Sulfonylurea Drugs Linked to Hemolytic Anemia Especially with Certain Genetic Condition

Page Changed: Amaryl, Glyburide, Prandin, Starlix: Drugs that Stimulate Insulin Secretion

Added information on new FDA Safety Alert.

An FDA safety Alert published Auguest of 2009 reports:

Treatment of patients with glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency with sulfonylurea agents can lead to hemolytic anemia. Because Glynase PresTab belongs to the class of sulfonylurea agents, caution should be used in patients with G6PD deficiency and a non-sulfonylurea alternative should be considered. In post marketing reports, hemolytic anemia has also been reported in patients who did not have known G6PD deficiency.

Hemolytic anemia is a condition where the body stops making red blood cells. It can become an emergency. Symptoms of hemolytic anemia include Dark urine, Enlarged spleen, Fatigue, Paleness, Rapid heart rate, Shortness of breath, Yellow skin color (jaundice).

Because the G6PD deficiency is often only discovered when people react badly to a drug, it would be a good idea to get your blood count tested shortly after starting a sulfonylurea drug.

FDA Safety Alert for Glynase (micronized glyburide) tablets