Atorvastatin + Glimepiride + Metformin
Introduction To Atorvastatin + Glimepiride + Metformin
Atorvastatin + Glimepiride + Metformin is a combination of three medicines used in the treatment of diabetes with high cholesterol. In addition to controlling blood sugar levels, it also lowers cholesterol and triglyceride levels, thus reducing the risk of developing other serious complications of diabetes.
Atorvastatin + Glimepiride + Metformin should be taken with food. Take it regularly at the same time each day to get the most benefit. Your doctor will decide what dose is best for you and this may change from time to time according to how it is working according to your blood sugar levels.
Keep taking this medicine, even if you feel well or your blood sugar levels are controlled. If you stop it without consulting your doctor, your blood sugar levels could rise and put you at risk of kidney damage, blindness, nerve problems and loss of limbs. Remember that it is only part of a treatment program that should also include a healthy diet, regular exercise, and weight reduction as advised by your doctor. Your lifestyle plays a big part in controlling diabetes.
The most common side effect of this medicine is low blood glucose levels (hypoglycemia). Make sure you recognize the signs of having low blood glucose levels, such as sweating, dizziness, headache, and shaking and know how to deal with it. To prevent this, it's important to have regular meals and always carry a fast-acting source of glucose such as sugary food or fruit juice with you. Drinking alcohol can also increase your risk of low blood sugar levels and should be avoided. Other side effects that may be seen on taking this medicine include nausea, taste change, diarrhea, stomach pain, edema (swelling), respiratory tract infection, skin rash, blurred vision, and bone fracture. Some people may find that they put on weight with this medicine.
You should not take it if you have type 1 diabetes mellitus, if you have diabetic ketoacidosis (high levels of acid in your blood), or if you have severe kidney or liver disease. Before taking this medicine, tell your doctor if you have ever had heart disease. It may not be suitable. Pregnant or breastfeeding women should also consult their doctor before taking it. Your blood sugar levels should be checked regularly and your doctor may also advise blood tests to monitor your blood cell counts and liver function.
Uses of Atorvastatin + Glimepiride + Metformin
- Diabetes with high cholesterol
Benefits of Atorvastatin + Glimepiride + Metformin
Diabetes with high cholesterol
Atorvastatin + Glimepiride + Metformin helps control diabetes along with high cholesterol. It contains
anti-diabetic medicines that help to control high blood glucose (sugar)
levels. It helps get rid of extra glucose from your body through urine.
Additionally, it also contains Atorvastatin, a medicine that works by reducing
the amount of “bad” cholesterol (LDL) and raising the amount of “good”
cholesterol (HDL) in your blood. High levels of cholesterol can cause your
blood vessels to narrow (atherosclerosis). Lowering the amount of cholesterol
reduces the chances of heart diseases and helps you remain healthier for
longer.
Managing blood glucose levels is an essential part of managing diabetes. If
you can control the level you will reduce the risk of getting any of the
serious complications of diabetes such as kidney damage, eye damage, nerve
problems, and loss of limbs. Taking this medicine regularly along with proper
diet and exercise will help you live a normal, healthy life.
Side effects of Atorvastatin + Glimepiride + Metformin
Most side effects do not require any medical attention and disappear as your body adjusts to the medicine. Consult your doctor if they persist or if you’re worried about them
Common side effects of Vedator GM
- Hypoglycemia (low blood glucose level)
- Nausea
- Taste change
- Diarrhea
- Stomach pain
- Headache
- Weakness
- Muscle pain
- Increased liver enzymes
- Respiratory tract infection
How to use Atorvastatin + Glimepiride + Metformin
Take this medicine in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor. Swallow it as a whole. Do not chew, crush or break it. Atorvastatin + Glimepiride + Metformin is to be taken with food.
How Atorvastatin + Glimepiride + Metformin works
Atorvastatin + Glimepiride + Metformin is a combination of three medicines: Metformin, glimepiride and atorvastatin. Metformin is a biguanide which decreases the production and absorption of sugar in your body and allows better use of existing insulin. Glimepiride is a sulfonylurea which works by increasing the amount of insulin released by the pancreas in order to lower the blood glucose. Atorvastatin is a lipid-lowering medicine which lowers "bad" cholesterol (LDL), triglycerides and raises "good" cholesterol (HDL).
Quick tips
- Take it as per the dose and duration prescribed by your doctor.
- Take it with the food to avoid stomach upset.
- It may cause hypoglycemia (low blood sugar level) when used with other antidiabetic medicines, alcohol or if you delay or miss a meal.
- Always carry some sugary food or fruit juice with you in case you experience hypoglycemic symptoms such as cold sweats, cool pale skin, tremor, and anxiety.
- Your doctor may check your liver function regularly. Inform your doctor if you develop symptoms such as abdominal pain, loss of appetite, or yellowing of the eyes or skin (jaundice).
- Inform your doctor if you experience fatigue, muscle weakness or muscle pain.
- Inform your doctor if you are pregnant, planning pregnancy or breastfeeding.
Safety Advice
PregnancyUNSAFE
Can I take Atorvastatin + Glimepiride + Metformin if I’m pregnant?
Atorvastatin + Glimepiride + Metformin is highly unsafe to use during pregnancy. Seek your doctor's advice as studies on pregnant women and animals have shown significant harmful effects to the developing baby.
BreastfeedingSAFE IF PRESCRIBED
Can I take Atorvastatin + Glimepiride + Metformin if I’m breastfeeding?
Atorvastatin + Glimepiride + Metformin is probably safe to use during breastfeeding. Limited human data suggests that the drug does not represent any significant risk to the baby.
AlcoholUNSAFE
Is drinking alcohol while taking Atorvastatin + Glimepiride + Metformin safe?
It is unsafe to consume alcohol with Atorvastatin + Glimepiride + Metformin.
DrivingCAUTION
Can I drive after taking Atorvastatin + Glimepiride + Metformin?
Your ability to drive may be affected if your blood sugar is too low or too high. Do not drive if these symptoms occur.
KidneyCAUTION
Can I take Atorvastatin + Glimepiride + Metformin if I have/had kidney diseases?
Atorvastatin + Glimepiride + Metformin should be used with caution in patients with kidney disease. Dose adjustment of Atorvastatin + Glimepiride + Metformin may be needed. Please consult your doctor. Use of Atorvastatin + Glimepiride + Metformin is not recommended in patients with severe kidney disease. These patients can experience very low blood sugar levels which may become normal after a long time.
LiverCAUTION
Can I take Atorvastatin + Glimepiride + Metformin if I have/had liver diseases?
Atorvastatin + Glimepiride + Metformin should be used with caution in patients with liver disease. Dose adjustment of Atorvastatin + Glimepiride + Metformin may be needed. Please consult your doctor. Use of Atorvastatin + Glimepiride + Metformin is not recommended in patients with severe liver disease and active liver disease.
References
[Glimepiride. North Harrow, Middlesex: Accord Healthcare Limited; 2008 [revised 24 Jul. 2014]. Accessed 08 Apr. 2019 Available from:](https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/product/6053/smpc)
Written By:
Dr Advikka Ridhy
MBBS
RMO, Aster MIMS
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