Description:

Glimepiride Tablets Vega USP (commonly Glimepiride 2mg Tablets Vega in Ghanaian listings) is a generic oral antidiabetic medication from the sulfonylurea class. It stimulates insulin release from the pancreas and improves insulin sensitivity to lower blood glucose levels. It is used as an adjunct to diet and exercise to improve glycemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus (non-insulin-dependent diabetes) when diet, exercise, and weight reduction alone are insufficient. The Vega-branded version is a common, affordable generic in Ghana pharmacies (e.g., Scab Pharmacy, Trafalgar Gate Pharma, Meldinpharma, Wellmart Health Solutions), often in 2mg strength (also 1mg or 4mg available in similar generics).

Prescription:

Prescription-only (requires a doctor’s prescription in Ghana; dispensed by pharmacies with Rx for diabetes management, blood sugar monitoring, and to minimize risks like hypoglycemia).

Therapeutic Category:

Oral Antidiabetic / Sulfonylurea (Second-generation sulfonylurea for type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Active Ingredients/Composition:

• Active ingredient: Glimepiride USP (typically 2 mg per tablet in the Vega version sold in Ghana; also available as 1 mg or 4 mg in related generics). Other ingredients (excipients, typical): Lactose monohydrate, maize starch, povidone, magnesium stearate, sodium starch glycolate, microcrystalline cellulose, and coating agents (e.g., hypromellose, titanium dioxide). Tablets are usually round, scored, and colored (e.g., pink for 1 mg, green for 2 mg in some generics). Always check the product label for exact composition.

Vitamins: None.

Minerals: None.

Variant:

• Glimepiride Tablets Vega (commonly 2 mg strength, packs of 28 tablets or 30 tablets). Related variants: Vega or other generics in 1 mg, 2 mg, or 4 mg tablets (e.g., Glimepiride 1mg Vega, 3mg Vega, or 4mg). The queried Vega product is most often the 2 mg variant in Ghana listings.

Consume Type:

Oral – Tablet (swallow whole with water; do not crush or chew).

Directions/Usage:

Take exactly as prescribed by a doctor (usually once daily with breakfast or the first main meal to reduce hypoglycemia risk).

• Adults: Starting dose typically 1–2 mg once daily.
• Maintenance: Increase in increments of 1–2 mg every 1–2 weeks based on blood glucose response (usual range 1–4 mg/day; maximum 8 mg/day).
• Take with food to minimize stomach upset.
• Monitor blood sugar regularly; adjust dose with doctor guidance.
• Do not stop suddenly without advice (risk of hyperglycemia). Complete full course; combine with diet, exercise, and lifestyle changes.

Common Side Effects: Common:

• Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar: sweating, shakiness, dizziness, hunger, confusion—most frequent).
• Headache
• Nausea
• Dizziness
• Weight gain Other: Weakness, flu-like symptoms, mild gastrointestinal upset. Rare/serious (seek help): Severe hypoglycemia (seizures, coma), allergic reactions (rash, swelling), hemolytic anemia, liver issues (jaundice), or skin reactions.

Package Type:

Blister packs (commonly 28 tablets per pack, e.g., 1×28 or 4×7; foil blisters in carton with leaflet; some 30-tablet packs noted).

Storage Advice:

Store at room temperature (below 25–30°C) in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight, heat, and moisture. Keep in original packaging, tightly closed, and out of reach of children.

Safety Advice:

• Risk of hypoglycemia—carry glucose source (e.g., sugar), recognize symptoms, and treat promptly.
• Contraindicated in type 1 diabetes, diabetic ketoacidosis, severe liver/kidney impairment, or hypersensitivity to sulfonylureas.
• Caution in elderly (higher hypoglycemia risk), pregnancy/breastfeeding (generally avoid; insulin preferred), or adrenal/pituitary insufficiency.
• Inform doctor of all medications (interacts with beta-blockers, NSAIDs, warfarin, etc.).
• Regular blood glucose/HbA1c monitoring essential; report persistent symptoms or severe side effects.
• Avoid alcohol (increases hypoglycemia risk).

Product Substitutes:

Similar glimepiride tablets in Ghana include:

• Glimepiride 2mg Tablets (Exeter, ECL, or other generics).
• Amaryl (original brand by Sanofi, higher price).
• Other generics like Glimepiride 1mg/2mg/4mg (Vega, Exeter, or importers). Alternatives: Other sulfonylureas (e.g., gliclazide, glibenclamide), metformin, DPP-4 inhibitors, or SGLT2 inhibitors (consult doctor for switch based on control/needs).

Manufacturer/Marketer:

Vega (likely Vega Pharma or associated generic producer; Vega is a common branded generic line for antidiabetics in Ghana). Marketed/distributed by local importers/pharmacies (e.g., Scab Pharmacy Limited, Trafalgar Gate Pharma, Meldinpharma, Wellmart Health Solutions in Accra).

Country of Origin:

India (typical for Vega-branded generic glimepiride tablets imported to Ghana; USP/BP-compliant and widely available locally).