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Will Allergy To Sulfa Cause Complications In Taking Diabetes Medication?
Question: I am allergic to sulfa I had anaphalectic attach before and had to go to emergency hospital. I have diabetes and Dr. has given me Glimepiride 2mg which is the class of drugs knows ad sulfonylureas. Since I read all the information provided by pharmacy I asked the pharmacist if this medication is related to sulfa to which she responded that it works the same as sulfa. I called my Dr's office and informed them of this and Dr. said take it anyways. I am a bit confuse. Please help.
Brief Answer:
Don't need to worry
Detailed Answer:
Hi and welcome.
This is common thing that confuses patients.
Sulfa allergy is related to allergy to certain sulfonamid or other sulfa antibiotics.
Sulfonamide component in sulfonylureas is bit different than sulfa compontent in antibiotics that cause allergic reactions.
So there is no scientific data that confirm cross-reactivity in these 2 groups of drugs. So in practice, Glimepriide can be used in patient with sulfa allergy.
It is possible to be allergic to both drugs,but allergy to Glimepride is extreme rarity.
So if your doctor recomended it then you should not doubt in his decision, he knows this what I ve told you and he knows better than pharmacist when talking about clinical practice.Wish you good health. Regards
Don't need to worry
Detailed Answer:
Hi and welcome.
This is common thing that confuses patients.
Sulfa allergy is related to allergy to certain sulfonamid or other sulfa antibiotics.
Sulfonamide component in sulfonylureas is bit different than sulfa compontent in antibiotics that cause allergic reactions.
So there is no scientific data that confirm cross-reactivity in these 2 groups of drugs. So in practice, Glimepriide can be used in patient with sulfa allergy.
It is possible to be allergic to both drugs,but allergy to Glimepride is extreme rarity.
So if your doctor recomended it then you should not doubt in his decision, he knows this what I ve told you and he knows better than pharmacist when talking about clinical practice.Wish you good health. Regards
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Yogesh D
Answered by
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