Pronunciation: PYE-oh-GLI-ta-zone/glye-MEP-ir-ide
Generic Name: Pioglitazone/Glimepiride
Brand Name: Duetact
Thiazolidinedione antidiabetics such as Pioglitazone/Glimepiride may cause or worsen heart failure in some patients. Tell your doctor if you have a history of heart failure. Pioglitazone/Glimepiride should not be used to treat patients with moderate to severe heart failure. You will be monitored for signs of heart failure when you start Pioglitazone/Glimepiride and when your dose increases. Contact your doctor at once if you develop swelling of the hands, ankles, or feet; shortness of breath; or sudden, unexplained weight gain. Your doctor may need to stop your medicine or change your dose.
Pioglitazone/Glimepiride is used for:
Treating type 2 diabetes in certain patients. It is used along with diet and exercise.
Pioglitazone/Glimepiride is a thiazolidinedione and sulfonylurea antidiabetic combination. It lowers blood sugar by making the cells of the body more sensitive to the action of insulin. It also causes the pancreas to release insulin, which helps to lower blood sugar.
Do NOT use Pioglitazone/Glimepiride if:
- you are allergic to any ingredient in Pioglitazone/Glimepiride
- you have bladder cancer, moderate to severe heart failure, liver problems or abnormal liver function tests, certain severe problems associated with diabetes (eg, diabetic ketoacidosis, diabetic coma), moderate to severe burns, or very high blood acid levels (acidosis)
- you have type 1 diabetes
- you are taking bosentan
Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.
Before using Pioglitazone/Glimepiride:
Some medical conditions may interact with Pioglitazone/Glimepiride. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:
- if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
- if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
- if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances
- if you have had a severe allergic reaction (eg, severe rash, hives, breathing difficulties, dizziness) to any other sulfonamide medicine such as acetazolamide, celecoxib, certain diuretics (eg, hydrochlorothiazide), glipizide, probenecid, sulfamethoxazole, valdecoxib, or zonisamide
- if you have a history of kidney, thyroid, heart, or blood vessel problems; anemia, stroke; certain hormonal problems (eg, adrenal or pituitary problems, syndrome of inappropriate secretion of antidiuretic hormone [SIADH]); low blood sodium levels; or low levels of an enzyme called glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD)
- if you have stomach or bowel problems (eg, stomach or bowel blockage, stomach paralysis), drink alcohol, or have had poor nutrition
- if you have very poor health, a high fever, a severe infection, severe diarrhea, high blood acid levels, or brain or nervous system problems, or have had a severe injury
- if you have a history of bladder cancer, bone fracture, low calcium intake, or weak bones (eg, osteoporosis)
- if you have swelling problems (edema) or eye or vision problems (eg, macular edema)
- if you will be having surgery
Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Pioglitazone/Glimepiride. Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:
- Bosentan because liver problems may occur, and the effectiveness of both medicines may be decreased
- Beta-blockers (eg, propranolol) because the risk of low blood sugar may be increased. They may also hide certain signs of low blood sugar and make it more difficult to notice
- Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors (eg, enalapril), azole antifungals (eg, miconazole, ketoconazole), chloramphenicol, clarithromycin, clofibrate, disopyramide, fenfluramine, fluoxetine, insulin, monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) (eg, phenelzine), nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) (eg, ibuprofen), phenylbutazone, probenecid, quinolone antibiotics (eg, ciprofloxacin), salicylates (eg, aspirin), and sulfonamides (eg, sulfamethoxazole) because the risk of low blood sugar may be increased
- Calcium channel blockers (eg, diltiazem), corticosteroids (eg, prednisone), decongestants (eg, pseudoephedrine), diazoxide, diuretics (eg, furosemide, hydrochlorothiazide), estrogens, hormonal contraceptives (eg, birth control pills), isoniazid, niacin, phenothiazines (eg, promethazine), phenytoin, rifamycins (eg, rifampin), sympathomimetics (eg, albuterol, epinephrine), or thyroid supplements (eg, levothyroxine) because they may decrease Pioglitazone/Glimepiride's effectiveness, resulting in high blood sugar
- Gemfibrozil because blood sugar may be increased or decreased
- Anticoagulants (eg, warfarin) because their effectiveness may be decreased or the risk of their side effects may be increased by Pioglitazone/Glimepiride
This may not be a complete list of all interactions that may occur. Ask your health care provider if Pioglitazone/Glimepiride may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.
How to use Pioglitazone/Glimepiride:
Use Pioglitazone/Glimepiride as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.
- Pioglitazone/Glimepiride comes with an extra patient information sheet called a Medication Guide. Read it carefully. Read it again each time you get Pioglitazone/Glimepiride refilled.
- Take Pioglitazone/Glimepiride by mouth with breakfast or the first main meal of the day unless instructed otherwise by your doctor.
- Continue to take Pioglitazone/Glimepiride even if you feel well. Do not miss any doses.
- Taking Pioglitazone/Glimepiride at the same time each day will help you remember to take it.
- If you miss a dose of Pioglitazone/Glimepiride, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule, unless your doctor directs you otherwise. Do not take 2 doses at once.
Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Pioglitazone/Glimepiride.
Important safety information:
- Pioglitazone/Glimepiride may cause drowsiness, dizziness, blurred vision, or lightheadedness. These effects may be worse if you take it with alcohol or certain medicines. Use Pioglitazone/Glimepiride with caution. Do not drive or perform other possibly unsafe tasks until you know how you react to it.
- Do not drink alcohol while you are taking Pioglitazone/Glimepiride; it may increase the risk of low blood sugar. Rarely, alcohol may interact with Pioglitazone/Glimepiride and cause a serious reaction with symptoms such as flushing, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, or stomach pain. Discuss any questions or concerns with your doctor.
- Carry an ID card at all times that says you have diabetes.
- Proper diet and exercise are important in order to lose weight and keep it off. Follow the diet and exercise program given to you by your health care provider.
- Check your blood sugar levels as directed by your doctor. If they are often higher or lower than they should be and you take Pioglitazone/Glimepiride exactly as prescribed, tell your doctor.
- It may be harder to control your blood sugar during times of stress such as fever, infection, injury, or surgery. Talk with your doctor about how to control your blood sugar if any of these occur. Do not change the dose of your medicine without checking with your doctor.
- It may take 2 to 3 months to get the full effect from Pioglitazone/Glimepiride. Do NOT take more than the recommended dose without checking with your doctor.
- Pioglitazone/Glimepiride may cause low blood sugar levels. Low blood sugar may make you anxious, sweaty, weak, dizzy, drowsy, or faint. It may also make your heart beat faster; make your vision change; give you a headache, chills, or tremors; or make you more hungry. It is a good idea to carry a reliable source of glucose (eg, tablets or gel) to treat low blood sugar. If this is not available, you should eat or drink a quick source of sugar like table sugar, honey, candy, orange juice, or non-diet soda. This will raise your blood sugar level quickly. Tell your doctor right away if this happens. To prevent low blood sugar, eat meals at the same time each day and do not skip meals.
- Risk of low blood sugar may be increased by severe or prolonged exercise, drinking alcohol, or skipping meals.
- Pioglitazone/Glimepiride contains a sulfonylurea. It may increase the risk of death from heart disease. Talk with your doctor about the benefits and risks of this or other therapies to treat your condition.
- Pioglitazone/Glimepiride may cause ovulation in women who have not reached menopause but do not ovulate. To avoid pregnancy, be sure to use effective birth control while using Pioglitazone/Glimepiride.
- Pioglitazone/Glimepiride may cause you to become sunburned more easily. Avoid the sun, sunlamps, or tanning booths until you know how you react to Pioglitazone/Glimepiride. Use a sunscreen or wear protective clothing if you must be outside for more than a short time.
- Tell your doctor or dentist that you take Pioglitazone/Glimepiride before you receive any medical or dental care, emergency care, or surgery.
- Pioglitazone/Glimepiride may be associated with an increased risk of bladder cancer. Tell your doctor right away if you notice symptoms that could be associated with bladder cancer (eg, a red color or blood in the urine, difficult or painful urination, an increased need to urinate). Discuss any questions or concerns with your doctor.
- An increased incidence of bone fracture has been reported in women who take Pioglitazone/Glimepiride. Tell your doctor if you have a history of bone fracture, low calcium intake, or weak bones (eg, osteoporosis). Tell your doctor right away if you experience any unusual bone pain.
- Lab tests, including fasting blood sugar, hemoglobin A1c, liver function, and eye exams, may be performed while you use Pioglitazone/Glimepiride. These tests may be used to monitor your condition or check for side effects. Be sure to keep all doctor and lab appointments.
- Use Pioglitazone/Glimepiride with caution in the ELDERLY; they may be more sensitive to its effects, especially the risk of heart problems or low blood sugar.
- Pioglitazone/Glimepiride should not be used in CHILDREN; safety and effectiveness in children have not been confirmed.
- PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING: Pioglitazone/Glimepiride may cause harm to the fetus or newborn. If you think you may be pregnant, contact your doctor. You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of using Pioglitazone/Glimepiride while you are pregnant. It is not known if Pioglitazone/Glimepiride is found in breast milk. Do not breast-feed while taking Pioglitazone/Glimepiride.
When used for long periods of time Pioglitazone/Glimepiride may not work as well. If your blood sugar has been under control and then becomes hard to manage, contact your doctor. Do not change the dose of your medicine without checking with your doctor.
Possible side effects of Pioglitazone/Glimepiride:
All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:
Cold-like symptoms; diarrhea; headache; leg or arm pain; nausea; weight gain.
Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur:
Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); blurred vision or other vision changes; chest pain; confusion; fever, chills, or persistent sore throat; irregular heartbeat; swelling of the hands, ankles, or feet; symptoms of heart failure (eg, shortness of breath; sudden, unexplained weight gain); symptoms of liver problems (eg, dark urine, severe or persistent nausea, stomach pain, unexplained vomiting or loss of appetite, yellowing of the skin or eyes); symptoms of low blood sugar (eg, anxiety, chills, dizziness or drowsiness, headache, increased hunger, increased sweating, tremors); unusual bone pain; unusual bruising or bleeding; unusual tiredness or weakness.
This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, contact your health care provider. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. To report side effects to the appropriate agency, please read the Guide to Reporting Problems to FDA.
See also: Pioglitazone/Glimepiride side effects (in more detail)
If OVERDOSE is suspected:
Contact 1-800-222-1222 (the American Association of Poison Control Centers), your local poison control center, or emergency room immediately. Symptoms may include coma; confusion; fainting; fast heartbeat; lethargy; lightheadedness; seizures; severe dizziness or drowsiness; tremor; unusual sweating.
Proper storage of Pioglitazone/Glimepiride:
Store Pioglitazone/Glimepiride between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C). Do not store Pioglitazone/Glimepiride in the bathroom. Keep Pioglitazone/Glimepiride out of the reach of children and away from pets.
General information:
- If you have any questions about Pioglitazone/Glimepiride, please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
- Pioglitazone/Glimepiride is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.
- If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.
- Check with your pharmacist about how to dispose of unused medicine.
This information is a summary only. It does not contain all information about Pioglitazone/Glimepiride. If you have questions about the medicine you are taking or would like more information, check with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
More Pioglitazone/Glimepiride resources
- Pioglitazone/Glimepiride Side Effects (in more detail)
- Pioglitazone/Glimepiride Use in Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
- Pioglitazone/Glimepiride Drug Interactions
- Pioglitazone/Glimepiride Support Group
- 0 Reviews for Pioglitazone/Glimepiride - Add your own review/rating
Compare Pioglitazone/Glimepiride with other medications
- Diabetes, Type 2
No comments:
Post a Comment