January 28, 2008 - 4:31pm
For my Type 2 diabetes, I'm rx'd Lantus (injections), and Glucophage, (Metformin hcl 500mg, BID). As I'm still having problems with keeping my blood sugars under control, and the high results from my recent "A1c" blood test, when I went to pick up my Lantus today, my Dr also had called in Amaryl 4mg, (Glimepiride) BID. When I got home and read the "printout" that comes with all of my rx's, the 1st thing I noticed was it said: "To be used in patients with type 2 diabetes, (NON-INSULIN-DEPENDENT Diabetes)"! Well obviously - I'm ON INSULIN! So I called my doctors office, and his instructions were to STOP the Metformin, and to START the Amaryl, (along with continuing my Lantus injections)!?? Are there any diabetics on this site that have had any type of "conflicting" information on the meds thay are taking?
January 30, 2008 - 6:10pm
#2
Glucophage can cause
Glucophage can cause adverse, potentially fatal interactions with certain contrast media and carries a risk of lactic acidosis, which is more common in post-operative patients.
You are not insulin dependant if you are Type II, but you are using insulin to achieve better control of your diabetes. You do not require insulin injections to stay alive, like Type I diabetics do.
January 30, 2008 - 11:11pm
#3
Yes, you're right
Yes, you're right Dr Lois about Type I vs Type II diabetics as far as the Type I who HAS to have it to stay alive vs someone like me with Type II who just needs better control of my blood sugars. I didn't mean it to sound like I was in that predicament. What my concern is, that since I AM on Insulin, and the printout says for use with patients who are NON-Insulin dependent, if that statement meant that I needed to worry about any adverse reactions because of the fact that I AM on Insulin. (NOT the fact that I don't need insulin to stay alive, but the fact that I do take daily injections). Sorry I wasn't a little more clear on what I was asking. Also, thank you for explaining WHY I was told to discontinue the Glucophage before surgery. I was told not to take the glucophage for the 2 days prior to & including the day of surgery, but not the reason why. I guess all I had to do was ask, but it was one of those "phone call pre-admit nurses", and I was sidetracked with a lot of other questions I had with her. AIP
January 31, 2008 - 11:32am
#4
The pre-admissions person
The pre-admissions person may not have known why!
There should not be a problem with taking Lantus and Amaryl and Glucophage or any of the other diabetic medications together.
People with type I diabetes generally do not produce any insulin themselves. Many oral diabetic medications work by stimulating additional insulin production. If you cannot make insulin yourself (type I) then no amount of additional stimulation is likely to help. Some thought has been given to using oral medications in people who are type I diabetics who also have characteristics of type II diabetes such as insensitivity to insulin. Some oral diabetic medications increase cell sensitivity to insulin so the insulin that you take works better at lower doses.
February 4, 2008 - 11:55pm
#5
Update on Amaryl vs Glucophage
Just for people who may be wondering, Since I was changed to the Amaryl, my blood sugar is under better control than it ever has been! I used to run close to or over the 200 range, which is way too high. Since the switch, it seems that now it's getting to where it's almost too Low. (The rx is for twice a day, but I've only been taking it once a day). The highest it was so far was 176, but last night it was only 69! I started getting "the shakes" and knew I had to eat quick! The previous day, It was at 116 in the am, and 95 in the pm. For me, when it gets anywhere near 90 or below, I start get that "hypo-glycemic" feeling. I just bought some Glucose tablets, (I never needed them before), for when it gets too low. AND I was able to cut my Lantus injections from 50 units down to 30 or 35. Just a note to let people who suffer from diabetes with a little information. AIP
Maybe a little more info would get a response. I called my Dr about the change to the Amaryl, and since I have my sugery on next Wednesday, (Feb 6), I was told by the pre-admit nurse to stop the glucophage 2 days before the surgery. With the Amaryl, she said to just not take it the day OF the surgery. It's only been 2 days since the change, and so far haven't noticed any adverse effects. Still, any input would be appreciated. AIP