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Will Allergy To Sulfa Cause Complications In Taking Diabetes Medication?

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Posted on Mon, 29 Jun 2015
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.
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Answered by Dr. Dr. Ivan Romich (1 hour later)
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
Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D
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Answered by
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Dr. Dr. Ivan Romich

General Surgeon

Practicing since :2008

Answered : 13888 Questions

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Will Allergy To Sulfa Cause Complications In Taking Diabetes Medication?

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