Duetact (Pioglitazone Hydrochloride and Glimepiride Tablets) Drug Overview and Uses for Patients and Caregivers at RxList

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May 27, 2012

Duetact

Oral Diabetes Prescription Medications »

What are oral diabetes medications and how do they work?

Insulin is a hormone produced by cells in the pancreas called beta cells. Insulin helps the body use blood glucose (a type of sugar) for energy. People with type 2 diabetes do not make enough insulin and/or their bodies do not respond well to it, leading to elevated blood sugar levels. Oral diabetes medications bring blood sugar levels into the normal range through a variety of ways.

For what conditions are diabetes pills used?

Oral diabetes medications are only used to treat type 2 or non-insulin-dependent diabetes. Patients with type 1 diabetes are dependent on insulin for their treatment.

Are there differences among types of oral diabetes medications?

Medications that increase insulin production

The earliest oral diabetes drugs were the sulfonylureas. These work by stimulating the pancreas to produce more insu...

Read the Oral Diabetes Prescription Medications article »

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Duetact Consumer

IMPORTANT: HOW TO USE THIS INFORMATION: This is a summary and does NOT have all possible information about this product. This information does not assure that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you. This information is not individual medical advice and does not substitute for the advice of your health care professional. Always ask your health care professional for complete information about this product and your specific health needs.

PIOGLITAZONE/GLIMEPIRIDE - ORAL

(PYE-oh-GLI-ta-zone/glih-MEH-pih-ride)

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Duetact

WARNING: This medication may infrequently cause or worsen a certain heart problem (congestive heart failure). Tell your doctor immediately if you notice any symptoms of heart failure, including: swelling of the hands/feet, unusual/sudden weight gain, trouble breathing, or unusual tiredness.

USES: This medication is a combination of 2 drugs, pioglitazone and glimepiride. It is used along with a proper diet and exercise program to control high blood sugar in patients with type 2 diabetes (non-insulin-dependent diabetes). Controlling high blood sugar helps prevent kidney damage, blindness, nerve problems, loss of limbs, and sexual function problems. Proper control of diabetes may also lessen your risk of a heart attack or stroke.

Pioglitazone belongs to a class of drugs known as thiazolidinediones or "glitazones." It works by helping to restore your body's proper response to insulin, thereby lowering your blood sugar.

Glimepiride belongs to a class of drugs known as sulfonylureas. It works by causing the release of your body's natural insulin.

HOW TO USE: Read the Medication Guide provided by your pharmacist before you start taking this medication and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Take this medication by mouth, usually once daily with the first main meal of the day or as directed by your doctor.

The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. Do not take more than 45 milligrams of pioglitazone a day.

Use this medication regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. Remember to take it at the same time each day. Monitor your blood sugar levels on a regular basis, and share the results with your doctor.

It may take up to 2 to 3 months before you get the full benefit of this drug.

When switching from individual diabetes drugs to this combination product, your doctor may ask you to check your blood sugar more often to make sure you do not have a sudden attack of low blood sugar (hypoglycemic reaction) when starting this product. (See also Side Effects section.) Follow your doctor's directions carefully.