxifylline (high dose parenteral),

– tritoqualine.

Weakening of the blood-glucose-lowering effect and, thus raised blood glucose levels may occur when one of the following medicinal products is taken, for example:

– oestrogens and progestogens,

– saluretics, thiazide diuretics,

– thyroid stimulating agents, glucocorticoids,

– phenothiazine derivatives, chlorpromazine,

– adrenaline and sympathicomimetics,

– nicotinic acid (high dosages) and nicotinic acid derivatives,

– laxatives (long term use),

– phenytoin, diazoxide,

– glucagon, barbiturates and rifampicin,

– acetazolamide.

H₂ antagonists, betablockers, clonidine and reserpine may lead to either potentiation or weakening of the blood glucose lowering effect.

Under the influence of sympatholytic medicinal products such as betablockers, clonidine, guanethidine and reserpine, the signs of adrenergic counter-regulation to hypoglycaemia may be reduced or absent.

Alcohol intake may potentiate or weaken the hypoglycaemic action of Glimepiride (Taj Pharma) in an unpredictable fashion.

Glimepiride (Taj Pharma) may either potentiate or weaken the effects of coumarin derivatives.

Colesevelam binds to Glimepiride (Taj Pharma) and reduces Glimepiride (Taj Pharma) absorption from the gastro-intestinal tract. No interaction was observed when Glimepiride (Taj Pharma) was taken at least 4 hours before colesevelam. Therefore, Glimepiride (Taj Pharma) should be administered at least 4 hours prior to colesevelam.

4.6 Fertility, pregnancy and lactation

Pregnancy

Risk related to the diabetes

Abnormal blood glucose levels during pregnancy are associated with a higher incidence of congenital abnormalities and perinatal mortality. So the blood glucose level must be closely monitored during pregnancy in order to avoid the teratogenic risk. The use of insulin is required under such circumstances. Patients who consider pregnancy should inform their physician.

Risk related to Glimepiride (Taj Pharma)

There are no adequate data from the use of Glimepiride (Taj Pharma) in pregnant women. Animal studies have shown reproductive toxicity which likely was related to the pharmacologic action (hypoglycaemia) of Glimepiride (Taj Pharma) (see section 5.3).

Consequently, Glimepiride (Taj Pharma) should not be used during the whole pregnancy.

In case of treatment by Glimepiride (Taj Pharma), if the patient plans to become pregnant or if a pregnancy is discovered, the treatment should be switched as soon as possible to insulin therapy.

Lactation

The excretion in human milk is unknown. Glimepiride (Taj Pharma) is excreted in rat milk. As other sulfonylureas are excreted in human milk and because there is a risk of hypoglycaemia in nursing infants, breast-feeding is advised against during treatment with Glimepiride (Taj Pharma).

4.7 Effects on ability to drive and use machines

No studies on the effects on the ability to drive and use machines have been performed.

The patient’s ability to concentrate and react may be impaired as a result of hypoglycaemia or hyperglycaemia or, for example, as a result of visual impairment. This may constitute a risk in situations where these abilities are of special importance (e.g. driving a car or operating machinery).

Patients should be advised to take precautions to avoid hypoglycaemia whilst driving. This is particularly important in those who have reduced or absent awareness of the warning symptoms of hypoglycaemia or have frequent episodes of hypoglycaemia. It should be considered whether it is advisable to drive or operate machinery in these circumstances.

4.8 Undesirable effects

The following adverse reactions from clinical investigations were based on experience with Glimepiride (Taj Pharma) and other sulfonylureas, were listed below by system organ class and in order of decreasing incidence (very common: ≥1/l0; common: ≥1/100 to <1/10; uncommon: ≥1/1,000 to <1/100; rare: ≥1/10,000 to <1/1,000; very rare: < 1/10,000), not known (cannot be estimated from the available data).

Blood and lymphatic system disorders

Rare: thrombocytopenia, leukopenia, granulocytopenia, agranulocytosis, erythropenia, haemolytic anaemia and pancytopenia, which are in general reversible upon discontinuation of medication.

Not known: severe thrombocytopenia with platelet count less than 10,000/μl and thrombocytopenic purpura.

Immune system disorders

Very rare: leukocytoclastic vasculitis, mild hypersensitivity reactions that may develop into serious reactions with dyspnoea, fall in blood pressure and sometimes shock.

Not known: cross-allergenicity with sulfonylureas, sulfonamides or related substances is possible.

Metabolism and nutrition disorders

Rare: hypoglycaemia.

These hypoglycaemic reactions mostly occur immediately, may be severe and are not always easy to correct. The occurrence of such reactions depends, as with other hypoglycaemic therapies, on individual factors such as dietary habits and dosage (see further under section 4.4).

Eye disorders

Not known: visual disturbances, transient, may occur especially on initiation of treatment, due to changes in blood glucose levels.

Gastrointestinal disorders

Very rare: nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal distension, abdominal discomfort and abdominal pain, which seldom lead to discontinuation of therapy.

Hepato-biliary disorders

Not known: hepatic enzymes increased.

Very rare: hepatic function abnormal (e.g. with cholestasis and jaundice), hepatitis and hepatic failure.

Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders

Not known: hypersensitivity reactions of the skin may occur as pruritus, rash, urticaria and photosensitivity.

Investigations

Very rare: blood sodium decrease.

Reporting of suspected adverse reactions

Reporting suspected adverse reactions after authorisation of the medicinal product is important. It allows continued monitoring of the benefit/risk balance of the medicinal product.

4.9 Overdose

Symptoms

After ingestion of an overdosage hypoglycaemia may occur, lasting from 12 to 72 hours, and may recur after an initial recovery. Symptoms may not be present for up to 24 hours after ingestion. In general observation in hospital is recommended. Nausea, vomiting and epigastric pain may occur. The hypoglycaemia may in general be accompanied by neurological symptoms like restlessness, tremor, visual disturbances, co-ordination problems, sleepiness, coma and convulsions.

Management

Treatment primarily consists of preventing absorption by inducing vomiting and then drinking water or lemonade with activated charcoal (adsorbent) and sodium-sulphate (laxative). If large quantities have been ingested, gastric lavage is indicated, followed by activated charcoal and sodium-sulphate. In case of (severe) overdosage hospitalisation in an intensive care department is indicated. Start the administration of glucose as soon as possible, if necessary by a bolus intravenous injection of 50 ml of a 50% solution, followed by an infusion of a 10% solution with strict monitoring of blood glucose. Further treatment should be symptomatic.

In particular when treating hypoglycaemia due to accidental intake of Glimepiride (Taj Pharma) in infants and young children, the dose of glucose given must be carefully controlled to avoid the possibility of producing dangerous hyperglycaemia. Blood glucose should be closely monitored.

5. Pharmacological properties

5.1 Pharmacodynamic properties

Pharmacotherapeutic group: Oral blood glucose lowering drugs: Sulfonamides, urea derivatives. Glimepiride (Taj Pharma) is an orally active hypoglycaemic substance belonging to the sulphonylurea group. It may be used in non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus.

Mechanism of action

Glimepiride (Taj Pharma) acts mainly by stimulating insulin release from pancreatic beta cells.

As with other sulphonylureas this effect is based on an increase of responsiveness of the pancreatic beta cells to the physiological glucose stimulus. In addition, Glimepiride (Taj Pharma) seems to have pronounced extrapancreatic effects also postulated for other sulphonylureas.

Insulin release

Sulphonylureas regulate insulin secretion by closing the ATP-sensitive potassium channel in the beta cell membrane. Closing the potassium channel induces depolarisation of the beta cell and results -by opening of calcium channels – in an increased influx of calcium into the cell.

This leads to insulin release through exocytosis.

Glimepiride (Taj Pharma) binds with a high exchange rate to a beta cell membrane protein which is associated with the ATP-sensitive potassium channel but which is different from the usual sulphonylurea binding site.

Extrapancreatic activity

The extrapancreatic effects are for example an improvement of the sensitivity of the peripheral tissue for insulin and a decrease of the insulin uptake by the liver.

The uptake of glucose from blood into peripheral muscle and fat tissues occurs via special transport proteins, located in the cells membrane. The transport of glucose in these tissues is the rate limiting step in the use of glucose. Glimepiride (Taj Pharma) increases very rapidly the number of active glucose transport molecules in the plasma membranes of muscle and fat cells, resulting in stimulated glucose uptake.

Glimepiride (Taj Pharma) increases the activity of the glycosyl-phosphatidylinositol-specific phospholipase C which may be correlated with the drug-induced lipogenesis and glycogenesis in isolated fat and muscle cells.

Glimepiride (Taj Pharma) inhibits the glucose production in the liver by increasing the intracellular concentration of fructose-2,6-bisphosphate, which in its turn inhibits the gluconeogenesis.

General

In healthy persons, the minimum effective oral dose is approximately 0.6 mg. The effect of Glimepiride (Taj Pharma) is dose-dependent and reproducible. The physiological response to acute physical exercise, reduction of insulin secretion, is still present under Glimepiride (Taj Pharma).

There was no significant difference in effect regardless of whether the drug was given 30 minutes or immediately before a meal. In diabetic patients, good metabolic control over 24 hours can be achieved with a single daily dose.

Although the hydroxy metabolite of Glimepiride (Taj Pharma) caused a small but significant decrease in serum glucose in healthy persons, it accounts for only a minor part of the total drug effect.

Combination therapy with metformin

Improved metabolic control for concomitant Glimepiride (Taj Pharma) therapy compared to metformin alone in patients not adequately controlled with the maximum dosage of metformin has been shown in one study.

Combination therapy with insulin

Data for combination therapy with insulin are limited. In patients not adequately controlled with the maximum dosage of Glimepiride (Taj Pharma), concomitant insulin therapy can be initiated. In two studies, the combination achieved the same improvement in metabolic control as insulin alone; however, a lower average dose of insulin was required in combination therapy.

Special populations

Paediatric population

An active controlled clinical trial (Glimepiride (Taj Pharma) up to 8 mg daily or metformin up to 2,000 mg daily) of 24 weeks duration was performed in 285 children (8-17 years of age) with type 2 diabetes.

Both Glimepiride (Taj Pharma) and metformin exhibited a significant decrease from baseline in HbA1c (Glimepiride (Taj Pharma)-0.95 (se 0.41); metformin -1.39 (se 0.40)). However, Glimepiride (Taj Pharma) did not achieve the criteria of noninferiority to metformin in mean change from baseline of HbA1c. The difference between treatments was 0.44% in favour of metformin. The upper limit (1.05) of the 95% confidence interval for the difference was not below the 0.3% non-inferiority margin.

Following Glimepiride (Taj Pharma) treatment, there were no new safety concerns noted in children compared to adult patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. No long-term efficacy and safety data are available in paediatric patients.

5.2 Pharmacokinetic properties

Absorption

The bioavailability of Glimepiride (Taj Pharma) after oral administration is complete. Food intake has no relevant influence on absorption, only absorption rate is slightly diminished. Maximum serum concentrations (C_max) are reached approx. 2.5 hours after oral intake (mean 0.3 µg/ml during multiple dosing of 4 mg daily) and there is a linear relationship between dose and both C_max and AUC (area under the time/concentration curve).

Distribution

Glimepiride (Taj Pharma) has a very low distribution volume (approx. 8.8 litres) which is roughly equal to the albumin distribution space, high protein binding >99%), and a low clearance (approx. 48 ml/min).

In animals, Glimepiride (Taj Pharma) is excreted in milk. Glimepiride (Taj Pharma) is transferred to the placenta. Passage of the blood brain barrier is low.

Biotransformation and elimination

Mean dominant serum half-life, which is of relevance for the serum concentrations under multiple-dose conditions, is about 5 to 8 hours. After high doses, slightly longer half-lives were noted.

After a single dose of radiolabelled Glimepiride (Taj Pharma), 58% of the radioactivity was recovered in the urine, and 35% in the faeces. No unchanged substance was detected in the urine. Two metabolites -most probably resulting from hepatic metabolism (major enzyme is CYP2C9)- were identified both in urine and faeces: the hydroxy derivative and the carboxy derivative. After oral administration of Glimepiride (Taj Pharma), the terminal half-lives of these metabolites were 3 to 6 and 5 to 6 hours respectively.

Comparison of single and multiple once-daily dosing revealed no significant differences in pharmacokinetics, and the intraindividual variability was very low. There was no relevant accumulation.

Special Populations

Older people

Pharmacokinetics were similar in males and females, as well as in young and older people (above 65 years) patients.

Renal impairment

In patients with low creatinine clearance, there was a tendency for Glimepiride (Taj Pharma) clearance to increase and for average serum concentrations to decrease, most probably resulting from a more rapid elimination because of lower protein binding. Renal elimination of the two metabolites was impaired. Overall no additional risk of accumulation is to be assumed in such patients.

Pharmacokinetics in five non-diabetic patients after bile duct surgery were similar to those in healthy persons.

Paediatric population

A fed study investigating the pharmacokinetics, safety, and tolerability of a 1 mg single dose of Glimepiride (Taj Pharma) in 30 paediatric patients (4 children aged 10-12 years and 26 children aged 12-17 years) with type 2 diabetes showed mean AUC_(0-last) , Cmax and t_1/2 similar to that previously observed in adults.

5.3 Preclinical safety data

Preclinical effects observed occurred at exposures sufficiently in excess of the maximum human exposure as to indicate little relevance to clinical use, or were due to the pharmacodynamic action (hypoglycaemia) of the compound. This finding is based on conventional safety pharmacology, repeated dose toxicity, genotoxicity, carcinogenicity, and reproduction toxicity studies. In the latter (covering embryotoxicity, teratogenicity and developmental toxicity), adverse effects observed were considered to be secondary to the hypoglycaemic effects induced by the compound in dams and in offspring.

6. Pharmaceutical particulars

6.1 List of excipients

Lactose Monohydrate, Sodium lauryl sulphate, Povidone, Sodium starch glycolate, Magnesium Stearate, Microcrystalline cellulose.

6.2 Incompatibilities

Not applicable.

6.3 Shelf life

36 months

6.4 Special precautions for storage

Do not store above 25^oC.

6.5 Special precautions for disposal and other handling

No special requirements.

7. Manufactured in India by:
TAJ PHARMACEUTICALS LTD.
Mumbai, India
Unit No. 214.Old Bake House,
Maharashtra chambers of  Commerce Lane,
Fort, Mumbai – 400001
at:Gujarat, INDIA.
Customer Service and Product Inquiries:
1-800-TRY-FIRST (1-800-222-434 & 1-800-222-825)
Monday through Saturday 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. EST
E-mail: tajgroup@tajpharma.com

Glimepiride tablets USP 1mg Taj Pharma
Glimepiride tablets USP 2mg Taj Pharma
Glimepiride tablets USP 3mg Taj Pharma
Glimepiride tablets USP 4mg Taj Pharma

Package leaflet: Information for the user

 Read all of this leaflet carefully before you start taking this medicine because it contains important information for you.

Keep this leaflet. You may need to read it again.

• If you have any further questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
• This medicine has been prescribed for you only. Do not pass it on to others. It may harm them, even if their signs of illnesss are the same as yours.
• If you get any side effects, talk to your doctor or pharmacist. This includes any possible side effects not listed in this leaflet. See section 4.

What is in this leaflet

1. What Glimepiride (Taj Pharma) is and what it is used for
2. What you need to know before you take Glimepiride (Taj Pharma)
3. How to take Glimepiride (Taj Pharma)
4. Possible side effects
5. How to store Glimepiride (Taj Pharma)
6. Contents of the pack and other information

What Glimepiride (Taj Pharma) is and what it is used for

Glimepiride (Taj Pharma) is one of a group of medicines called oral hypoglycaemics, which are used for treatment of diabetes (a disease where the body does not produce enough insulin to control the level of blood sugar). Oral hypoglycaemics help control blood sugar level.

The active ingredient in your Glimepiride (Taj Pharma) tablets is Glimepiride (Taj Pharma).

What Glimepiride (Taj Pharma) is used for:

Glimepiride (Taj Pharma) is used in the treatment of non-insulin dependent (Type II) diabetes mellitus. You get diabetes if your pancreas does not make enough insulin to control the level of glucose in your blood. Type II diabetes can sometimes be controlled by good diet, physical exercise and weight reduction alone, but where this is not possible, Glimepiride (Taj Pharma) is used in addition.

2. What you need to know before you take Glimepiride (Taj Pharma). Do not take Glimepiride (Taj Pharma):

• if you are allergic to Glimepiride (Taj Pharma) or other sulfonylureas (medicines used to lower your blood sugar such as glibenclamide) or sulfonamides (medicines for bacterial infections such as sulfamethoxazole) or any of the other ingredients of this medicine (listed in section 6)
• if you have insulin dependent diabetes (Type I diabetes mellitus)
• if you have diabetic ketoacidosis (a complication of diabetes when your acid level is raised in your body and you may have some of the following signs: fatigue, feeling sick (nausea), frequent urination and muscular stiffness)
• if you are in a diabetic coma
• if you have severe kidney disease
• if you have a severe liver disease

Do not take this medicine if any of the above apply to you. If you are not sure, talk to your doctor or pharmacist before taking Glimepiride (Taj Pharma).

Warnings and precautions:

Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before taking your medicine if:

• You are recovering from an injury, operation, infections with fever, or from other forms of stress, inform your doctor as temporary change of treatment may be necessary.You have a severe liver or kidney disorder .

If you are not sure if any of these apply to you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist before taking Glimepiride (Taj Pharma).

Lowering of the haemoglobin level and breakdown of red blood cells (haemolytic anemia) can occur in patients missing the enzyme glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase.

The information available on the use of Glimepiride (Taj Pharma) in people under 18 years of age is limited. Therefore, its use in these patients is not recommended.

Important information about hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar)

When you take Glimepiride (Taj Pharma), you may get hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar). Please see below for additional information

about hypoglycaemia, its signs and treatment.

Following factors could increase the risk of you getting hypoglycaemia:

• Undernourishment, irregular meal time, missed or delayed meal or period of fasting
• Changes to your diet
• Taking more Glimepiride (Taj Pharma) than needed
• Having kidneys that do not work properly
• Having severe liver disease
• If you suffer from particular hormone-induced disorders (disorders of the thyroid glands, of the pituitary gland or adrenal cortex)
• Drinking alcohol (especially when you skip a meal)
• Taking certain other medicines (see below “Other medicines and Glimepiride (Taj Pharma)”)

If you increase the amount of exercise you do and you don’t eat enough food or eat food containing lesscarbohydrate than usual.

Signs of hypoglycaemia include:

• Hunger pangs, headache, nausea, vomiting, sluggishness, sleepiness, problems sleeping, restlessness, aggression, problems with concentration, reduced alertness and reaction time, depression, confusion, problems with your speech and sight, slurred speech, shakiness, partial paralysis, dizziness, helplessness
• The following signs may also occur: sweating, clammy skin, anxiety, fast or increased heart beat, high blood pressure, awareness of your heart beat, sudden strong pain in the breast that may radiate into neighbouring areas (angina pectoris and cardiac arrhythmias)

If blood sugar levels continue to drop you may suffer from considerable confusion (delirium), develop fits, lose self control, breathing may be shallow and your heart beat slowed down, you may fall into unconsciousness.

The clinical picture of a severe reduced blood sugar level may resemble that of a stroke.

Treating hypoglycaemia:

In most cases the signs of reduced blood sugar vanish very quickly when you consume some form of sugar, e.g. sugar cubes, sweet juice, sweetened tea.

You should therefore always take some form of sugar with you (e.g. sugar cubes). Remember that artificial sweeteners are not effective. Please contact your doctor or go to the hospital if taking sugar does not help or if the symptoms recur.

Laboratory tests

The level of sugar in your blood or urine should be checked regularly. Your doctor may also take blood tests to monitor your blood cell levels and liver function.

Children and adolescents

Glimepiride (Taj Pharma) is not recommended for use in children under 18 years of age.

Other medicines and Glimepiride (Taj Pharma)

Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking, have recently taken or might take any other medicines.

Your doctor may wish to change your dose of Glimepiride (Taj Pharma) if you are taking other medicines, which may weaken or strengthen the effect of Glimepiride (Taj Pharma) on the level of sugar in your blood.

The following medicines can increase the blood sugar lowering effect of Glimepiride (Taj Pharma). This can lead to a risk of hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar):

• Other medicines to treat diabetes mellitus (such as insulin or metformin)
• Medicines to treat pain and inflammation (phenylbutazone, azopropazone, oxyphenbutazone, aspirin-like medicines)
• Medicines to treat urinary infections (such as some long acting sulfonamides)
• Medicines to treat bacterial and fungal infections (tetracyclines, chloramphenicol, fluconazole, miconazole, quinolones, clarithromycin)
• Medicines to inhibit blood clotting (coumarin derivatives such as warfarin)
• Medicines supporting muscle build up (anabolics)
• Medicines used for male sex hormone replacement therapy
• Medicines to treat depression (fluoxetine, MAOinhibitors)
• Medicines lowering high cholesterol level (fibrates)
• Medicines lowering high blood pressure (ACE inhibitors) Medicines called anti-arrhythmic agents used to control abnormal heart beat (disopyramide)
• Medicines to treat gout (allopurinol, probenecid, sulfinpyrazone)
• Medicines to treat cancer (cyclophosphamide, ifosfamide, trofosfamide)
• Medicines used to reduce weight (fenfluramine)
• Medicines to increase circulation when given in a high dose intravenous infusion (pentoxifylline)
• Medicines to treat nasal allergies such as hay fever (tritoqualine)
• Medicines called sympatholytics to treat high blood pressure, heart failure, or prostate symptoms

The following medicines may decrease the blood sugar lowering effect of Glimepiride (Taj Pharma). This can lead to a risk ofhyperglycaemia (high blood sugar level):

Medicines containing female sex hormones (oestrogens, progestogens)

• Medicines to treat high blood pressure called thiazide diuretics (water tablets)
• Medicines used to stimulate the thyroid gland (such as levothyroxine)
• Medicines to treat allergies and inflammation (glucocorticoids)
• Medicines to treat severe mental disorders (chlorpromazine and other phenothiazine derivatives)
• Medicines used to raise heart beat, to treat asthma or nasal congestion, coughs and colds, used to reduceweight, or used in life-threatening emergencies (adrenaline and sympathomimetics)
• Medicines to treat high cholesterol level (nicotinic acid)
• Medicines to treat constipation when they are used long term (laxatives)
• Medicines to treat fits (phenytoin)
• Medicines to treat nervousness and sleep problems (barbiturates)
• Medicines to treat increased pressure in the eye (azetazolamide)
• Medicines to treat high blood pressure or low blood sugar (diazoxide)
• Medicines to treat infections, tuberculosis (rifampicine)
• Medicines to treat severe low blood sugar levels (glucagon)

The following medicines can increase or decrease the blood sugar lowering effect of Glimepiride (Taj Pharma):

• Medicines to treat stomach ulcers (called H2 antagonists)
• Medicines to treat high blood pressure or heart failure such as beta-blockers, clonidine, guanethidine and reserpine. These can also hide the signs of hypoglycaemia, so special care is needed when taking these medicines
• Glimepiride (Taj Pharma) may either increase or weaken the effects of the following medicines:
• Medicines inhibiting blood clotting (coumarin derivatives such as warfarin).
• Colesevelam, a medicine used to reduce cholesterol, has an effect on the absorption of Glimepiride (Taj Pharma). To avoid this effect, you should be advised to take Glimepiride (Taj Pharma) at least 4 hours before colesevelam

Glimepiride (Taj Pharma) with food, drink and alcohol

Alcohol intake may increase or decrease the blood sugar lowering action of Glimepiride (Taj Pharma) in an unpredictable way.

Pregnancy and breast-feeding

Pregnancy

Glimepiride (Taj Pharma) should not be taken during pregnancy. Tell your doctor if you are, you think you might be or are planning to become pregnant.

Breast-feeding

Glimepiride (Taj Pharma) may pass into breast milk. Glimepiride (Taj Pharma) should not be taken during breast feeeding.

Ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice before taking any medicine.

Driving and using machines

Your ability to concentrate or react may be reduced if your blood sugar is lowered (hypoglycaemia), or raised (hyperglycaemia) or if you develop visual problems as a result of such conditions. Bear in mind that you could endanger yourself or others (e.g. when driving a car or using machines). Please ask your doctor whether you can drive a car if you:

• have frequent episodes of hypoglycaemia,
• have fewer or no warning signals of hypoglycaemia.

Glimepiride (Taj Pharma) tablets contains lactose

If you have been told by your doctor that you cannot tolerate some sugars, contact your doctor before taking this medicinal product.

3. How to take Glimepiride (Taj Pharma) tablets.

Always take Glimepiride (Taj Pharma) tablets exactly as your doctor has told you. You should check with your doctor if you are not sure.

Taking this medicine

• Take this medicine by mouth, just before or with the first main meal of the day (usually breakfast). If you do not have breakfast you should take the medicine on schedule as prescribed by your doctor. It is important not to leave out any meal when you are on Glimepiride (Taj Pharma)
• Swallow the tablets with at least half glass of water. Do not crush or chew the tablets.

If you take more Glimepiride (Taj Pharma) than you should

If you happen to have taken too much Glimepiride (Taj Pharma) or an additional dose there is a danger of hypoglycaemia (signs of hypoglycaemia see section 2) and therefore you should instantly consume enough sugar (e.g. a small bar of sugar cubes, sweet juice, sweetened tea) and inform a doctor immediately. When treating hypoglycaemia due to accidental intake in children, the quantity of sugar given must be carefully controlled to avoid the possibility of producing dangerous hyperglycaemia. Persons in a state of unconsciousness must not be given food or drink.

Since the state of hypoglycaemia may last for some time it is very important that the patient is carefully monitored until there is no more danger. Admission into hospital may be necessary, also as a measure of precaution. Show the doctor the package or remaining tablets, so the doctor knows what has been taken.

Severe cases of hypoglycaemia accompanied by loss of consciousness and coma are cases of medical emergency requiring immediate medical treatment and admission into hospital. It may be helpful to tell your family and friends to call a doctor immediately if this happens to you.

If you forget to take Glimepiride (Taj Pharma)

If you forget to take a tablet, do not take a double dose to make up for forgotten doses.

If you stop taking Glimepiride (Taj Pharma)

If you interrupt or stop the treatment you should be aware that the desired blood sugar lowering effect is not achieved or that the disease will get worse again. Keep taking Glimepiride (Taj Pharma) until your doctor tells you to stop.

4. Possible side effects

Like all medicines, Glimepiride (Taj Pharma) can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them.

Tell your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following symptoms:

• Allergic reactions (including inflammation of blood vessels, often with skin rash) which may develop into serious reactions with difficulty in breathing, fall in blood pressure and sometimes progressing to shock
• Abnormal liver function including yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice), problems with the bile flow(cholestasis), inflammation of the liver (hepatitis) or liver failure
• Allergy (hypersensitivity) of the skin such as itching, rash, hives and increased sensitivity to sun. Some mild allergic reactions may develop into serious reactions
• Severe hypoglycaemia including loss of consciousness, seizures or coma

Some patients experienced the following side effects whilst taking Glimepiride (Taj Pharma):

Rare side effects (may affect up to 1 in 1,000 people)

• Lower blood sugar than normal (hypoglycaemia) (see section 2)
• Decrease in the number of blood cells
• Blood platelets (which increases risk of bleeding or bruising)
• White blood cells (which makes infections more likely)
• Red blood cells (which can make the skin pale and cause weakness or breathlessness)

These problems generally get better after you stop taking Glimepiride (Taj Pharma) Very rare side effects (may affect up to 1 in 10,000 people)

• Allergic reactions (including inflammation of blood vessels, often with skin rash) which may develop into serious reactions with difficulty in breathing, fall in blood pressure and sometimes progressing to shock. If you experience any of these symptoms, tell your doctor immediately
• Abnormal liver function including yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice), impairment of the bile flow(cholestasis), inflammation of the liver (hepatitis) or liver failure. If you experience any of these symptoms, tell your doctor immediately
• Feeling or being sick, diarrhoea, feeling full or bloated, and abdominal pain
• Decrease in the amount of sodium level in your blood (shown by blood tests)

Other side effects include:

• Allergy (hypersensitivity) of the skin may occur such as itching, rash, hives and increased sensitivity to sun. Some
• mild allergic reactions may develop into serious reactions with swallowing or breathing problems, swelling of your
• lips, throat or tongue. Therefore in the event of one of these side effects, tell your doctor immediately
• Allergic reactions with sulfonylureas, sulfonamides, or related medicines may occur
• Problems with your sight may occur when beginning treatment with Glimepiride (Taj Pharma). This is due to changes in blood sugar levels and should soon improve
• Increased liver enzymes
• Severe unusual bleeding or bruising under the skin

Reporting of side effects

If you get any side effects, talk to your doctor, pharmacist or nurse. This includes any possible side effects not listed in this leaflet.

5. How to store Glimepiride (Taj Pharma) tablets

• Keep this medicine out of the sight and reach of children
• Do not use this medicine after the expiry date which is stated on the label after EXP. The expiry date refers to the last day of that month.
• Do not store the tablets above 25° C

Store in the original package in order to protect from moisture.

Do not use this medicine if you notice visible signs of deterioration.

Do not throw away any medicines via wastewater or household waste. Ask your pharmacist how to throw away medicines you no longer use. These measures will help protect the environment.

6. Contents of the pack and other information

What Glimepiride (Taj Pharma) tablet contains

The active substance is Glimepiride (Taj Pharma).

The other ingredients are lactose, sodium starch glycolate, povidone, sodium lauryl sulphate, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose.

What Glimepiride (Taj Pharma) tablets looks like and contents of the pack

Pack size: Cartons containing 20 tablets in two blisters, each of 10 tablets.

7. Manufactured in India by:
TAJ PHARMACEUTICALS LTD.
Mumbai, India
Unit No. 214.Old Bake House,
Maharashtra chambers of  Commerce Lane,
Fort, Mumbai – 400001
at:Gujarat, INDIA.
Customer Service and Product Inquiries:
1-800-TRY-FIRST (1-800-222-434 & 1-800-222-825)
Monday through Saturday 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. EST
E-mail: tajgroup@tajpharma.com