Gemer 1 Tablet

Gemer 1 tablet is an anti-diabetic medicine containing glimepiride and metformin as its active ingredients. This combination medicine is primarily indicated for type 2 diabetes when blood sugar levels (hyperglycemia) cannot be controlled by diet, exercise or a single medicine alone. Gemer 1 tablet is used to lower the raised blood sugar levels.

It is advised to take this medicine as per your prescription, preferably after meals, usually the first meal of the day. It should not be used in children below 18 years of age, also in pregnant and nursing women. This medicine can result in an increased blood sugar level and complications when it has not been taken regularly and stopped suddenly.

Side effects of this medicine include low blood sugar, taste changes, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. If symptoms worsen, contact a clinic or hospital. A healthy lifestyle can aid in controlling blood sugar levels.

Inform your doctor if you are pregnant, planning a pregnancy, breastfeeding, or taking other medicines or supplements before starting Gemer 1 tablet. Glycomet GP 1 tablet , Amaryl M 1mg tablet , Gluconorm G 1mg tablet , Glimestar M 1mg tablet and Zoryl M 1mg tablet also include glimepiride and metformin.

Dosage

Overdose

Taking too much Gemer 1 tablet can cause serious health issues like hypoglycemia and lactic acidosis. Symptoms include headaches, nausea, vomiting, disrupted sleep, restlessness, impaired alertness and reactions, depression, confusion, and dizziness. If you experience any of these symptoms, quickly consume glucose, juice, or sugar-containing products like sugar candy. It's important to contact your doctor or go to the nearest hospital for close monitoring over the next few hours.

Missed a Dose

Missing a dose of this medicine can cause high blood sugar levels. Symptoms of high blood sugar include thirst, frequent urination, loss of appetite, drowsiness, and a fruity breath odour. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it's almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for the missed one.

Mode of Action

How Does It Work?

• Gemer 1 tablet is known to control blood sugar to a greater extent than metformin or glimepiride alone. Glimiperide lowers the blood sugar level by increasing the release of insulin hormone from the pancreas.
• Insulin moves sugar (glucose) from the blood into the cells.
• Metformin decreases the absorption in the intestine and production of sugar by the liver.
• Both of these components are known to increase the insulin sensitivity of the body (which allows the cells of the body to use blood glucose more effectively, reducing blood sugar).

Directions for Use

Gemer 1 tablet should be taken as directed by your doctor. Swallow it as a whole with a glass of water. Take it at a fixed time for optimal results. Do not consume it more than that prescribed by your doctor.

Precautions and Warnings

Pregnancy

Can I take the Gemer 1 tablet during pregnancy?

Gemer 1 tablet should not be used during pregnancy as it may cause harm to the unborn baby. Inform your doctor if you are planning a pregnancy, he might suggest some other alternative.

Breast Feeding

Can I take the Gemer 1 tablet while breastfeeding?

Gemer 1 tablet passes into the breast milk in very small quantities which might not be harmful to the baby. If you are taking this medicine while breastfeeding, monitor your child for signs of hypoglycemia such as excessive sleepiness, poor-feeding, fits, difficulty in breathing or decreased body temperature.

Driving

Can I drive if I have consumed the Gemer 1 tablet?

• Gemer 1 tablet can cause low blood sugar levels which can lead to drowsiness, unconsciousness or confusion. These can be dangerous while driving.
• Consult your doctor whether you can drive a car if you have frequent episodes of hypoglycemia.
• Keep a juice or chocolate in the car close to you while driving, in case you start feeling any of the above symptoms of hypoglycemia, immediately have the juice or chocolate.
• Note that artificial sweeteners are not of any use in such scenarios.

Alcohol

Can I consume alcohol with the Gemer 1 tablet?

• It is not advisable to consume alcohol during treatment with Gemer 1 tablet.
• Alcohol alters the way this medicine works. Be cautious not to consume alcohol on an empty stomach. Alcohol increases the risk of low blood sugar.
• Excessive consumption of alcohol when taking this medicine can cause serious complications known as ketoacidosis.

Other General Warnings

Talk to your doctor if

• You experience extreme hunger, headache, nausea, vomiting, sleepiness, restlessness, aggression, reduced alertness, confusion, shakiness or dizziness. These could be signs of low blood sugar. If you have any of these, immediately have sugar or sweet juice. Inform your doctor as you may need a change in your medicine's dose.
• You are experiencing pins-and-needles sensation, numbness and weakness.
• You are going to have a diagnostic imaging test that involves an injection of iodine.
• You have dehydration due to diarrhoea, vomiting or limited fluid intake.
• You have suffered through trauma.
• You have to undergo surgery in the near future.
• You have serious kidney and liver problems.
• You have thyroid disorders.
• You are overweight (specific diet restrictions may be suggested).

Contraindications

• If you are allergic to metformin, glimepiride or any of the ingredients of Gemer 1 tablet.
• If you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
• If you have serious kidney failure or liver failure.
• If you have any metabolic acidosis (too much acid in the body fluids) like lactic acidosis, diabetic ketoacidosis or diabetic pre-coma.
• If you have dehydration, severe infections, shock and injections containing iodine.
• If you have or had a heart or lung failure, recent incidence of heart attack and shock.
• If you are an alcoholic.

Side effects

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhoea
• Stomach pain
• Loss of taste sensation

Interactions

Interactions with other medicines

• If you are currently taking medications for diabetes, high blood pressure, cholesterol, depression, blood clotting, or antibiotics such as Insulin, Pioglitazone, ACE inhibitors like Captopril, Steroids, Chloramphenicol, Fenfluramine, fibrates, Fluoxetine, Coumarins, Cyclophosphamide, Miconazole, Probenecid, Clarithromycin, Doxycycline, or Ofloxacin, you may experience symptoms of low blood sugar.
• You may have symptoms of high blood sugar if you are taking Oral contraceptives, Acetazolamide, Water pills, Phenytoin, Rifampicin, medicines for constipation, Phenytoin, Rifampicin and medicines for thyroid disorders.
• Medicines like an anti-allergic (ranitidine), clonidine, reserpine and medicines used to treat high blood pressure like atenolol can alter the way this medicine works and may block your body's response to low blood sugar. This can lead to dangerously low levels of blood sugar.
• Medicines like Diclofenac, Ibuprofen, Water pills, and Enalapril may affect your kidney functions if taken along with this medicine.
• Medicines used to treat thyroid can affect the way this medicine works.
• Discuss with your doctor about any other medicines, herbal preparations and supplements you are taking currently to avoid any possible interactions.

Interactions with food items

Avoid foods and beverages high in sugar, such as sweets, sugary drinks, and desserts. These can cause spikes in blood sugar levels, counteracting the effects of Gemer.

Storage and disposal

• Store Gemer 1 tablets at room temperature in a cool and dry place.
• Protect it from light and moisture.
• Keep it out of the reach of children and pets.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What kind of diet should I follow?

• A diet high in fibre, low in fats with adequate protein, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals.
• Maintain the regular meal timings and try to have soups and salads.
• Diet should include boiled, steamed or baked food.
• Ensure moderate use of edible oils (groundnut oil, olive oil), very less use of ghee and butter.
• Drink at least 8-10 glasses of water daily.
• Carry a fruit or some low-calorie high fibre biscuits while travelling.

What should I avoid being a diabetic patient?

• Do not shop when you are hungry. You could be tempted to buy oily and fried food.
• Avoid overeating.
• Avoid maida, white bread, potato, noodles, corn flakes, poori, biryani, naan, fried rice, etc.
• Stop having daals with ghee, deep-fried pulses.
• Avoid cream soups, carrot juice, deep-fried vegetables, vegetable curries with excess oil.

My blood sugar falls too often, what could be the reason?

• Avoid skipping meals, fasting, too much alcohol intake, taking alcohol on an empty stomach and taking a double dose.
• If you are taking any medicines mentioned in the drug interaction section, you need to inform your doctor.
• Always keep a juice or sugar candy with you, in case you experience symptoms of hypoglycemia like headache, irritability, drowsiness, reduced alertness or nausea, immediately have the juice or glucose.
• Do not have artificial sweeteners in this situation.
• If such episodes happen too often, inform your doctor as you may need a decrease in the dose of this medicine.

When should I take the Gemer 1 tablet?

You should take Gemer 1 tablet as advised by your doctor as a whole with a glass of water. You can take this medicine with meals or after completing your meal.

What is the composition of Gemer 1?

Gemer 1 contains a combination of glimepiride and metformin as its active ingredient.

Can I stop taking Gemer 1 if my blood sugar level comes in control?

Keep taking Gemer 1 for as long as advised by your doctor. Even if you feel well, do not stop this medicine on your own. Abrupt discontinuation can worsen the condition.

Is Gemer 1 tablet safe?

Yes, the Gemer 1 is safe, if consumed at dose and duration as prescribed by your treating doctor based on your blood sugar levels. Never skip the dose of this medicine.

Can the Gemer 1 cause stomach upset?

Yes, the Gemer 1 tablet may cause a stomach upset, though not everyone experiences it. You should continue taking this medicine. Discuss with your doctor in case of a severe stomach upset.

What are the side effects of Gemer 1 tablet?

Nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, stomach pain and loss of taste sensation are a few side effects of Gemer 1 tablet. However, these symptoms are usually mild and resolve on their own. Also, it is not important that everyone experience the same.

What are the doses of Gemer 1 tablet?

Your doctor will decide the specific dose for a specific duration depending upon the severity of the condition. Do not take it endlessly on your own without consulting a doctor.