glimepiride and pioglitazone Health Article

Generic name(s):

glimepiride and pioglitazone

Brand name(s):

glimepiride-pioglitazone, Duetact

What is the most important information I should know about glimepiride and pioglitazone?

Do not use glimepiride and pioglitazone if you are in a state of diabetic ketoacidosis. Call your doctor for treatment with insulin.

Before taking glimepiride and pioglitazone, tell your doctor if you have congestive heart failure or heart disease, a history of heart attack or stroke, liver disease, or kidney disease.

Glimepiride and pioglitazone is only part of a complete program of treatment that also includes diet, exercise, and weight control. Follow your diet, medication, and exercise routines very closely. Changing any of these factors can affect your blood sugar levels.

Take care not to let your blood sugar get too low, causing hypoglycemia. You may have hypoglycemia if you skip a meal, exercise too long, drink alcohol, or are under stress.

Know the signs of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) and how to recognize them, including hunger, headache, confusion, irritability, drowsiness, weakness, dizziness, tremors, sweating, fast heartbeat, seizure (convulsions), fainting, or coma (severe hypoglycemia can be fatal). Always keep a source of sugar available in case you have symptoms of low blood sugar. Some women using glimepiride and pioglitazone have started having menstrual periods, even after not having a period for a long time due to a medical condition. You may be able to get pregnant if your periods restart. Talk with your doctor about the need for birth control.

What is glimepiride and pioglitazone?

Glimepiride and pioglitazone is a combination of two oral diabetes medicines that help control blood sugar levels.

Glimepiride and pioglitazone is for people with type 2 diabetes who do not use daily insulin injections. This medication is not for treating type 1 diabetes.

Glimepiride and pioglitazone may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my health care provider before taking glimepiride and pioglitazone?

Do not use this medication if you are allergic to glimepiride (Amaryl, Avandaryl) or pioglitazone (Actos), or if you are in a state of diabetic ketoacidosis. Call your doctor for treatment with insulin.

Before taking glimepiride and pioglitazone, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have:

• congestive heart failure or heart disease;

• a history of heart attack or stroke;

• liver disease; or

• kidney disease.

If you have any of these conditions, you may not be able to use glimepiride and pioglitazone, or you may need a dosage adjustment or special tests during treatment.

Some women using glimepiride and pioglitazone have started having menstrual periods, even after not having a period for a long time due to a medical condition. You may be able to get pregnant if your periods restart. Talk with your doctor about the need for birth control. FDA pregnancy category C. Glimepiride and pioglitazone may be harmful to an unborn baby. Similar diabetes medications have caused severe hypoglycemia in newborn babies whose mothers had used the medication near the time of delivery. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment with glimepiride and pioglitazone. It is not known whether this medication passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.