How Glynase Could Potentially Affect Your Life Insurance

Glynase is an oral prescription drug tablet that is used to treat high blood sugar in patients with type 2 diabetes in conjunction with a proper diet and exercise. Also known by the generic name Glyburide, it can be taken with other diabetes medications to regulate blood sugar levels for diabetic patients.

While taking Glynase, patients must continue to test their sugar levels to maintain awareness of and to treat high and low blood sugar reactions. Physicians must carefully monitor dosage to ensure it is balanced based on the patient’s lifestyle and physical activity.

Glynase Defined

Micronized Glynase tablets are a sulfonylurea antidiabetic medicine. It is a white, crystalline compound formulated for oral ingestion. Glynase is available in its generic form, known as glyburide.

Glynase causes the pancreas gland to release glucose (insulin), which in turn aids in the decreasing blood sugar levels in those with type 2 diabetes.

Dosage

Dosage is different for each patient including how many times it’s taken per day, how many tablets are taken, the strength, time allowed between doses and the length of time it’s prescribed. Doctors administer their prescriptions based on why the patient needs the medication and what they expect the drug to accomplish.

For oral dosage in the form of tablets, adults are prescribed 2.5 to 5 milligrams (mg) as their first dose, once per day with food, usually with breakfast or the first significant meal of the day. Physicians may adjust as necessary, but generally, the dosage will not exceed more than 20 mg per day.

Why Is This Prescribed?

Glynase is prescribed to patients suffering from high blood sugar levels. It causes the pancreas to release insulin, which moves sugar through the bloodstream to the cells, thereby lowering blood sugar levels. As a sulfonylurea, Glynase belongs to a group of medications that also control and prevent the following medical conditions and symptoms:

• Blindness
• Kidney damage
• Loss of limbs
• Sexual function issues
• Nerve problems

As Glynase controls blood sugar levels in those with type 2 diabetes, it also minimizes the risk of stroke or heart attack.

What Symptoms Does Glynase Treat?

Glynase treats symptoms for hyperglycemia, which include:

• Increased thirst
• Headaches
• Trouble concentrating
• Blurred vision
• Frequent urination
• Fatigue
• Blood sugar level more than 180 mg/dL
• Weight loss

Potential Risks Associated with Glynase

Prior to beginning treatment with Glynase, it is important to be aware of the possible side effects that may occur, including:

• Heartburn
• Stomach fullness
• Nausea
• Weight gain

Doctors prescribe this medication with full knowledge that the side effects are not as serious as the risk posed by the medical condition. If you experience any of these symptoms and they persist, seek medical attention.

Glynase can cause hypoglycemia or low blood sugar. Consuming sufficient calories from food to balance blood sugar or heavy exercise is vital to controlling blood sugar levels. Symptoms to be aware of include:

• Sudden sweating
• Fast heartbeat
• Shaking
• Hunger
• Dizziness
• Tingling hands/feet
• Blurred vision

Most suffering from low blood sugar carry glucose tablets to raise blood sugar rapidly. Candy, fruit juice or honey can substitute for glucose tablets if necessary.

Severe allergic reactions are rare but should one occur, seek medical attention right away. Symptoms include itching/swelling, rash, trouble breathing and severe dizziness.

Interactions to Be Aware Of

Glynase may interact with other substances or medications. Prior to beginning treatment, patients should be aware of possible complications that may arise with interactions with other substances.

Alcohol Interaction

Alcohol can cause blood sugar to fluctuate and prevent the medication from properly balancing those levels.

Interactions with Other Medications

Confirm with a doctor or pharmacist that medication combinations are safe and will not affect effectiveness when different drugs are taken together.

The following medications can interact negatively with Glynase to diminish its efficiency and increase blood sugar levels:

• Hormone therapy or oral birth control pills such as estrogen or progesterone
• Vitamins such as niacin
• Drugs for Seizures including phenytoin
• Thyroid medications such as levothyroxine, liotrix, and lithyronine
• Antipsychotic drugs such as clozapine, Abilify, Zyprexa and Geodon
• Corticosteroids such as prednisone

Low blood sugar may result from interactions with the following types of medications:

1. Blood pressure medications or calcium channel blockers such as nifedipine, verapamil, and amlodipine
2. Aspirin products
3. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen and naproxen
4. Medications to treat fungal or yeast infections such as fluconazole or ketoconazole
5. Antacids such as cimetidine and ranitidine
6. Diuretics such as bumetanide, triamterene, furosemide, and hydroclorothiazide
7. Drugs for cancer, rheumatoid arthritis, and psoriasis including methotrexate