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Brand Names: Duetact

Generic Name: glimepiride and pioglitazone (Pronunciation: glye MEP ir ide and PYE oh GLI ta zone)

• What is glimepiride and pioglitazone (Duetact)?
• What are the possible side effects of glimepiride and pioglitazone (Duetact)?
• What is the most important information I should know about glimepiride and pioglitazone (Duetact)?
• What should I discuss with my health care provider before taking glimepiride and pioglitazone (Duetact)?
• How should I take glimepiride and pioglitazone (Duetact)?
• What happens if I miss a dose (Duetact)?
• What happens if I overdose (Duetact)?
• What should I avoid while taking glimepiride and pioglitazone (Duetact)?
• What other drugs will affect glimepiride and pioglitazone (Duetact)?
• Where can I get more information?

What is glimepiride and pioglitazone (Duetact)?

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. Glimepiride and pioglitazone is sometimes given with other diabetes medications when greater blood sugar control is needed.

This medication is not for treating type 1 diabetes.

Glimepiride and pioglitazone may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What are the possible side effects of glimepiride and pioglitazone (Duetact)?

Stop using glimepiride and pioglitazone and get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

• swelling in your feet, rapid weight gain, feeling short of breath (even with mild exertion);
• pale skin, easy bruising or bleeding;
• pain or burning when you urinate; or
• dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes); or
• nausea, vomiting, weakness, loss of appetite, feeling restless or irritable, confusion, hallucinations, muscle pain or weakness, and/or seizure.

Less serious side effects may include:

• sneezing, stuffy nose, cough, sore throat, or other cold symptoms;
• gradual weight gain;
• mild nausea, diarrhea;
• headache, dizziness, blurred vision;
• tooth problems; or
• mild itching or skin rash.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

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

You should not use this medication if you are allergic to glimepiride or pioglitazone, if you have severe heart failure, or if you are in a state of diabetic ketoacidosis.

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.

Taking certain oral diabetes medications may increase your risk of serious heart problems. However, not treating your diabetes can damage your heart and other organs. Talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of treating your diabetes with glimepiride and pioglitazone.

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.