Glucotrol XL and Special Conditions That Can Influence Its Effect
When you begin to take any medicine, it is only natural for you to weigh the risks against the good it can bring, either yourself or with the help of your knowledgeable diabetes specialist. Since Glucotrol XL belongs to the group of sulfonylurea medicines, it shows signs of correlation with the following conditions which tend to inhibit the effect of this medicine.
The first condition that requires careful consideration and eventually leads to quitting Glucotrol XL is pregnancy. Pregnancy is a very delicate condition, when the amount of insulin you need changes irrespective of a medicine you take. It is known that it is much easier to control your blood sugar levels with the help of insulin injections rather than Glucotrol XL. Even if your doctor allows you to be on Glucotrol XL, it is important that the intake should be stopped a month before the estimated delivery date. Besides, sulfonylurea medicines are known to pass into breast milk. That is why in the period of breast feeding you will naturally be taken off Glucotrol XL and will most likely have to inject insulin.
One more condition requiring special attention is represented by allergies. It can be very dangerous for you to take Glucotrol XL if you show any signs of allergic reactions to medicines containing sulfonylurea agents. That is why if you notice any of the signs of an allergic reaction, which include swelling of your face, throat or tongue, hives, or difficult breathing, it is better to stop using Glucotrol XL and get medical help.
One more situation a diabetes sufferer taking Glucotrol XL can happen to be in is when he / she has some signs of diabetic angiopathy and for that reason takes anticoagulants, or blood thinners. Taking into account the inherent anticoagulant effect of Glucotrol XL, it is important to remember that the action of this agent can be increased dramatically if two medicines are taken together.
Besides, both groups of people - those suffering from liver disease and kidney disease - must be extra careful when taking Glucotrol XL. Liver disease normally increases your risk of lactic acidosis. That is why if there are any signs of your liver functioning improperly, you should be taken off Glucotrol XL. The same danger of lactic acidosis increases in case your kidney function is poor.
Caution is advised if Glucotrol XL is used by the elderly, because this age group is known to be more sensitive to the medicine's effects, especially that of causing hypoglycemia.